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Save the date: Queensland Small Business Month (QSBM) is coming this May
With a program designed to help small businesses get Future Ready, the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business Cairns Small Business Expo will help you gain the tools, knowledge and confidence to adapt, grow and seize new opportunities — including those emerging in the lead‑up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday 19 May at the Shangri‑La The Marina Cairns to get access to information and support services for every stage of your small business. The expo is a great chance to attend workshops, meet with government program specialists and connect with other business owners.
Cairns Regional Council will host the Meet the Buyer session as part of the expo, giving local small businesses the opportunity to engage directly with major industry buyers and explore upcoming procurement pathways.
Registrations open Monday 30 March.
Shape Cairns' 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games future
Council is seeking community feedback to identify local strengths, opportunities and priority areas that will deliver lasting economic, social and environmental benefits for our region. As a confirmed co‑host city for Brisbane 2032, your input will help shape a meaningful legacy for Cairns and FNQ.
Closes: 11 March 2026
Brisbane 2032 Procurement Program now live
Be part of delivering one of the world’s major sporting events. More than 60 work packages, from brand and hospitality to technology, logistics and event services, are now open for Expressions of Interest via the supplier portal. Find out more
Council tenders and procurement
Current opportunities to tender for Cairns Regional Council work and procurement opportunities are listed below.
Basis of Design for Marlin Coast, Northern & Southern Catchments
Council invites submissions for the Basis of Design and documentation required to issue subsequent Design & Construct tenders for works across seven sewage pumping stations. Closes: 4:30pm, 18 March 2026
Design and construction for a Toilet Facility, Jeff Pezzutti Park
Council is seeking submissions from suitably qualified and experienced building contractors. Delivered as part of the Jeff Pezzutti Park Activity Space construction. Closes: 4:30pm, 20 March 2026
Bramston Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Maintenance
Council seeks a Service and Maintenance Contractor for the operational monitoring, servicing and maintenance of the Bramston Beach Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring compliance with the Environmental Authority, Site Based Management Plan, and Operational and Maintenance Manuals. Closes: 4:30pm, 22 March 2026
Workshops, training and industry events
ATO Masterclass Series
Gain practical guidance and insights to help strengthen your businesses operations and meet obligations with confidence through this seven-week Masterclass series by the Australian Taxation Office.
When: 3 - 25 March, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free | Register here
Grow your business with confidence
These sessions support Queensland businesses to strengthen skills in AI readiness, tendering, capability statements and effective contract delivery. Delivered by the Qld Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning.
When: 4 - 25 March, various times
Where: Online
Cost: Free | Register here for all the full series, or a single workshop.
Selling to government
Learn how government buying works and sharpen your tender‑response skills across a two-part series of focused, topic‑specific sessions. Boost your procurement know‑how with information directly from the Department of Finance.
When: 5 & 12 March, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free | Register here for both, or a single session.
Future Ready Workforce Consultation
The Queensland Tourism Industry Council is holding a practical, industry-led session focused on shaping the future workforce of our region. This session is ideal for tourism, hospitality, travel and events businesses managers, HR professionals and industry stakeholders.
When: 11 March, 9:00am - 10:30am
Where: Crystalbrook Flynn
Cost: Free | Register here
Small Business Support Network
Free, confidential one‑on‑one support for Queensland small businesses. This includes wellness coaching, financial counselling, mental health resources and access to Mentoring for Growth.
Find your local coach or counsellor here.
Grants and business support
Trade and Investment Queensland – Market Accelerator Program
Matched funding of up to $30,000 (ex GST) for emerging and export‑ready Queensland businesses to respond to global opportunities and expand into new international markets. Supports activities such as: engaging market specialists, meeting regulatory requirements, product testing and travel linked to securing export outcomes.
Closes: 4 March 2026.
Find out more
Queensland Small Business Month Grant – Division 1, Cairns Regional Council
$2,500 (ex GST) for Chambers of Commerce, industry groups, and small/family business associations in Cairns Regional Division 1 to deliver local events during May, 2026. Available through the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business.
Closes: 5 March 2026.
Find out more
Innovation Events Fund
Funding of $10,000 - $25,000 (ex GST, matched 50%) available for Queensland innovation‑driven organisations to deliver events that showcase emerging innovations, build skills and pathways for commercialisation or technology adoption, strengthen ecosystem connections and support Indigenous‑led innovation models.
Closes: 16 March 2026.
Find out more
Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI)
Round 11 funding for industry‑led projects improving heavy vehicle safety and supply‑chain innovation. Suitable for transport operators, logistics businesses, industry groups and technology providers.
Closes: 16 March 2026.
Find out more
REEF: Tourism Operator Support Grants
Grants of $1,000 - $15,000 (ex GST) are available for eligible tourism operators in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage areas. Covering up to 50% of costs for necessary upgrades, checks or clearances to welcome school groups.
Closes: 23 March 2026.
Find out more
Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Grants Program – Round 1
Matched funding of $100,000 to $1.5 million available for eligible Queensland manufacturers undertaking projects that facilitate export pathways, foreshore/onshore activity, improve productivity and competitiveness, or stimulate private investment and job creation.
