Starting and Growing a Business
Starting your own business is exciting, but can also be challenging if you are not prepared. Council is committed to helping local businesses thrive and supporting new entrants to the market.
Southern Downs Planning Scheme and Local Laws
Understanding the region’s planning scheme, local laws and regulatory requirements enables local business owners to make smart decisions.
Community and economic profiles
The Southern Downs Regional Council’s Gross Regional Product is estimated at $2.03 billion, which represents 0.57% of the state’s GSP (Gross State Product).
The Southern Downs Regional Council’s economic profile presents economic information that enables you to describe the area’s role within the broader economy, explore options for economic development and promote the area’s strengths. The information presented here is derived from official sources of information (Australian Bureau of Statistics) as well as Australia’s leading economic modelers (NIEIR).
Southern Downs Economic Profile
Queensland Government Resources
The State Government’s Business and Industry website offers a comprehensive guide for people interested in starting a business. The website includes information on business planning, strategies for growth, marketing and sales, employing people, consumer laws, IT for your business, workplace health and safety and grant programs. It also provides a range of resources and information to support different industry sectors.
The Queensland Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning website also features specialist knowledge including information on industry development, regional priorities and projects, land use planning and more.
Australian Government Resources
The Federal Government’s Business website connects you to information, grants, registrations and support to help your business success in Australia. It offers simple access to information on business planning, registrations, finance, marketing, people, products and services, risk management and change and growth. If you’re new to business, check out the Australian Government’s Starting a Business Guide, which provides a step by step manual to understand what’s ahead.
Contact
For further assistance on starting or growing your business, contact Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Unit on 1300 MY SDRC (1300 697 372) or email edu@sdrc.qld.gov.au.