LAST week saw the launch of Queensland Small Business Month, celebrating the small businesses that make a vital contribution to our community.
As part of the start of Small Business Week, I attended the Sunshine Coast Small Business Awards Breakfast, as well as the Food Agribusiness (FAN) Meet the Makers event. These events showcase just how integral small businesses and buying local are to our economy.
It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout at the launch of the Business Awards, showing that the Sunshine Coast community is moving forward after the last two years of hardship. I enjoyed catching up with everyone and look forward to seeing who the winners are later in the year.
The Meet the Makers event was the biggest and best yet and wonderful to watch the FAN network grow substantially over the years, showcasing incredible Sunshine Coast produce and connecting retailers and suppliers.
FAN was also recently successful in receiving $33.4m in federal funding to develop an industry-leading food and beverage manufacturing facility, called “Turbine” with a mega 20,000m2 purpose-built, collaborative food and beverage manufacturing centre located at Sunshine Coast Airport. This facility will be operational by late 2023 and is a very exciting operation for the Sunshine Coast.
The Sunshine Coast economy is in the process of bouncing back with a lot of blood, sweat and tears from local small and family businesses, backed by the community. I am proud to watch the community’s enthusiasm and pride to get on and get business done.
To nominate for the Sunshine Coast Business Awards go to: www.sunshinecoastbusinessawards.com.au
I am back in Parliament this week and will be fighting for the best outcomes for the Sunshine Coast.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact me if there is anything that I can be of assistance with.