Closes: 16 April 2026.
Find out more
Small Business Apprenticeship Pilot Program
Reimbursement for eligible small/family businesses covering construction apprentice wages during training (up to 32 weeks total).
Find out more
Small Business Recovery Assistance Grant Program
Up to $15,000 for eligible small businesses in North and Far North Queensland severely impacted by the tropical low between (29 Jan - 28 Feb 2025).
Closes: 14 May 2026
Find out more
Tourism Business Capability Subsidy
Up to $2,000 for eligible sole traders, micro and small–medium tourism and event businesses in Queensland to undertake targeted training or accreditation.
Closes: 30 June 2026 or earlier if funding is fully allocated.
Find out more
Secure Communities Partnership Program Round 2 – Small Business
Grants of $5,000 to $20,000 (ex GST) available to help small and family businesses upgrade or install security equipment. Eligibility now includes businesses impacted by crime in the past 5 years, or those within 250 metres of another commercial premises impacted in the past 5 years. A minimum 50% co-contribution is required.
Closes: 30 June 2026 unless funding is exhausted earlier.
Find out more
Fee-Free TAFE – Gain new skills or enhance existing skills
Free training for eligible Queenslanders to gain new skills or upskill in high‑demand industries, including priority skill sets, nursing, and construction apprenticeships. Search the Queensland Skills Gateway for funded qualifications.
Closes: 31 December 2026.
Find out more
Local Skills Solutions Program
Up to $250,000 (ex GST) per project for industry groups, community organisations and group training organisations to address regional skills gaps in Queensland. Supports projects that expand face‑to‑face training, provide wraparound learner support and strengthen industry engagement in local training delivery. Open throughout 2025–2026 or until funding is exhausted.
Find out more
Industry in focus
This section features a monthly industry overview and key economic data for priority industries identified in Council's Economic Development Strategy.
The Education and Training industry is an important contributor to the Cairns economy, supported by the presence of TAFE Queensland, James Cook University and CQUniversity in one regional centre. This concentration of institutions strengthens Cairns’ role as a hub for skills development, research capability and future workforce growth.
In 2023/24, the local Education and Training industry directly generated an economic impact of $1,043M output, $727M value add and supported more than 8,878 jobs in Cairns.
Building and backing innovation through our Smart Green Economy
Home to globally recognised institutions such as CQUniversity and James Cook University, our region benefits from expertise in marine science, agriculture, renewable energy, and disaster recovery, among others. This enables entrepreneurs and businesses to access talent, research capability and data that support innovation.
CQUniversity’s Green Mobile Energy Hubs (GMEHs), funded by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. Designed to enhance energy resilience in disaster-prone areas, the project demonstrates how research-led innovation can deliver practical, on-the-ground benefits for regional communities.
This is exactly what Council’s Smart Green Economy initiative is about – connecting industry, research and government to accelerate sustainable growth, strengthen resilience and create future-focused jobs for our region.
Have your say: Help shape Queensland's Science and Innovation Strategy
The Queensland Government is developing a new to create jobs, boost regional industries, attract investment and tackle global challenges. Input from industry, universities, researchers and the community is essential to shaping priorities that strengthen Queensland’s future workforce, support innovation
pathways and drive long‑term economic growth.
Closes: 31 March 2026
Nominate a STEM champion today
Do you know an outstanding STEM student, teacher, support officer, or school or education partner?
Nominations are open for the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards, helping build the future pipeline of researchers, innovators and skilled workers who will contribute to Queensland’s business and industry growth.
Eight award categories each offer a $5,000 bursary to support further STEM study, professional development or school‑based STEM initiatives.
Closes: 30 March 2026
News in brief
Positioning Cairns at the forefront of major events
Tropical North Queensland has launched the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Major Events Strategy 2026–2035, a bold 10‑year roadmap to grow year‑round visitation, maximise economic impact and strengthen the region’s position as a major events destination.
The new strategy ensures major events play an even greater role in shaping the region’s economic diversification, cultural vibrancy and global connectivity over the next decade. Developed in partnership between Cairns Regional Council and Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Strengthening education and industry partnerships
From supporting apprentices and trainees and hosting student exhibitions with TAFE, to research-led planning and urban heat projects with JCU, and workforce initiatives and engineering collaborations with CQU, these partnerships are helping build local capability while supporting sustainable growth for the region. Read more
Cairns hotels unite to conserve water supplies
Cairns Harbourside Hotel has reduced water usage in their laundry by half, saving about 3.6 million litres of water a year as part of its commitment to reducing water use and is implementing an AI program to further reduce consumption. Read more
By the numbers
- Unemployment rate Cairns LGA (Sept 25): 4.4%
- Jobseeker recipients (Jan 25): 8,245
- Monthly job advertisements Far North Queensland (Jan 26): 5,684
- Value of building approvals (2025-26 Dec FYTD): $608 million
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (Jan 26): 390,852
- Cairns Airport Passenger Throughput (2025-26 Jan FYTD): 3,063,381
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