- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy with the first of three Queensland Small Business Month Expos kicking-off in Cairns today.
- More than 300 attendees are expected at the full-day expo featuring presentations, panel discussions and one-on-one support for small and family businesses.
- The flagship expos, held in Cairns, Gold Coast and Brisbane, will help businesses build resilience, embrace innovation and seize opportunities, including those from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Queensland Small Business Month Expos kick-off today with a packed agenda of opportunities, insights, and practical support for Far North Queensland small and family businesses.
The expos during Queensland Small Business Month 2026 are part of the Crisafulli Government's plan to deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
They end a decade of decline under the former Labor Government where champagne cork popping, red carpet celebrations failed to deliver the tools small and family businesses neededto grow.
More than 300 small business owners have registered to attend the Cairns expo to take part in a variety of engaging and interactive sessions on topics such as:
- preparing for unexpected challenges, including business continuity planning and navigating a tough insurance market.
- strengthening cash flow and workforce capability to future-proof businesses.
- unlocking opportunities from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- becoming visible to government buyers and improving tendering success in Queensland's $35 billion procurement market.
These sessions will be hosted by a range of guest speakers including representatives from National Australia Bank, Get Ready Queensland and the Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Cairns expo will also feature a Meet the Buyer session, hosted in partnership with Cairns Regional Council, offering local small businesses a unique speed-networking opportunity to pitch their products or services directly to large regional buyers.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the Cairns expo was supporting the region's small business community and provide opportunities for meaningful connection.
"The Cairns expo is an opportunity for local small and family businesses to access the tools, knowledge, and support they need to adapt and build vital partnerships within the business community," Minister Minnikin said.
"It is a chance for local businesses to come together, share experiences, and learn from industry leaders who understand the unique challenges they face.
"From the presentation stage with industry leaders to one-on-one support and the Meet the Buyer session, this expo is about creating meaningful connections and providing practical strategies that businesses can take away and implement to strengthen their operations."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the Far North Queensland small business community was continuing to grow and prosper under the opportunities being delivered by the Crisafulli Government.
"Our small and family businesses are the backbone of our local communities across Far North Queensland and we know they grow and thrive when given the right opportunities and support," Ms James said.
"Now is the right time to be supporting our small and family businesses whether it's part of the tourism market, the export markets into Asia or the opportunities on the horizon with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Renae Hanvin, CEO and Founder of Resilient Ready will join Get Ready Queensland and AAMI to discuss how businesses can prepare for unexpected challenges and the importance of continuity planning.
"Small businesses are the economic and social heartbeat of Queensland communities," Ms Hanvin said.
"Small businesses face more frequent, more severe, and compounding disasters and disruptions — the Queensland Small Business Month expos can bring real help to small businesses in one place.
"I'll be sharing my own experience and how I've transformed the complexity of risk management and business continuity into a micro-learning, nudge-theory solution. Where, in 5-minute intervals, small business people can build everyday resilience in their business to be ready for all types of disruptions."
Sean Madigan, Partner, Public Sector Advisory at KordaMentha, will also join a panel of industry leaders for the Resilient by Design session at the Cairns expo, focusing on strengthening cash flow decision-making, cyber protection, workforce capability, and insurance to help small businesses build resilience and secure their future.
"Small businesses are the backbone of Queensland's economy, and supporting them helps sustain jobs, drive local investment and keep communities strong," Mr Madigan said.
"The expos give small business owners practical insights and access to trusted advice, helping them make better decisions and respond more confidently to change.
"Attendees will walk away with practical steps they can apply immediately, from improving cash visibility to strengthening cyber protections and building more capable teams."
Two other expos will be held this month on the Gold Coast and in Brisbane, providing even more opportunities for small businesses to connect, gain insights, and access tailored support.
Queensland Small Business Month will also feature a range of webinars and online tools designed to support small businesses in regional and remote areas, as well as those unable to attend in-person expos and events.
To get involved or find out more about what's on this Queensland Small Business Month, head to business.qld.gov.au/qsbm.
