business
Brisbane Small Businesses Lead the Way in Economic Resilience
The city's small business sector continues to drive activity despite signs of cooling in the residential property market and other pressures.
How we reported this
Brisbane's small business community forms the backbone of the local economy, with small businesses making up over 97% of all businesses in the city. As the Brisbane residential property market shows signs of cooling after an exceptional five-year run and dwelling approvals in Queensland fell 8.8% in May, these enterprises demonstrate ongoing adaptability through established support networks.
Why This Matters Now
Queensland faces a growing risk of credit rating downgrade back to below AAA, fifteen years after the state previously lost its top rating. At the same time, broader business activity includes moves such as SEEK pursuing a potential $42 million takeover of HR and recruitment technology firm Xref and Vocus acquiring TPG Telecom's fibre assets for $5.25 billion. These developments occur alongside Fortescue planning to cut 700 jobs and slow its green hydrogen expansion. In this environment, Brisbane's small business base provides stability through established local programs.
Local Support Initiatives
Brisbane City Council promotes and showcases small businesses through initiatives like the Lord Mayor's Business Awards, which recognized 44 finalists and awarded 11 businesses in 2025, and the Lord Mayor's Women in Business Grants, which awarded $250,000 to 53 female owners. The council relaunched the public 'Business in Brisbane' Facebook group in May 2025 during Queensland Small Business Month, connecting over 3,482 local business owners with support resources as of June 2025. Brisbane is officially recognized as Australia's most small-business-friendly city, offering resources including a 24/7 Business Hotline (133 263), over 2,000 grants worth $58 billion via Funding Finder, and free co-working spaces at the Suburban and CBD Business Hubs. Queensland Small Business Month is held annually in May, with the 2026 focus on building resilience and embracing new opportunities through a packed program of events and workshops.
Evidence of Sector Strength
Small businesses constitute over 97% of all businesses in Brisbane and form the backbone of the city's economy, accounting for a substantial portion of employment and economic activity. These figures come from council records and highlight the sector's consistent role even as hotel prices have surged to over $2,400 per night due to Origin rugby league fans and other market signals emerge.
Business owners can access the 24/7 Business Hotline or Funding Finder for current opportunities. Queensland Small Business Month events in May provide direct pathways to build resilience ahead of further market shifts.