Tasmanian small businesses have received a significant backing from the state government, securing a new funding deal that will provide $65,000 annually for the next four years to the Tasmanian Small Business Council (TSBC). This funding strengthens the TSBC’s role as a key advocate for small businesses across the state, supporting initiatives that focus on issues such as red tape reduction, cybersecurity education, and buying local.
Tasmania’s Liberal Government has long expressed its commitment to nurturing and empowering the local business sector, and this newly signed funding agreement reinforces that pledge. The agreement marks an extension of an already active relationship between the government and the TSBC, ensuring that small business owners across the state will continue to benefit from advocacy and support. The TSBC’s Executive Officer, Robert Mallett, has welcomed the move, expressing the council’s dedication to advancing small business interests in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Minister for Small Business and Consumer Affairs, Michael Ferguson, described the TSBC as a vital voice for the state’s small business community. He emphasized the Council’s consistent representation of Tasmanian businesses, noting its important role in forums such as the Council of Small Business of Australia, where it advocates on behalf of local entrepreneurs. Minister Ferguson sees the funding as recognition of the TSBC’s contributions, positioning the Council to sustain and expand its support for the small business sector in years to come.
A strong example of this ongoing advocacy is the TSBC’s “Buy Local” campaign, which has encouraged Tasmanians to prioritise local products and services, boosting the small business economy. The council has also collaborated with the government to deliver cybersecurity information sessions, an increasingly important service as businesses of all sizes face growing threats in the digital landscape. The goal of these initiatives is to equip small business owners with tools that ensure both their survival and their growth, keeping the local economy resilient.
The new funding will ensure that the TSBC can continue to push for reforms that benefit small businesses. Over the past few years, the TSBC has worked to reduce red tape, an issue many Tasmanian businesses face as they navigate regulatory requirements. Simplifying these processes has long been a priority for the Council, with the aim of allowing businesses to focus on their core activities rather than getting bogged down by bureaucracy. This focus on reducing administrative burdens remains central to the TSBC’s advocacy work, particularly as the state continues to grow its small business sector.
Beyond red tape, the TSBC has aligned its efforts with the Small Business Growth Strategy 2026, a plan that lays out the government’s vision for supporting business growth over the coming years. This strategy underscores the role of small businesses in Tasmania’s broader economic development, providing a roadmap for fostering innovation and competitiveness within the sector. By partnering with the government on this initiative, the TSBC is playing a critical role in shaping the future of Tasmanian businesses, helping to guide the sector through emerging challenges and opportunities.
Robert Mallett, Executive Officer of the TSBC, expressed his gratitude for the government’s continued support, stating that the funding will enable the Council to remain a steadfast advocate for small businesses across Tasmania. Mallett sees the funding as a vital resource that allows the TSBC to extend its services, ensuring that businesses of all sizes have a voice in the state’s policy landscape. The Council’s ability to influence decisions that impact small businesses is fundamental to its mission, and the new funding ensures that it can continue to do so effectively.
Looking ahead, the Tasmanian Government’s commitment to backing small businesses aligns with its broader goal of creating a thriving economy by 2030. The funding to the TSBC is part of this larger plan, which sets out a framework for supporting sustainable growth in the state. With over 37,000 small businesses in Tasmania, this sector is an essential component of the local economy, providing jobs, fostering innovation, and contributing to community development.
The support from the government will allow the TSBC to continue its advocacy, ensuring that small businesses remain competitive in an increasingly complex market. The Council’s focus on issues like digital transformation, regulation reform, and local purchasing initiatives will provide businesses with the tools they need to adapt and grow.
Minister Ferguson stressed that the relationship between the Tasmanian Government and the TSBC is one built on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future of Tasmanian businesses. By continuing to work closely with the Council, the government aims to create a business environment that encourages entrepreneurship, rewards innovation, and supports long-term growth.
The TSBC’s involvement in broader national conversations through the Council of Small Business of Australia also strengthens its position. As part of this larger body, the TSBC can advocate not only for local issues but for national policies that affect Tasmania’s small business sector. This ability to engage at multiple levels of governance ensures that Tasmanian businesses are well-represented and that their unique needs are taken into account in larger policy discussions.
The advocacy and support provided by the TSBC have already made a significant impact on the small business community. From pushing for reforms that reduce administrative burdens to running campaigns that encourage local spending, the Council has demonstrated its commitment to helping businesses thrive. With this new funding, the TSBC is now better equipped to continue its work, ensuring that Tasmanian small businesses can navigate challenges and seize new opportunities.
As Tasmania looks towards a future of continued growth and innovation, the small business sector will remain a crucial driver of the state’s economic success. The partnership between the Tasmanian Government and the TSBC, bolstered by this new funding agreement, will help create a supportive environment in which small businesses can thrive, contribute to the economy, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
The future looks promising for Tasmanian small businesses, thanks in no small part to the ongoing efforts of the TSBC. Through its advocacy and the support it receives from the government, the Council is poised to continue playing a central role in shaping the future of the small business sector in Tasmania.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
#Tasmanian #smallbusinesses gain a boost with $65,000 annual funding for the TSBC, supporting advocacy on red tape, cybersecurity & local purchasing. Curious how this will impact local businesses? Read more! 💼📈🔐🛍️🤝 #TheIndianSun @fergusonmichaelhttps://t.co/Daci8pgU6F
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) September 27, 2024
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
