Launchpad makes it easier for businesses to blast off
09 December 2021
A new online tool is set to help Ipswich businesses blast off by setting up a one-stop-shop to apply for licenses, permits, and other important regulatory needs to start a new enterprise across the local, state and federal levels of government.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding welcomed the initiative, saying the Business Launchpad would help cut red tape, streamline applications, and help new businesses understand the at-times complex interactions between different levels of government.
“I’m proud that Ipswich City Council has taken the initiative to become the state’s first Small Business Friendly Council, and this is another way that small business can get a helping hand to get the information and resources they need,” Mayor Harding said.
“The Business Launchpad will help reduce red tape, which means less time spent finding and filling out forms and giving business owners more time to get on with running their new small business.
“Small businesses play a huge part in Ipswich’s economy and this initiative will help to kick-start small businesses ideas into reality by making the process easier.
“Council has also taken a number of steps, such as the Buy Ipswich policy, and the forward procurement pipeline, to help support and stimulate small business now and into the future.
“I welcome the Business Launchpad - it’s a great example of all levels of government working together to support small business.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said Business Launchpad now covers 93 per cent of Queensland and takes a lot of the red tape and guesswork out of setting up a business.
“During my Small Business Roadshow earlier this year, I spoke to thousands of businesses across Queensland,” Minister Farmer said.
“One of the concerns raised with me was that starting a new business can be confusing and time consuming, particularly in making sure you’ve ticked all the different regulatory boxes.
“That’s why the new Business Launchpad offers a one-stop shop online tool for small businesses to easily locate that required action list, instead of having to search multiple websites from a range of government agencies.
“We’ve consolidated the licences, permits and other important regulatory information from all three levels of government and a prefill tool saves having to repeatedly enter the same information each time you start a new application.”
Economic and Industry Development Committee Chair Deputy Mayor Nicole Jonic said small businesses are vital to our region, creating local jobs and driving the local economy.
“This tool will help new business owners open their doors quicker and start trading,” Cr Jonic said.
Licensing requirements and permits can seem insurmountable especially when businesses are starting out, but now owners can find information across federal, state and local government.
The Business Launchpad allows business owners to:
- create personalised guides with curated content specific to the business type, location and services.
- sign in to save progress and access accounts from any device.
- pre-fill, complete, sign and submit some licensing forms online.
The Business Launchpad project is funded through the Australian Government’s Small Business Regulatory Reform Agenda and is available from launchpad.business.qld.gov.au