WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO ENSURE SMALL BUSINESS THRIVES
OUR city’s economy is built on the back of small business.
Businesses employing two, three or 10 staff are what drive our economy.
Statistically, we are Australia’s small business capital with around 63,000 registered small businesses in a population of 580,000.
I want to ensure every small business has the best chance of succeeding as we all know the statistics about how around 50 per cent of small business start-ups don’t make it past year one.
We want to reverse that trend.
My role as Mayor is to work with the council to stimulate the economy.
If we can create a “can-do’’ business environment, people will want to have a go at running their own business. Right now, that’s what we are doing.
Council works on the macro economy, ensuring red tape is slashed, that relevant fees and charges are realistic, and that the broader economic environment is sound.
Of course, in a global world of economic challenges, some fiscal issues are out of our control – like world economies, exchange rates, trade agreements and state and federal elections.
Right now, our city is brimming with confidence and with confidence comes investment.
We have around $30 billion in public and private sector projects planned over the next decade.
We are enjoying the post-Commonwealth Games afterglow with our city’s image – and reputation – on a high across the 71 Commonwealth nations and territories.
And we are seeing strong growth in residential real estate, low vacancy rates, strong tourism numbers, a massive boost to our airport through a $250 million refurbishment, and exceptional growth in tertiary student numbers in our city.
I applaud everyone who is running, or considering starting, a small business. Prior to being elected in 2012, the corporate world was my life.
I ensure I retain those connections with small and medium size enterprise as I know first-hand how hard it is to turn a profit in any economy.
Gold Coast Business Week is your week. Take advantage of everything on offer and attend every seminar you can. We are rolling out the red carpet for the mums, dads, singles and couples who have put their life savings on the line to start something they are passionate about – a small business.
That’s why we’re hosting key speakers from Myriad – Australia’s leading innovation festival – to gain a different perspective on the opportunities we can create in our city, which sometimes we don’t see.
Each speaker will discuss their forecast for our city and share their industry tips and insights on the opportunities right here on our doorstep.
The best way to secure and drive our city’s future is to create it ourselves. That’s what business people and entrepreneurs are good at doing. This event will spark a conversation about how we can shape our future leadership; economy and lifestyle of our city.