Thousands of local businesses impacted by the global health pandemic have benefitted from free strategic business advice provided by business leaders at Brisbane Business Hub (BBH) over the past 12 months.
Launched exactly one year ago, the Hub was a key initiative of the Schrinner Council’s Brisbane Economic Recovery Plan to help local businesses adapt following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane Business Hub was established after feedback from businesses, industry insiders, community groups and residents, and was designed to deliver industry-specific programs and shared working spaces in the CBD.
“I wanted the Brisbane Business Hub to help businesses recover from the impact of COVID-19 and identify new opportunities so they could grow and create jobs,” he said.
Cr Schrinner said Brisbane was recognised as a city with huge potential and the Hub was helping local businesses achieve their potential.
“The expert advice that’s available from professionals who come from myriad sectors is helping businesses grow with confidence, make the right connections and reinvest in the local economy,” he said.
Since its inception in October last year, the Hub has hosted more than 4500 attendees at over 144 workshops, seminars and panel discussions, has built an online community of almost 30,000, established 29 partners who support, facilitate and deliver services to the business community, and has facilitated 105 one-on-one mentoring sessions from 46 mentors and industry leaders.
Stephen Tait, Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ), said that as one of the official partners of Brisbane Business Hub, CCIQ was proud of the outcomes being achieved by the Hub for the local business community.
“The support provided by Brisbane Business Hub for local business sustainability and economic growth aligns strongly with CCIQ advocacy for business support. We are proud to continue partnering with Brisbane Business Hub and providing the ongoing value to the city’s diverse and inclusive business community,” Mr Tait said.
Emily Bitkow, Managing Director & Co-founder of VIVRA, a fashion activewear accessory brand founded by two Brisbane-based women now selling to domestic and international markets, said being in business was not always easy but it was reassuring to know that the Hub team was available to provide support and advice.
“It’s the collaboration between the partners, mentors, facilitators and local businesses that has resulted in the strong community which helps take businesses to the next level,” Ms Bitkow said.
Brisbane Business Hub is a key business program of Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), Brisbane City Council’s economic recovery arm. It’s located at 155 Queen Street in Brisbane’s CBD and provides a space for local businesses in any industry to connect and grow for a sustainable future.
