Growing Tasmania’s Small Business with the right supports

The Tasmanian Government is backing in small businesses, ensuring they have the right settings in place to grow and thrive.

Implementation on the Small Business Growth Strategy 2026 is underway, providing supports for small businesses across the State.

Minister for Hospitality and Small Business, Jane Howlett, said the latest update indicated one third of activities identified have been completed, while a further 60 per cent were either in progress or underway.

“Activities delivered as part of this strategy have covered a wide range of supports for small business,” Minister Howlett said.

“We have hosted business networking events to encourage peer-to-peer mentoring and foster strategic business relationships, as well as grants that are enabling businesses to take up new technologies and manufacturing equipment.

“The Government has provided a range of training and support programs through Skills Tasmania to encourage new workers into industry and ensured ongoing funding for the Great Customer Experience Program which is elevating the customer experience across the State.

“Engagement between the tourism, hospitality and small business sector with the Department of State Growth, the Tasmanian Small Business Council and Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in advancing these activities with the business sector has been very productive.

“The Small Business Growth Strategy 2026 Implementation Plan has outlined a clear plan forward and this is guiding the work being done by both our Government and the private sector.

“Tasmania’s business owners tell me they feel optimistic about the future and experience strong demand for their products and services.

“We are continuing to work through the objectives of this strategy to assist small businesses in growing their business in the way they choose.

“It is an important part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future to back our small businesses so they have the confidence to grow, invest and create jobs.”

A working group that includes the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Tasmanian Small Business Council meets regularly to review the progress of the Plan’s initiatives.

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Small Business Council CEO Rob Mallett:
“A cohesive, agreed and strategically sensible plan is essential for all businesses to move forward.

“The Small Business Growth Strategy is just that, and it charts a pathway for the Tasmanian Government’s approach to small business policy now and in the future.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey:
“The TCCI is the voice of business in Tasmania and welcomes the Government’s continuing commitment to the small business sector through the updated Small Business Growth Strategy Implementation Plan.

“There are well over 40,000 small businesses in Tasmania and it’s important the Tasmanian Government does everything it can to support the sector.

“The updated implementation plan is an important tool to ensure the Tasmanian Government understands the challenges small businesses face and what practical steps it can take to make a difference.

“Each of the steps outlined in the updated implementation plan has been consulted with the business sector and responds to a particular need that has been identified.

“The TCCI will also continue to work with the Government on other significant challenges such as insurance costs, energy costs, skills and freight issues."

The plan can be found online at business.tas.gov.au.