It has been the hardest two years for Kylie Scott and her husband Lachlan's bakery Flour and Chocolate in Brisbane's Morningside following the pandemic and now rising cost-of-living pressures.
"We don't want to shut down but if nothing changes, we have no choice," Ms Scott told AAP.
"We have put our whole livelihoods into running our business."
Payroll tax, weekend penalties and wage increases, electricity bills and rising ingredient costs are among the hardest-hitting factors in the business.
Another frustration is the state government considering a tax deferral for embattled casino operator Star Entertainment's $3.6 billion Queen's Wharf precinct in Brisbane's CBD.
State government talks are ongoing with The Star which reportedly requires $300 million in short-term funding to continue operating the precinct in Brisbane's CBD which opened on August 29, employing 3000 people.
Ms Scott said small businesses like hers have had no support during their 13 years but now a casino giant may be given a reprieve.
"Being a small business and to hear that, I just don't have any words because I find it extremely heartbreaking," Ms Scott said.
Business Chamber Queensland chief Heidi Cooper (L) and bakery owner Kylie Scott are speaking out. (Savannah Meacham/AAP PHOTOS)
Business Chamber Queensland chief executive Heidi Cooper said there needed to be equitable support for businesses from the government.
"It doesn't matter what the size of the business is, what industry they're in, or the part of Queensland," she said.
It comes as the Business Chamber Council announced its state election business blueprint with 100 recommendations to the next government ahead of the October 26 polls.
Some of the recommendations focus on reducing workforce constraints, operating cost relief and regulatory burden.
Ms Cooper said it wasn't just the usual costs impacting businesses like taxes and wages but housing affordability and crime were also weighing down the bottom line.
"All of these issues are compounding to result in some of the poorest business conditions that we've seen in 30 years," she said.
The blueprint surveyed more than 800 businesses with 95 per cent saying they are not happy with the current level of government support and six per cent believing there was a lack of planning for the long-term economic future.
The Miles government has to date not put forward any small business promises ahead of the October 26 state election.
Meanwhile, the Liberal National Party has promised immediate payments for invoices under $10,000, simplified contracts and smaller tenders.
It has also pledged funds up to $1 million for ideas to solve specific small business problems or better government service delivery.
Aside from policies to help with costs, small businesses have also called for emotional support.
"Step in and give us tools so we can move forward and sort our mental health as business owners," Ms Scott said.
"It's never touched on, it's never talked about."
3°C