Economy
The Longreach Regional Council's Economic Development Charter sets forth a framework aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. This Charter is designed to address both longstanding and emerging challenges within the region.
-
Council is proud to a be a member of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner's Small Business Friendly program. Find out more about the program or view some of our initiatives under the program below.
-
Council has launched a new initiative: a monthly Small Business Update, as part of our commitment to the Small Business Friendly program. This is something we're trialling on a monthly basis, going out via email to small businesses in our region. We'd like to share useful information about resources and opportunities designed to support and empower small businesses in our region.
We don't want to bombard readers - we're hoping a monthly update in your inbox is enough to be useful, without being an annoyance. Small business is the backbone of our economy, and we want to help provide them with the tools and information they need to thrive.
Previous Small Business Updates - 2024
Edition 7 - December
Edition 6 - November
Edition 5 - October
Edition 4 - September
Edition 3 - August
Edition 2 - July
Edition 1 - June
-
In association with the Economic Development Charter, Council is launching a new bi-annual Small Business Friendly Grant. Each round of the Small Business Friendly Grant will target a unique outcome. For more information, you can read the Small Business Friendly Grant Policy.
Round 1 - Website Development
The goal of this inaugural round is to increase the number of businesses in the Longreach Regional Council area with an online presence, improving their accessibility, visibility, and overall customer experience. This will help businesses reach wider audiences, both locally and in neighbouring regions, and reduce reliance on social media or outdated directory listings.
Businesses can apply for up to $2,000 from Council which must be matched by the applicant at an equal or greater value. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Hold a valid and current ABN;
- Be based within the Longreach Regional Council Local Government Area;
- Employ fewer than 20 FTE employees;
- Not have any overdue or outstanding payments to Council; and,
- Have been in operation for at least 6 months before applying.
- Not currently have an existing website (preference given) OR be redeveloping an outdated/non-functional website that no longer serves its purpose.
- Provide a detailed project proposal for creating or significantly upgrading their website, including an explanation of how this will benefit their business and contribute to improved customer experience and discoverability.
- Submit a quote from a third-party website developer or consultant for the cost of building or redesigning the website. This quote must itemise services and clearly show the estimated costs.
Applications will be accepted via the online application form only.
Applications open on Monday 7 October, 2024.
Applications close at 5pm AEST on Monday 4 November, 2024.
Funding will be awarded by Council at its 21 November ordinary meeting.Applications have now closed.
If you have any questions or need assistance completing your application, please contact the Governance and Economy Team on (07) 4658 4111 or via email at: council@longreach.qld.gov.au.