At its meeting on 28 July 2020 the City of Burnside council became a signatory to the Small Business Friendly Council Initiative. As a result the Council has five key commitments:
· implementing activities to improve the operating environment for small business within Council’s area;
· establishing a business advisory group (if one does not already exist) to assist Council’s understanding of small business in its area;
· implementing a procurement policy which recognises and supports local small businesses wherever possible;
· paying undisputed invoices from small businesses within 30 days; and
· implementing a timely and cost-effective dispute resolution process to manage disputes.
Being a tax lawyer, I see the imposition that regulations and laws have on businesses in its fullest splendour. I once had a sole trader client tell me “I spend 4 days on admin and 1 day actually working in my business”, whilst perhaps that was an exaggeration governments do impose an enormous amount of administration on our small businesses. In addition to the 5 required initiative council will also strive to ahead to the additional initiatives which will help to reduce the administrative burden of government by:
- accepting online payments;
- introducing deemed approvals;
- Simplifying processes and forms;
- Improving communication and customer service;
- Encouraging ‘buy local’ shopping campaigns;
- Offering contracts to local small business suppliers;
- Facilitating small business forums and events;
Much of these activities will be supported and delivered through PropelSA which is a business support and advocacy group supported by the City of Burnside, Campbelltown City Council and the Town of Walkerville with Burnside’s contribution being $45,000 in the 2020/21 year.
The City of Burnside has undertaken 3 key deliverables that will support local small businesses:
- the redevelopment of the Magill Road precinct;
- the introduction of parking permits for businesses situated along Fullarton Road; and
- continued funding of Propel SA ($45k in 2020/21). Propel SA supports small businesses by providing business advice, networking events and mentoring services.
If you can think of something else we can be doing to assist local businesses please do not hesitate to contact me.
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