- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy through the Capricorn Business Hub.
- The Hub will deliver practical support for start-ups and small businesses, by bringing together business owners, industry leaders and support partners to tackle shared challenges and unlock new opportunities.
- The Hub was a key election commitment and will strengthen local connections, following a decade of decline under Labor where regional small and family businesses were ignored.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for small businesses on the Capricorn Coast and beyond and ensuring they have greater access to local support, tailored to help them grow, build resilience and foster strong local connections.
The Crisafulli Government is partnering with The Capricorn Business Hub Limited to establish and operate the $1.6 million Capricorn Business Hub.
The Hub is a key election commitment delivering wrap-around support tailored to regional small business needs – helping more people turn business ideas into reality, while giving existing operators the tools, advice and connections they need to adapt, grow and thrive.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Capricorn Coast will also benefit from more local jobs, further digital transformation across businesses, stronger local supply chains and development of key industry sectors.
The Capricorn Business Hub will connect small business owners with experts, industry stakeholders and local leaders, with services expected to include:
One-on-one mentoring and business coaching.
Workshops and seminars on business planning, digital capability, financial management and procurement.
Networking opportunities that connect local businesses with industry leaders, service providers and support programs.
Business accelerator programs and practical advice to help businesses build resilience, identify growth opportunities and navigate common challenges.
Introductions to funding opportunities, including angel investors and venture capital to support growth.
The Hub is designed to attract and retain entrepreneurial talent in the region and address local barriers to entrepreneurship, including access to support, capability development, capital and markets.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the Crisafulli Government was delivering for regional small and family businesses.
"I am proud to announce the Capricorn Business Hub will be officially open to the public by mid-June," Minister Minnikin said.
"We're delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and backing small and family businesses, ensuring they have the support needed to grow and unlock new opportunities.
"It's another example of the Crisafulli Government putting an end to a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, where regional small and family businesses were ignored and Labor failed to deliver the tools small and family businesses needed to grow."
Member for Rockhampton Donna Kirkland said the Capricorn Business Hub would offer access to a physical co-working space, digital infrastructure and key services to help small business owners succeed.
"Regional areas, including Rockhampton face unique challenges and opportunities, and getting the right advice early on by a trusted, local network will unlock extraordinary potential," Mrs Kirkland said.
"We have listened to our regional small and family business sector, and these initiatives will help contribute to a more vibrant and resilient local economy.
"The Hub will include workshops on key business support topics, and tailored one-on-one business advice to help start-ups and small businesses build capability, address challenges and support growth."
