Smithton Chamber of Commerce
The Smithton Chamber of Commerce launched in 2025 as a community-led group for local businesses across Smithton and the wider district.
It’s all about bringing people together - business owners, operators and creatives from different industries and at different stages of business. The Chamber is a place to share ideas, support each other, talk about challenges and look for new opportunities.
The Chamber isn’t a formal Council committee, but Council is supporting the group as it gets started. Setting up the Chamber was one of the actions identified in Council’s Vision 2050 plan, which focuses on building a strong, connected and confident business community.
It’s a great example of what can happen when local businesses, community and Council work together - and we can’t wait to see what can be achieved by working together for the future of Circular Head.
Building a strong future for Smithton
The Chamber has wasted no time getting started. Early conversations have highlighted the following focus areas, all aimed at supporting local businesses and building a stronger, more resilient local economy:
Strengthening the Key Local Industries
A local chamber could help those industries by advocating for better infrastructure, skills training, and market access, helping local businesses scale or export.
- Collective Advocacy & Policy Influence
By uniting Smithton businesses, a chamber can speak with a stronger voice to all tiers of government. - Economic Development & Investment Attraction
It could attract new businesses to set up in Smithton, leveraging its established infrastructure and workforce. - Networking & Local Collaboration
Facilitates relationships among businesses and helps smaller operators connect with larger players. - Tourism & Local Promotion
The Chamber could partner with tourism bodies to promote eco-tourism, local accommodations, and experiences. - Business Support & Capacity Building
Offer workshops, training, and mentorship tailored to Smithton’s key sectors and provide information on grants or funding for regional development. - Improved Local Infrastructure Planning
The Chamber could help plan for infrastructure improvements that benefit business: transport, logistics, utilities, and could work with Council to ensure business needs are factored into local development. - Community Cohesion & Leadership
A chamber fosters a sense of shared purpose among business owners and the broader community, strengthening Smithton’s identity and resilience. - Marketing & Brand Building
A chamber can help build a “Smithton brand” promoting local products under a regional identity and help local businesses access broader markets - Access to State-wide Support
Alignment with the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, members could gain access to additional resources (e.g., training, workplace relations support). - Sustainability & Growth
By promoting diversification, Smithton’s business base could become more resilient to economic shifts and encourage sustainable practices and long-term economic planning.
Next Meeting
The date and location of the next meeting will be advised shortly.
How to join the chamber
Council is helping the group as it organises itself to be self-running. For now – just email Council to join and get on the mailing list at ea@circularhead.tas.gov.au
Resources
Business Tasmania
Business Tasmania has launched their brand-new Business support website. The new site is easier to navigate and full of helpful tools to support your business journey, including:
- Tools and Support Finder – quickly locate programs and services that match your needs
- Grants and Funding Finder – discover financial support opportunities with ease
- Learning Resources – practical guides to build skills and strengthen your business
- Starting a Business Guide – step by step info to help you begin with confidence