Bundaberg is making headlines for all the right reasons! In an exciting boost for our regional powerhouse, GoDaddy’s 2025 Small Business Report has officially crowned Bundaberg as Australia’s most entrepreneurial city! That’s right—our beautiful coastal community is leading the nation in small business growth, outpacing even the likes of Sydney and other metro centres.

Small Business is Booming in Bundy

According to GoDaddy’s Small Business Research Lab, Bundaberg saw an incredible 178% increase in new small business startups in 2024—a growth rate more than double that of Sydney’s 73%. And over a two-year period, the growth skyrocketed to 192%. This surge isn't just numbers—it reflects an unstoppable entrepreneurial spirit in our region and a groundswell of locals backing themselves, their ideas, and their communities.

When stacked against other fast-growing cities, Bundaberg is in a league of its own:

• Palmerston, NT – 46% growth

• Albany, WA – 23% growth

• Ipswich, QLD – 21% growth

It’s clear: regional cities are no longer the underdogs—they're leading the charge.

The Heartbeat of the Local Economy

From local cafes to cutting-edge tech ventures and our world-famous beverage manufacturers, Bundaberg's small businesses are as diverse as they are dynamic. The city has become a thriving hub for innovation, resilience, and regional pride—cementing its role as a key player in the broader Australian economy.

Backing this up, the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Bundaberg’s registered businesses jumped from 6,456 in 2018 to 7,201 in 2023—a clear sign of both population growth and a thriving commercial scene ready to meet the needs of a growing community.

And it doesn’t stop there: Bundaberg’s economy was valued at $5.1 billion at the start of 2024, growing at a strong 7.1% annually—making it the second-fastest growing local economy in all of Queensland!

Why This Matters for Property and Community Growth

So what does this mean for Bundaberg real estate? A booming small business sector brings more jobs, more residents, and more demand for housing, retail, and commercial spaces. As more entrepreneurs choose to build their futures here, Bundaberg is transforming into a magnet for families, investors, and skilled professionals looking for opportunity with a lifestyle to match.

We’re not just growing—we’re thriving.

A New Era for Regional Australia

GoDaddy's research reflects a broader shift across the country. Regional centres like Bundaberg are embracing digital tools, launching new ventures with minimal upfront capital, and achieving impressive revenue benchmarks:

• 38% of Australian entrepreneurs started with under $1,000

• Nearly 30% now report monthly revenues over $10,000

• 39% of business owners plan to hire within the next two months

As Suzanne Mitchell, GoDaddy's Australian Market Lead, puts it:

"It’s inspiring to see such strong small business growth in regional areas. Being a small business doesn’t mean having small ambitions."

Final Word

Bundaberg has always had heart—but now, it has national recognition for the determination, creativity, and courage of its local business owners. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a property investor, or a proud local, it’s time to celebrate what we’ve all known for years: Bundaberg is bursting with potential.

Want to be part of this exciting wave of growth? Whether you're buying, selling, renting, or investing—now’s the time to move in Bundy!