Banana Shire Biz Connect

Published on 13 May 2026

Banana Shire Council celebrates QLD Small Business Month, launching Banana Shire Biz Connect, a new public-facing online Business Directory Portal. Banana Shire Biz Connect will make it easier for businesses to connect with opportunities and project, residents and visitors to discover and support local businesses across the region.

The upgraded directory is open to all local businesses, regardless of size or industry, and allows owners to quickly create a free profile showcasing their products, services and capability. The initiative has been delivered through Council’s Energy Procurement Strategy Action Plan by software partner, Rapid Platform, in close partnership with local Chamber’s of Commerce across the region.

Mayor Nev Ferrier said the new portal represents a significant upgrade to Council’s support for the local business community.

“Banana Shire Biz Connect is about making local businesses more visible and more accessible,” Mayor Ferrier said.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy – they create jobs, keep money circulating locally and help define the character of our community. By investing in a modern, easy-to-use directory portal, Council is ensuring our businesses have another practical tool to support regional economic growth.”

The Mayor said aligning the launch with Queensland Small Business Month highlighted Council’s ongoing commitment to backing local enterprise.

“There’s no better time than Small Business Month to launch an initiative that directly supports our traders, entrepreneurs and operators,” the Mayor said.

Local business owner Rob Adcock, from Adcock Painting, said setting up a profile on the directory was quick and straightforward.

“I had my business profile live in just a few minutes,” Rob said.

“It’s easy to use, and it gives customers another way to find us. For small businesses where time is always tight, that simplicity makes a big difference.”

President of the Callide Valley Chamber of Commerce, Tom Kirchner, said the Chamber continues to work alongside Council on the development of the directory.

“Queensland Small Business Month is about recognising and strengthening our small business sector, and this directory does exactly that,” Tom said.

“The Chamber’s are working closely with Council to ensure the portal meets the needs of local businesses and adds real value. We see it as another practical way of supporting our members and the wider business community.”

Businesses can join the directory at any time, with no cost to register, ensuring inclusive access for start-ups, home-based businesses and established operators alike.

For more information or to register a business, visit www.bananashirebizconnect.com.au.

For further enquiries, contact Council’s Economic Development team on 07 4992 9500.