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Meet the Buyer 2025: Registration now open
Small business owners can now register for the one-on-one speed networking sessions designed to help small business connect with large buyers from the public and private sector.
Meet the Buyer provides a unique opportunity for your small business to meet one-on-one with large, tier-one public and private sector buyers.
By attending the event you will be able to:
- Identify tender opportunities
- Understand local procurement needs
- Increase your business exposure
- Grow your network
- Secure new contracts
When: Thursday, 29 May 2025, 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Where: Cairns Regional Council, Civic Reception Rooms
Cost: Free
Please RSVP by Wednesday, 21 May 2025
We encourage all small and family businesses, employing less than 20 full-time equivalent staff, to register for this free event. Tickets are limited.
Workshops, training and industry events
Cyber Safety Webinar Series
Small businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. This free two-part webinar series will provide essential tools and knowledge to help you manage cyber risks.
Part 1: Cyber Safety | 8 May 2025 | 10am to 11:30am
Part 2: Data Security & Incident Response | 22 May 2025 | 10am to 11:30am
Where: Online | Cost: Free | Register Here
Free business sustainability forum
Join Business Chamber Queensland’s ecoBiz team and hear from experts on practical ways to future-proof your business.
When: 18 June 2025 | 7am
Where: Crystalbrook Riley | Cost: Free | Register Here
Developing Northern Australia Conference
This annual conference connects talent from northern regions with industry, government, and investors to explore key opportunities and doing business north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
When: 22-24 July | Where: Cairns Convention Centre | Cost: $1,349+GST | Register Here
Grants and business support
Tourism Business Digital Adaptation Program
This program helps boost your business with up to $2,500 for digital tools like booking systems and social media management, plus free support to enhance your digital reach.
Find out more
Human Resources (HR) Support Grants
Funding up to $5,000 for Queensland small businesses to help them find HR solutions for their workforce requirements.
Find out more
Mentoring for Growth Program
Mentoring for Growth (M4G) offers eligible businesses free access to volunteer business experts who provide insights, options and suggestions relating to challenges and opportunities you are experiencing in your business.
Find out more
Workforce Evolve: Help to grow your business
Workforce Evolve is a free program for Queensland employers, designed to help you build a diverse, inclusive workforce. Access online modules and tailored coaching to attract and retain top talent - now and for the future.
Find out more
Council news in brief
Crankworx Cairns - Paradise edition returns for 2025
The world’s highest profile mountain biking event is returning from May 21-25 2025. Crankworx is predicted to attract 8,000 visitors, generating 31,000 visitor nights in Cairns and up to $7 million in the local visitor economy. Read more
A bright future for everyone who calls Cairns home
Council is urging State and Federal governments to support secure, affordable long-term housing solutions for Cairns.
Read more
Advocacy priorities for the 2025 Federal Election
Council is focused on securing key funding ahead of the election. A major win includes bipartisan support and $15 million in federal funding for a high-performance women’s sports centre at West Barlow Park, reinforcing Cairns’ vision as Australia's top destination for women’s sport. Read more
Have your say: Draft Growth Strategy
Council has released the Towards 2050 Draft Growth Strategy: a long-term, community-informed plan to guide Cairns’ growth to 2050.
With the population expected to increase by over 72,000, the city will need 33,000 new homes and 32,000 jobs. The strategy focuses on using existing urban areas efficiently by:
- Ensuring enough land in new and greenfield areas
- Supporting infill development in central locations
- Providing diverse housing options
- Designing sustainable, resilient infrastructure
Underpinning the strategy is a focus on protecting and celebrating our unique blue and green tropical landscape, and creating great tropical neighbourhoods that respond to our climate.
Residents can share feedback from 2 May to 24 June at local events or online.
Industry quick snippets
North and Far North Queensland Maritime Industry Supply Chain Report
Developed in collaboration with Industry Capability Network Queensland and industry, the report highlights the strength of local maritime supply chains.
Industry in focus: Manufacturing
In 2022/23 the local manufacturing industry directly generated an economic impact of $1,380M output, $397M value add and supported more than 3,534 jobs in Cairns.
Case Study: Green power from sugar cane
Cairns Airport is enhancing biodiversity by restoring mangrove ecosystems and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2025. Partnering with traditional owners and Deakin University, they’re turning mangroves into a “blue carbon” asset, boosting conservation efforts and sustainability. See how they’re making a difference.
By the numbers
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