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Introducing The Resilient Business Series
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Starting this June, Sunshine Coast Council is rolling out a brand-new Business Continuity Planning series designed for busy small business owners like you.
Follow along and by the end of the year, you’ll have a fully developed plan that can help your business bounce back from anything that comes its way.
Each month, we’ll guide you through one key section of the BCP, providing actionable steps, resources and insights to help you stay ahead of potential risks and be prepared for disruptions.
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Sunshine Coast’s flagship entrepreneur festival, FWD>>>FEST 25 wrapped up on Friday after a huge three days bringing together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors, policymakers, creatives and corporates.
More than 500 attendees attended the festival across three days.
30 local exhibitors showcased their products and offered a range of solutions across AI, sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity technology, health tech and digital games.
Festival highlights included inspiring keynotes from Thankyou co-founder, Daniel Flynn and world-renowned big wave surfer, author and high-performance mindset coach, Mark Visser, plus the second ever Innovation Procurement Pitch event proudly presented by Sunshine Coast Council and Advance Queensland.
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Get ready for Buy Local Day
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On Wednesday May 14, the official campaign will launch for Sunshine Coast’s very own Buy Local Day which takes place on Saturday 28 June.
The six-week campaign will drive community awareness, inspiring residents to support local businesses while encouraging businesses to leverage the campaign.
Buy Local Day creates a huge opportunity for local businesses to engage the community as residents dash to the doors of their favourite businesses.
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Mooloolaba foreshore contractor appointed
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The project that will transform Mooloolaba’s foreshore is moving forward with the appointment of SEE Civil, a leading contractor with extensive expertise in marine civil infrastructure.
This comes as latest artist impressions offer a new perspective of the amazing revitalisation.
Stage Two delivers a stunning ocean viewing deck, lush and relaxing new beachfront spaces that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors, modern public amenities for people with high support needs, and broader and more accessible walkways.
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Sunshine Coast Business Awards open
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Now in their 30th year, the Sunshine Coast Business Awards have established a trusted network of support, mentoring and growth.
Sunshine Coast Council is a proud platinum sponsor of the awards program, which features 19 categories recognising the achievements of both large and small businesses, as well as the Business of the Year and Hall of Fame awards.
This program showcases the calibre of businesses on the Sunshine Coast and acknowledges their dedication and contributions to the region.
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Homegrown startup raising millions for innovators
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Congratulations to homegrown startup Advanced for hitting a major milestone by raising $25 million to support innovative companies across Australia!
Founded by Alex Knight, a former Coolum State High and Sunshine Coast Grammar student, Advanced is a strategic capital firm providing flexible R&D finance, within days to Australian innovators.
Advanced is a fantastic example of the kind of innovative business the Sunshine Coast is capable of producing
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With the Federal Election decided, now is the time to share the business conditions, confidence and expectations impacting you.
The Pulse Survey takes 10 minutes to complete and your contribution will help Business Chamber Queensland advocate for positive business policies at all levels of government, including with the re-elected Federal Government.
Plus, by completing the survey you can go into the draw to win a $500 Visa gift card!
Pulse is the state's most authoritative snapshot of business sentiment and a valuable resource for business leaders, industry and policy decision makers.
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Council has simplified its Commercial Activity Permit process, by introducing two new permit types, along with changes to make the application process easier.
Council’s new Activity Permit and Emerging Initiative Permit, are in response to the growing requests from small business operators and the community.
The Emerging Initiative Permit aims to reflect people’s diverse interests, innovative ideas and benefit our tourism industry, as well as support emerging social, cultural, environmental and sustainable initiatives.
Developed specifically for Kabi Kabi and Jinibarra tourism operators and groups wanting to promote the region's cultural heritage, these new permits are now available for application by locals and small business operators.
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Spreading Sustainable Ideas for Events
May 21
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Pollinate is a dynamic networking event designed to inspire, connect and empower event professionals who are ready to lead this change.
This event offers actionable insights into meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria, navigating supplier compliance, and embedding sustainability into procurement and event design processes.
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What is my bottom line telling me?
May 23
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Are you struggling to get a handle on your business financial data?
Join the Queensland Government Business Concierge team for a FREE financial literacy workshop to help small business owners to get a handle on their business data.
