Small Business Connect - February 2022 edition
Updates from the Queensland Government's Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.
Beachfront dining never looked so good
A radical new beachfront dining destination has opened on the Gold Coast marking a significant evolution for an iconic Kirra beachfront site.
Help celebrate the heroes in our community
City of Gold Coast wishes to recognise those people that are changing lives and our community for the better.
Helping businesses stand out through creative tendering
Join a free webinar on how to improve your chances of tendering success.
Queensland business confidence crash as reopening boost falls flat
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) Pulse Survey data for the December 2021 quarter shows business confidence in the next 12 months fell 16.9 points to the lowest reading since the start of the COVID economic crisis in March 2020.
Opening to the world with a $200 million aviation attraction package
The Queensland government has announced that it will commit $100 million towards an aviation attraction package. This dollar figure will combine with an additional $100 million contributed by the state's four international airports.
Impressive line up to kick off a series of events for the year
The Southern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce kicks off the events calendar with a stellar line up of guest speakers including Laura Gerber MP, Alfred Slogrove and Professor Julie Jomeen for the first event on the 17th of February 2022.
Mental Health Coaching program
NewAccess, developed by Beyond Blue, is a free and confidential mental health coaching program for small business owners and sole traders.
2022 Queensland Training Awards now open
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Queensland Training Awards – celebrating excellence in training and the transformative power of skills.
Queensland business is everyone's business
Now is the time for Queensland consumers and businesses to be depending on their communities and local supply chains for goods, services, stock and resources.
Small Business Connect - January 2022 edition
Updates from the Queensland Government's Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.
Something ROARsome has arrived at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s new experience, Extinction Trail, has been 100 million years in the making! A permanent, immersive outdoor adventure, Extinction Trail’s special effects and lifelike models will transport you to a time when dinosaurs and megafauna ruled the earth!
Queensland’s border changes
The Premier has announced that from 1am Saturday (15 Jan), Queensland’s domestic border restrictions are being lifted.
Do the right thing and step up to clean up this Clean Up Australia Day
Businesses are invited to run a Business Clean Up event as part of Clean Up Australia Day again in 2022.
CCIQ Quarterly Pulse Survey now open - Have you business voice heard
CCIQ’s December Pulse Survey is now open!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary named Queensland’s Best Tourist Attraction
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has won Queensland’s most prestigious tourism accolade, named Best Major Tourist Attraction at last Friday nights Queensland Tourism Awards.
HoneyWorld re-launches on the Southern Gold Coast
Gold Coast Icon Honeyworld has been renovated and reopened with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Now available - CCIQ and ACCI's COVID-19 vaccination employer guide
Need more detail on how the COVID-19 vaccination impacts your business?
See CCIQ's and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's COVID-19 vaccination and the workplace employer guide (August 2021).
FREE WORKSHOP! Digital Marketing 101: Connecting with your ideal customer
Do you struggle with Digital Marketing? Need to get online but not sure where to start?
With a simple guide to the world of digital marketing, let Sarah Davis from Business Station show you how to reach your ideal customer organically (free). From free tools like Google My Business, to social media and online selling, Sarah will show you what you need and what you don’t need!
An update from Crowley Calvert & Holmes Chartered Accountants
It's November already and apparently that seems to be the perfect time to implement a range of changes from the ATO, ASIC and other Government bodies.
Crowley Calvert & Holmes Chartered Accountants have compiled a shortlist of the most important below to keep you on top of everything being introduced before the Christmas break.
Manufacturing Hubs - Round 2 of Grant Program
The Gold Coast Manufacturing Hub are about to open a round ($2.5m) of grants for local SME operators, designed to help them adapt and adopt new technologies in their manufacturing process.
Clean Up Currumbin Day - 21st November
Currumbin RSL has teamed up with Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and created 'Clean Up Currumbin Day' to help Clean Up Currumbin on Sunday the 21st November from 9am.
The Queensland Government has announced new public health and social measures linked to vaccination
These new social measures will come into place on 17 December 2021 or when Queensland reaches 80% double vaccinated status.
Wrap for Good at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital’s Christmas Fundraiser
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is calling on accomplished and amateur gift wrappers alike to donate their hands and hearts this festive season to raise funds for animals in need.
The CCIQ September Pulse Survey results are in
Christmas business confidence missing traditional festive cheer!
City of Gold Coast's Community Group Hub - Now online
Are you a part of a Gold Coast community group? Community organisations including sporting clubs, are the heart and soul of our city, and City of Gold Coast’s new online hub is a one-stop-shop of free information and resources.
Gold Coast's Play Money Rewards is back!
Support businesses in the border region and get $50 off* retail, dining, services and experiences, and $100 off* accommodation.
Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - November 2021
Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill
Queensland Government's Small Business Connect update
Find out about the latest from the Queensland Government through this update as part of the Unity & Recover program.
Daylight saving petition
A group based in South-East Queensland has set up a formal petition with the Queensland Parliament to promote daylight savings for the region.
New Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary exhibit secures federal support
One of the Gold Coast's most iconic attractions has received major Federal Government funding to support the construction of an exciting new exhibit, designed to attract international visitors.
