An extensive program of events and workshops will be delivered by Rockhampton Regional Council's lead economic development agency, Advance Rockhampton, to mark Small Business Month.
This year's theme is, 'Future Ready', and Council's initiatives will help locals looking to launch, expand or increase turnover by providing practical, high-value guidance at no charge to businesses.
Events include:
CQ Small Business Expo: Thursday, 7 May
- Creating a positive and collaborative space for startups and growing businesses to connect with experienced leaders in areas including finance, I.T., workplace wellbeing, education, employment, marketing and property, as well as representatives from federal, state and local governments.
Business Planning and Onboarding Workshop: Friday, 8 May
- Delivered in partnership with Business Chamber Queensland's Workforce Evolve program and providing hands-on business planning mentoring and advice on how to successfully onboard staff.
Grounded in Growth: Resources of Tomorrow: Thursday, 21 May
- Focuses on the Rockhampton Region's expanding role as a centre for critical minerals, critical minerals enablers and base metals such as gold and copper and allows small business to directly connect with current and upcoming projects.
Rockhampton Regional Council has also been chosen as the host location for this year's Queensland Small Business Friendly Conference, on Thursday, 28 May.
The conference brings together local government representatives for two days of collaboration to support the development of small businesses.
Also supporting local business, Advance Rockhampton has recently re-launched an updated Business Grants and Funding page through its website. This provides an updated list of grants and links to free business programs and initiatives through its monthly newsletter.
Further small business initiatives such as the Mount Morgan Buy Local Campaign will following in the second half of the year.
The program builds on Council's achievement of being named Small Business Friendly Council of the Year by the Queensland Small Business Commissioner in 2025
Quotes attributable to Rockhampton Region Mayor, Tony Williams
"Rockhampton Regional Council, through Advance Rockhampton, has a great relationship with local small businesses.
"We offer a lot of programs and workshops to help set them up for success when bidding for major contracts or if they're looking to expand.
"While there's been a bit of economic uncertainty lately, we're confident our region has a big future.
"Our region is only getting stronger with continued growth in our major industries like mining, health, construction and defence."
"Advance Rockhampton's Small Business Month program aims to give businesses the knowledge and ideas they need to make decisions today that will set them up for success tomorrow."
Quotes attributable to Advance Rockhampton Economic Development Manager, Wade Clark
"Our industry engagements last year were attended by more than 4,500 business representatives, showing they are a powerful and trusted source of information, inspiration and support for Rockhampton Region businesses.
"This year's Small Business Month program has been produced based on feedback from our business community, to address some of the challenges they may be facing in areas like business planning, workforce retention and book-keeping.
"Trusted information is more important than ever. By delivering these free workshops and events, we're helping our small businesses up for long-term success."
