SMALL businesses across Ipswich are being recognised this month as part of Small Business Month, with the region’s business community continuing to play a major role in driving the local economy and supporting community life.
There are more than 13,000 registered businesses across the Ipswich region, with the vast majority classified as small businesses employing fewer than 20 staff. About 8000 of those businesses operate as sole traders or micro-businesses, highlighting the strength of the city’s small business sector.
Small businesses remain at the heart of the Ipswich economy, particularly across key activity centres including the Ipswich CBD and Nicholas Street Precinct.
Ipswich Region and Bremer Chamber of Commerce CEO Kit Philip said small businesses were the backbone of the local economy, creating jobs, supporting families, and contributing to the unique identity of our community.
“We believe every month is Small Business Month. Our focus is year-round: advocating, connecting, and supporting our members to help them grow and succeed,” Ms Philip said.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Small Business Month was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the valuable contribution made to our community by small businesses, which are the engine room of the $15 billion Ipswich economy.
“The contributions small businesses make every day to our community go far beyond being financial,” Mayor Harding said.
“Small businesses create local jobs, contribute to the unique character of our suburbs and back community and sporting organisations, helping build the social fabric of our city.
“Council values the community economic contributions Ipswich’s small businesses make to our region and is committed to helping them flourish.”
State Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said small businesses were central to the identity and success of the Ipswich region, making up 97 per cent of her electorates businesses.
“Small businesses are a very important part of our local economy,” she said.
State Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne said small businesses were the lifeblood of her electorate.
“Ipswich West is home to 2928 active small businesses,” she said.
“Small businesses are where our community comes together – where families and friends gather, young people get their first jobs, and where our residents get the help they need.”
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said that the hard-working small businesses in Ipswich drove local jobs, innovation and community spirit.
“It’s not just their expertise, but our local small businesses are always the first to sponsor a sports club or support a school raffle,” he said.
State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said that as one of Queensland’s fastest- growing cities, Ipswich’s small businesses were leading that growth.
“They’re creating local jobs, driving innovation, and strengthening community cohesion through their support for local sporting clubs and community groups,” she said.
“When small businesses in Ipswich thrive, every resident feels the benefit.”
