The Western Australian Government has appointed Saj Abdoolakhan as the new Small Business Commissioner and CEO of the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC).
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.
As Small Business Commissioner, Abdoolakhan will play a key role in advocating for small businesses across the state, as well as leading the agency’s operations.
Small businesses account for nearly 97% of all businesses in Western Australia, contributing to more than $50 billion to the economy each year.
The state government says the appointment enables the SBDC to continue its role in supporting the diversification of Western Australia’s economy and creating jobs in the future.
Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis says Abdoolakhan’s regulatory, leadership and public sector experience makes him well-placed to build on the SBDC’s work in delivering support to small businesses.
“Western Australia has the best performing economy in the nation, which means there is no better place to do business,” Jarvis says.
“I am confident that SBDC will continue to support the more than 247,000 small businesses that form the backbone of our state’s economy and communities.”
Abdoolakhan is replacing inaugural commissioner David Eaton who served in the role since its establishment in 2012. Abdoolakhan will begin the role on 19 May 2025.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Small Business Development Corporation