Queensland's COVID-19 Vaccine Plan
In welcomed news for the Gold Coast, the Queensland Government yesterday (18 October) released Queensland's COVID-19 Vaccine Plan outlining key milestones for borders to re-open to interstate hotspots. Travel restrictions will ease when 70% and 80% of eligible Queenslanders are fully vaccinated.
Creative tourism grants
Creative Tourism Grants support projects underpinned by the work of professional artists – their ideas, platforms and/or products. Projects must show they will have a reasonable tourism impact. Grants of up to $50,000 are available to Gold Coast based organisations.
SummerSalt beachside festival is hitting our shores
Following the enormous success of the SummerSalt concert series across Australia over past summer seasons, Zaccaria Concerts & Touring are thrilled to continue announcing the next season of SummerSalt concert events around Australia in 2022.
Sink Your Fangs into Frightful Fun at FestEVIL at the Fangtuary this Halloween
Enter Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s lair after dark and enjoy three spook-tacular nights of Halloween family fun…if you dare!
Free webinar | That's not rubbish: How to turn waste into a valuable resource
Discover how to turn your waste into a valuable resource, save money for your business and reduce your environmental impact.
CCIQ Quarterly Pulse Survey now open - Have you business voice heard
CCIQ’s September Pulse Survey is now open!
Help us find our next Mentoring for Growth volunteer business mentors
It’s Indigenous Business Month and we want to help more First Nations owned businesses reap the benefits of the Queensland Government’s Mentoring for Growth (M4G) program, which has successfully mentored Queensland businesses of all industries and sizes for nearly 20 years.
Division 14 Councillor Newsletter - October 2021
Read the latest news from Division 14 Councillor Gail O'Neill
Express your interest in the Digital Growth Program for accommodation operators
Council voted this week to offer a free and targeted Digital Growth Program for the accommodation industry.
Return to Stage 2 Restrictions for Southern Gold Coast
The Queensland Government has advised that there will be a return to Stage 2 restrictions for 5 LGAs in Queensland for two weeks from 4pm today (Thursday).
Support extended for the Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) Program
The Federal Government will continue to secure Australia’s economic recovery by expanding support to help apprentices finish their training - protecting the skills pipeline delivered under the government’s successful Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements (BAC) program.
Top 10 tendering tips webinar
From planning your response to submitting your tender, this webinar will give you the top ten tips to tendering success.
$70 million in grants announced for tourism industry
The Federal and State Government have announced $70 million for tourism and hospitality grants as part of the $600 million Business Support Package. This is positive news that will strengthen support for Gold Coast’s 4,600 tourism businesses.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Celebrates Vaccination Milestone on Save the Koala Day
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is marking Save the Koala Day on September 24 by celebrating an important achievement. The Hospital has administered a lifesaving chlamydia vaccine to 135 Koalas that have been released back into the wild.
Exclusive round 2 of 'Play Money' for the border businesses
City of Gold Coast has announced that there will be a ‘Round 2’ of Play Money specifically for the border business community solely.
Current grants and support
Here is some information on relevant grants and business support services applicable to the Gold Coast tourism industry.
Current as at 21/09/21.
Latest Pulse Survey results show business confidence falling
Results from our recent Pulse Survey of Business Conditions indicate that the Queensland economy and business community are not out of the woods yet, with business confidence taking a dip for the first time since the COVID-19 crisis began.
Cyber Health has launched
The Cyber Health program is powered by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) and REDD Digital, and fully funded by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources. Content and resources are courtesy of the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC).
Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program
The $40 million Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program will provide one-off grants of up to $50,000 to eligible tourism and hospitality businesses facing significant financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions and interstate lockdowns.
Play Money rewards on offer to drive economic recovery
Gold Coasters are being urged to spread the local love by snapping up one of 60,000 vouchers to eat, play and enjoy first-hand the best the region has to offer.
Currumbin RSL launches The Sporting Den
The Currumbin RSL has just launched a new private and tucked away sports bar with a difference.
70% of Waste Diverted from Landfill as Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Renews Sustainability Pledge
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has cemented its reputation as one of the country’s most environmentally friendly businesses, after successfully renewing its EcoTourism Accreditation.
Border zone support package announced
The Chamber joined with a number of very active locals to lobby for a more tailored and targeted response to the impact of the NSW/QLD border closure and the government listened.
Free small business financial counselling now available
The Federal and State Government is funding this service to support all small businesses.
Report out now - Domestic and Family Violence as a Workplace Issue
Two thirds of businesses could be vulnerable to impacts of domestic and family violence.
Currumbin RSL fly both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for the first time
In the spirit of reconciliation and acknowledgement of Indigenous culture and residents in the community, Currumbin RSL is proud to fly both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags for the first time this week alongside the Australian Flag.
Local Jobs Program
COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on the Australian labour market. Together with longer term economic trends that are changing skill requirements in many jobs and occupations, there is urgency in assisting job seekers to navigate this change.
Heartbreaking new job figures for Gold Coast tourism industry
Concerning new research commissioned by the Tourism and Transport Forum shows tourism jobs have been cut by 20 per cent in 12 months - that’s one in five jobs in tourism across the Gold Coast.
Small Business Connect - August 2021 edition
Update includes information on current restrictions, regional round of business basics grants, support grants, and events.