This half-day workshop will provide general information and guidance on financial literacy, as well as the opportunity for small business owners to chat one on one to financial counsellors, business wellness coaches and mentors.
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Circular by Design: Engineering Products for Reuse and Disassembly
May 30
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This free webinar explores how engineering products for longevity, repair, modularity and material recovery is becoming a competitive advantage.
Presented by Boomerang Labs who support innovation and circular economy by helping entrepreneurs and small business grow with sustainable, circular systems and solutions.
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MEFSC Lean Workshop 1 Leading the Change
June 4
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This is the first of two upcoming workshops delivered by Manufacturing Excellence Forum and supported by Sunshine Coast Council.
Empower your team to unlock the full potential of Lean Manufacturing principles and drive profitable growth in your business.
These highly interactive sessions are designed to engage leaders and operational teams in meaningful discussions, practical simulations, and small group breakout activities that will result in immediate, actionable takeaways.
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MEFSC Lean Workshop 2 Creating the Change
June 11
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The second workshop delivered by Manufacturing Excellence Forum and supported by Sunshine Coast Council is a full day session is designed to help operational leaders understand how to successfully implement Lean principles and drive improvement within their teams.
Participants will engage in a practical simulation demonstrating the undeniable value of Lean, followed by small group breakout sessions to solidify their learning. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps to take back to their teams and a comprehensive library of resources to guide their Lean journey.
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Unmissable Sunshine Coast Events: What's Happening Next?
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We're off to a fantastic start to 2025 with some amazing major events already delivered including the Mooloolaba Tri and Horizon.
The Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy supports over 70 events, collectively delivering over $100 million in economic benefits to the local economy.
These events and more.....showcase the Sunshine Coast as the perfect host destination for major events.
Join us in celebrating these incredible events and experience the vibrant community and stunning landscapes of the Sunshine Coast.
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May 12-25 | Queensland State Championships 2025 | Caloundra Bowls Club/ Maroochydore Bowls Club (Club Maroochydore)/Kawana Bowls Club (Club Kawana)/ Coolum Beach Bowls Club
May 23-25 | SCX 2025 | Alexandra Headland
May 24-June 1 | Surfing Queensland Series | Coolum Beach/ Yaroomba/ Currimundi/ Moffat Beach
May 25-30 | Sunshine Coast Golf Classics – Autumn 2025 | Pelican Waters Golf Club/ Palmer Resort/ Maroochy River Golf Club/ Twin Waters Golf Club
June 6-8 | Sunny 80 Quad Crown Mountain Bike Adventure 2025 | Parklands/Sugar Bag Road/Landsborough
June 13-15 | Queensland Oztag Super Series | Sunshine Coast Stadium
June 14-15 | Surfing Queensland Series - Queensland Junior Titles 2025 | Coolum Beach/ Yaroomba/ Currimundi/ Moffat Beach
June 19 | Under 19 State of Origin 2025 | Sunshine Coast Stadium
June 21-25 | WinterFest 2025 | Maroochydore Football Club
June 27-29 | Football Queensland Junior Cup 2025 | Maroochydore Football Club
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Wearable Art Festival soars on the Sunshine Coast
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As more Australians trade city life for coastal living, the Sunshine Coast is experiencing a cultural renaissance.
Arts and cultural tourism are on the rise in Queensland, with visitors increasingly drawn to the region for its vibrant creative pulse as much as its sun and surf.
In a strong sign of support for this cultural shift, the Australian Wearable Art Festival (8–9 August 2025) is set to showcase one of the country’s most striking and fast-growing regional events.
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Inside the battle to save our big race
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Big Pineapple Festival turns 10!
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Delivering a world-class event is always a feat of precision and planning.
Delivering one in the face of major last-minute changes takes something more: resilience, trusted partnerships, and an unshakable commitment to excellence.
That was the story behind this year’s Mooloolaba Triathlon, which tested not just athletic endurance but the adaptability of everyone involved.
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Marking a decade of championing homegrown music talent, the festival will return to the iconic Pineapple Fields in Woombye with its signature all Aussie lineup (with a few exceptions).
This milestone comes on the heels of the Big Pineapple Festival being named Best Music Festival at the 2025 Queensland Music Awards – its fourth time receiving the honour, following a triumphant 2024 comeback after a three-year hiatus.
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