Plenty of announcements this week for regional business
New marina for the Sunshine Coast anchors major benefits for boaties and businesses
Construction has commenced on a new marina at Pelican Waters, the first on the Sunshine Coast in more than 30 years.
The joint venture project between Pelican Waters Heart (the developer of Pelican Waters) and Marine Holdings Australia (who will operate the marina), will be complemented by a waterside town centre style precinct known as Marina Village, featuring retail and medical services.
Tenancies opportunities are available for various marine services such as shipwright and repairs, marine mechanics and electricians, canvasers and trimmers, chandlery as well as a café operator. Read the full story.
Council signs Small Business Friendly Charter
Sunshine Coast Council has signed the Small Business Friendly (SBF) charter, joining a growing number of like-minded councils, pledging a commitment to communicate and engage; raise small businesses’ profile and capability; support resilience and recovery; simplify administration and regulation including reducing red tape; ensure fair procurement and prompt payment terms and promote place-based activities.
Queensland Small Business Commissioner Maree Adshead today (March 24) co-signed the SBF charter with Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt and Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson. Read the full story.
Transforming Sunshine Coast food and beverage manufacturing
The Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a food and beverage hub is being cemented by the Morrison Government with $33.4 million for an Aussie-first manufacturing precinct at Sunshine Coast Airport.
The precinct will be home to local food and beverage companies that will be able to utilise shared warehousing and logistics, an education and training centre, as well as a collaborative high-tech manufacturing facility.
It will bring together beverage company Lyre’s Spirit Co, the Queensland Drinks Accelerator and ingredients company Doehler Australia, with the Food and Agribusiness Network and University of the Sunshine Coast. Read the full story.
Image credit: Food & Agribusiness Network
Buy Local Sunshine Coast
Buying locally provides more than just economic benefits, it helps to reduce the impacts on the environment and enables our region to be more sustainable.
We’re calling on the Sunshine Coast community to support local businesses by buying from a store with a door or online from a local business. Money spent locally, is money well spent. When you buy local, you are directly supporting local families, jobs and helping our local economy to bounce back from the impacts of Covid-19 and other major disruptions.
Looking for some buy local inspiration? Or have a local business that you would like to promote? Visit Buy Local Sunshine.
Sunshine Coast Funding Finder
Businesses can log on to the Council supported Sunshine Coast Funding Finder to see what grants and funding are available to help grow, innovate and develop their business. For more information, go to www.sunshinecoast.grantguru.com.au
Find the support you need to get back to business
An initial $558.5 million, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments will be provided to support communities in need.
Demand driven grants of up to $75,000 for primary producers, up to $50,000 for affected small businesses and not-for-profit organisations, and $20,000 for sporting and community clubs and associations will be available through Queensland Government agencies to help flood-affected communities get back on their feet. Find out more information about these grants here or at https://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/.
Natural Disaster Business Survey
The Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) would like to connect with business owners impacted by recent rainfall and flooding to identify what help they need during this challenging time. The Natural Disaster Business Survey will help the Department understand the impact of rainfall and flooding on businesses on the Sunshine Coast and throughout South East Queensland, Maryborough and the Fraser Coast and will inform the ongoing assistance required.
Local businesses are encouraged to complete this short survey to ensure the Sunshine Coast has a strong voice and appropriate levels of assistance can be provided for them to support their recovery.
This survey will remain open as long as required to enable time for impacted businesses to respond.
Complete the survey here: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/protecting-business/disaster-resilience/assistance
IP Law and Trade Mark Workshop Series
Open up your consumer world by exploring e-business and the set up needed for different countries including e-business arrangements.
Led by a leading law specialist in the Australian intellectual property and trademark landscape, join our small group of like-minded Sunshine Coast entrepreneurs looking to expand and level up into the world of e-business.
Council’s Professional Advice Support Program offers up to one-hour of free Legal, HR or Accountancy support for businesses that have been critically impacted by COVID-19.
Access to the program is subject to applicant eligibility and the availability of council resources.
Last Friday night (March 18) at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre, Australia’s tourism industry reunited to celebrate tourism business excellence at the 2021 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards.
Overall there were 75 awards presented across 25 categories and it was an exciting night for tourism operators to showcase how important the national tourism industry was for the economy.
🍃Montville’s Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat took gold for Hosted Accommodation!
👫A wonderful acknowledgement of tourism operators Ali and Xochi's ambition to provide outstanding service and encourage visitation to our beautiful Sunshine Coast.
🏆This is the second golden accolade for the Retreat, off the back of their state win at the 2021 Queensland Tourism Industry Council Awards.
📷Ali and Xochi, Narrows Escape with Matt Stoeckel, CEO Visit Sunshine Coast
📷Credit: Australian Tourism Awards
