The ACT Government’s Small Business Strategy 2023-2026 released today recognises the contribution of small business to the ACT economy and identifies priorities to help small businesses start, operate, innovate and grow.
The number of businesses in the ACT has grown to more than 34,000. Of these around 97 per cent employ less than 20 people.
Minister for Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne said the ACT Small Business Strategy is informed by many conversations and engagements with small businesses in recent years and has been developed in partnership with business and industry leaders.
“Small businesses are an integral part of our community and our economy, and the ACT Government recognises and values them as partners in our city’s economic future and in achieving the ambitions outlined in Canberra Switched On.
“They have a critical role in driving economic diversification and provide secure and stable jobs for Canberrans. They are often an anchor for local neighbourhoods and contribute to the sense of safety, identity and belonging.
“The ACT Small Business Strategy sets out the government’s priorities to support a dynamic and thriving small business community now and into the future,” said Minister Cheyne.
The Strategy sets out five priority areas government will focus on:
- Improve the business experience when dealing with government.
- Support for business to start, operate, grow and innovate.
- Showcase and promote local small businesses.
- Futureproofing small businesses.
- A one-government approach to business.
The Strategy outlines more than 50 actions that will be delivered across government to support businesses under these priority areas.
“Actions include piloting a Small Business Expo to showcase local small businesses, social enterprise grants to support more start-ups, exploring micro-credentials for small business owners in areas such as business administration and digital skills, and providing dedicated individualised support to navigate licensing and approvals through the Access Canberra Business Assist team.
“We have heard from business leaders that it’s important for government to better understand business and capture better data. That’s why we will pilot a business sentiment survey with the Canberra Business Chamber and explore a government to business secondment program.
“Another priority is to encourage greater diversity. We’ll do this through the Badji program to support more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to start up, as well as investigate any barriers to business ownership experienced by LGBTIQ+, people with disability and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
“We will continue to recognise and encourage women in business through sponsorship of the Canberra Women in Business Awards.
“All of these actions and many more are designed to respond to the needs of business and continue Canberra’s development as a place where creativity, entrepreneurship, tenacity and innovation are encouraged and celebrated.
The Business Hub website will continue to provide a portal for businesses who want to access government information to start, run or grow their business.
View the ACT Small Business Strategy 2023-2026.
