The Western Australian Government has announced the appointment of Saj Abdoolakhan as the new Small Business Commissioner and chief executive officer of the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC).
Mr Abdoolakhan brings experience from senior leadership roles within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, where he led regulatory functions across the building and energy safety sectors.
“I am pleased to welcome Saj Abdoolakhan as our State’s Small Business Commissioner and leader of the Small Business Development Corporation,” said Small Business Minister, Jackie Jarvis.
“Mr Abdoolakhan’s wealth of regulatory, leadership and public sector experience makes him well-placed to build on the SBDC’s important work in delivering practical support to small businesses and advocating on their behalf.
“Under Mr Abdoolakhan’s leadership, I am confident the SBDC will continue to support the more than 247,000 small businesses that form the backbone of our State’s economy and communities,” she said.
Small businesses account for nearly 97% of all businesses in the State, contributing more than $50 billion to the State’s economy each year.
The SBDC’s services include free advisory services, business skills workshops and low-cost dispute resolution.
The appointment enables the SBDC to continue its integral role in supporting the diversification of WA’s economy and creating jobs for the future.
Mr Abdoolakhan replaces inaugural Commissioner David Eaton PSM, who served in the role since its establishment in 2012, and will commence in the role on Monday, 19 May.
“I look forward to working with Mr Abdoolakhan as we continue to build a strong, sustainable future for small business across our State.”
“I also acknowledge the outstanding legacy of inaugural Commissioner, David Eaton, who set the standard for small business advocacy in Western Australia,” said Minister Jarvis.
