1 October 2024
Caloundra Aerodrome expansion
Sunshine Coast Council has announced the development of an exciting new precinct called Caloundra Aerospace Park: a future hub for high-value businesses operating in aviation innovation, maintenance and advanced manufacturing.

A 6.3 hectare land parcel located within the Caloundra Aerodrome precinct has been designated for the new aerospace park.

Leasable land with flexible lot sizes and airside access will be available to businesses through a public tender process which opens on Saturday 5 October.
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Mooloolaba's sparkling refresh
Mooloolaba has had a refresh of its decorative lights along the Esplanade, in time for the Spring school holidays.

The idea, along with a pipeline of exciting events and initiatives, is the first outcome of a collaboration between Mooloolaba businesses and Sunshine Coast Council while the draft Business Activation Plan is being finalised.

The Plan aims to help maintain the Mooloolaba magic for visitors, locals and businesses before, during and after the vital works that will rejuvenate and protect the foreshore.
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Award finalists
Congratulations to the finalists of the highly coveted Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

130 finalists have been selected from 239 entries across 17 categories, with an increase in the number of businesses participating for the first time.

Finalists will be announced at the annual gala dinner on 9 November.

Sunshine Coast Council has been a supporter of the Awards since their inception and a proud Platinum Sponsor.
See the finalists
Have your say on hotels
Calling all businesses and investors to have their say on a fresh initiative designed to support investment in new luxury hotels on the Sunshine Coast. 

Take two minutes to provide feedback on a proposed Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) which has provisions to encourage development of upscale hotels. These short-term provisions will only apply to a limited number of locations where hotels are already intended.

 Feedback is due at 5pm on Tuesday 8 October.
Have your say
EOI open: Business Grants
Round 6 of the Business Basics Grant program from the Queensland Government is now open.

Applicants can apply for funding up to $7,500 for activities under the following priorities: professional business advice, strategic marketing services and website build and upgrades.

Stage 1 is an expression of interest only. Simply complete the form confirming your eligibility by 11 October.

Eligibility criteria includes a maximum turnover of $300,000 last financial year (ex GST)
and less than five employees.
Express your interest
Tourism digital adaption program
Are you ready to expand the reach of your tourism business?

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council has partnered with the Queensland Government to provide small-medium sized tourism businesses with a rebate of up to $2,500 to enhance their digital capabilities.

The program offers a suite of benefits for your business and helps you invest in online booking platforms, leverage technology to enhance customer engagement and improve the online visitor experience to match the high-quality of your real-world tourism product.
Apply by November 30
 
Register here
Sconeversations
11 October
Nambour Chamber of Commerce invites you to Sconeversations with fabulous foodies at the Tram Station in Nambour.

Scrumptious scones will be served with banter from My Weekly Preview and Salt Magazine's Editor Ingrid Nelson, Robyn Cook author of the Holiday Lifestyle cookbook and Mary-Lou Stephens author of Last of the Apple Blossom and The Chocolate Factory Fame, will be teasing us with her upcoming novel The Jam Maker.
Register here
First Nations Supplier Day: 24 October
Are you a First Nations business, creative or service provider on the Sunshine Coast?

Join us at the Sunshine Coast First Nations Supplier Day on 24 October at Altitude Nine, Maroochydore. 

The event aims to inspire, elevate and increase First Nations economic outcomes in celebration of Indigenous Business Month.
Register here
Purpose-driven leadership
29 October
We're excited to announce leadership and workforce innovator Dave Clare as keynote for Thriving Through Change.

Dave is set to speak about a new kind of leadership, one that thrives in a changing world.

Relentless growth is not the path forward any more, evolution is. With a good team and strong leadership, take your business forward with balance and measured progress.
Register here
Breakfast with Mark Bouris
20 February
Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce is proud to be bringing Australian Entrepreneur, Mark Bouris to the Sunshine Coast for their February Breakfast event.

Author, podcast host, TV personality and founder of Wizard Home Loans, Mr Bouris uses his knowledge and experience to grow and nurture the next generation of Australian success stories.
Para-cycling Road World Championships
Sunshine Coast has been confirmed as the host destination for the 2028 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Para-cycling Road World Championships!

The Championships will take place in March 2028, and bring the best of the para-cycling world to Queensland in pursuit of world titles and rainbow jerseys.  

The awarding of the event hosting rights to AusCycling emphasises the Queensland Government’s commitment to hosting international cycling events. 

The event is supported by Council through the Major Events Sponsorship Program and is expected to bring over 500 international athletes and support staff to the region.
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Game on for high-tech new careers
To help create jobs of the future, Sunshine Coast Council has joined forces with learning experts Sports Tech College.

This unique collaboration will make a sports technology, sports digital and sports innovation curriculum available to the region’s primary and secondary schools.

Funded by Council, schools can access this program over the next three years.

It will provide a stepping-stone for young people who are considering further study and careers in a range of fascinating areas such as sports performance analytics, wearable technology and digital health.
Read more
October 2-6
Australian Rugby Shield | Caloundra

October 11 & 12
AFL Qld Schools Cup Final | Maroochydore

October 12
Surfing Qld Series: Australian Boardriders Battle | Coolum

October 12 & 13
All Schools Triathlon and Aquathlon | Lake Kawana

October 19
Blackall 100 | Mapleton
Big Pineapple Festival | Woombye

October 26 & 27
Sunshine Coast MultiSport Festival | Landsborough