IT is challenging times for Redland businesses with some laying off staff in a bid to tighten purse strings.
However, Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce and mayor Karen Williams hope to develop a stimulus plan to support local business as soon as possible.
"Small business is the backbone of our local economy, employing more than 20,000 local mums and dads, who right now are worried about the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic," Cr Williams said.
She said the stimulus plan was all about protecting jobs by getting extra money to local businesses quickly, providing relief from cost pressures and getting more people spending money with local businesses.
The plan is built on feedback from local business gathered through the Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce business survey launched earlier this week.
Redland City Chamber of Commerce President Rebecca Young said it was now more important than ever to ensure the local economy was strong and resilient.
"We know that uncertainty and anxiety hurts business confidence and we have heard that feedback through the survey we have been running with local businesses," she said.
Cr Williams urged people to buy local amid the coronavirus crisis.
"This plan also looks to boost local business by reviewing our procurement policy to encourage people to buy from local businesses, as well as implementing a marketing campaign to encourage more people to visit and spend their money in the Redlands."
Cr Williams said the business stimulus plan looked at opportunities for rates relief and business support grants to relieve cost pressures for local businesses.
"We will also look at reducing or freezing some council fees and charges, so local restaurants and cafes can do what they do best, serve their customers," she said.
The COVID-19 local business stimulus plan will include investigating the following:
- Rates relief for local businesses and residents impacted by the Coronavirus; including giving affected businesses longer to pay their rates and freezing the council component of commercial rates.
- Provide incentives to buy local, including reviewing council's procurement policy to give greater weighting to local businesses that employ and spend locally.
- Establish a Redland City business support grant to provide financial support or seed funding to local businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
- A tourism and economic incentives program aimed at generating tourism and economic activity in the city through a series of incentives during the application process.
- Work with local and regional tourism operators to increase tourism spend in the Redlands, including a marketing campaign to encourage SEQ residents to holiday and spend in the area.
- Work with local Chambers of Commerce to conduct regular "business health checks" to determine what other measures are needed to support our local economy.
- Fast-track the rollout of dark fibre in key business areas to provide better internet connectivity.
- Reduce 'red-tape' permits and fees, making it easier for business to expand and attract customers.
"I am committed to doing everything I can to ensure local businesses can keep the doors open so their employees can put food on the table for their local families," Cr Williams said.
