Celebrating Small Business Strength: Queensland Small Business Month Event Wrap-Up

Queensland Small Business Month is a time to recognise the powerhouse of our economy — the state’s 495,000 small and family businesses that employ more than one million Queenslanders and contribute over $131 billion annually.

Here in the Whitsundays, our 4,200 local businesses support a workforce of 20,355 people and generate a Gross Regional Product of $4.4 billion. With growing investment and economic activity on the horizon, small businesses remain central to shaping a resilient, prosperous future for our region.

To mark the occasion, the Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry hosted a special Queensland Small Business Month event on Tuesday 13 May. The morning brought together a vibrant mix of business leaders, government representatives, and stakeholders to tackle key regional challenges and explore bold opportunities ahead.

The Chamber was proud to welcome Queensland Small Business Commissioner Dominique Lamb, Member for Whitsunday and Queensland Government Minister The Hon. Amanda Camm MP, and Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins. Together, they joined our local business community in open and constructive conversation on topics including:

• Red tape reduction and regulatory reform;
• Improving government engagement with small business;
• Enhancing disaster resilience following recent weather events;
• Preparing our region to capitalise on opportunities linked to the 2032 Olympics.

See the live stream from Mackay and Whitsunday Life:

Locals Supporting Locals

During May, the Chamber encourages all residents to support local businesses by shopping locally, recommending businesses to friends and family, engaging with local business social media pages, and sharing positive online reviews.

The Chamber thanks all who attended and contributed to these important discussions. Your insights and experience help drive meaningful outcomes and a stronger future for Whitsunday businesses.

Let’s continue to champion local, support one another, and build on the momentum of Small Business Month — every month of the year.