December 2024

Business on Redlands Coast

Economic development updates to support local businesses.

Christmas has arrived on Redlands Coast

The festive season is in full swing as Redland City Council proudly presents Christmas on Redlands Coast. This year’s celebrations are a delightful blend of beloved traditions and new activities designed to captivate both residents and visitors. From twinkling light displays to augmented reality activities and family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The vibrant atmosphere promises to bring the community together and create unforgettable holiday memories.

In addition to spreading holiday cheer, Council’s marketing efforts aim to drive traffic and boost local business exposure. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to get involved and attract more visitors. Make the most of the festive activities to showcase your offerings and engage with the community. For more information and to access complimentary marketing assets, visit the Christmas on Redlands Coast Toolkit webpage. 

Local economic insights

Redland City's economy is dynamic and evolving, reflecting shifts in industry strengths and community needs over time. From its historical reliance on traditional sectors like agriculture and fishing, the local economy has transitioned towards diversified industries including healthcare, education, tourism and advanced manufacturing. This change underscores Redland City’s adaptability and focus on sustainable growth.

Fast facts

• Gross Regional Product: $7.38 billion
• Population: 166,809
• Number of local businesses: 12,559
• Employed residents: 86,642
• Number of local jobs: 53,820
• Largest industry: Health care and social assistance

(Source NIEIR 2023)

To explore detailed insights and trends shaping Redland City's economic profile visit the Economy ID page for Redland City Council.

More support for Redlands Coast businesses

The Department of Small Business Employment and Training, in collaboration with Redland City Council, has made strides in supporting local businesses through the Redlands Coast Small Business Hubs initiative. This program offers tailored, one-on-one support to small businesses, in the comfort of local libraries, and its recent expansion has proven valuable.

From August to December 2024, the service was trialled to run twice per month, alternating between Cleveland and Victoria Point libraries, up from once a month at Cleveland. The results have been positive, with the number of engaged businesses increasing from 15 in 2023/24 to 20 businesses in 2024/25 (so far). A diverse range of businesses have participated including retail, professional services, mechanical, manufacturing, wellness, real estate, hospitality, IT, recreation, and beauty services.

The complimentary support covers a broad spectrum of business needs, such as business planning, mentoring, grants, general business advice, the Workforce Advisor program and apprentice training.

Given the successful trial, Redlands Coast Small Business Hubs are set to continue at Victoria Point library as well as Cleveland library into 2025, supporting local businesses and fostering local economic growth. For more information and to book, visit Council's webpage.

Business workshops and events

Reflecting on Business Development in 2024 

As we reflect on 2024, we have put together a summary of Redland City Council’s business development program, delivered with the support of local businesses, Chambers of Commerce, and other government departments.  This year's program delivered a range of impactful initiatives designed to support and empower our business community: 

Events

Two key events were held, both receiving excellent attendance and feedback:

• Business Brews Manufacturing Networking Event: This event provided a platform for local manufacturers to connect and collaborate.
• Redlands Coast Retail Toolkit Launch: Aimed at equipping retailers with essential tools and strategies for success.

Workshops

A total of seven workshops were facilitated, focusing on various aspects of business development:

• Business Resilience and Continuity Planning: Three workshops to help businesses prepare for and navigate disruptions.
• Financial Health Workshop: One session dedicated to enhancing financial management skills.
• Social Media & Digital Marketing Workshop: A workshop to boost online presence and engagement.
• Redlands Coast Retail Toolkit Implementation: Two workshops to assist retailers in applying the toolkit effectively.

Business Engagements

The program facilitated 94 one-on-one business engagements, including 18 mentoring sessions following the Business Continuity workshops. These personalised interactions provided tailored support to local businesses.

Digital Engagements

• E-Newsletters: Nine editions of the “Business on Redlands Coast” e-newsletter were distributed, keeping the community informed and connected.
• Webpage Access: The Business and Investment webpage saw over 500 visitors access the resources available.

Funding Support

Council provided funding support to our business chambers, including:

• Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
• Straddie Chamber of Commerce
• SMBI Chamber of Commerce

Supported Initiatives

• Redlands Coast Small Business Hub: Expanded to Victoria Point and Cleveland, facilitating 20 small business support meetings.
• JobsNow! Redlands Jobs Expo: Received in-kind support, contributing to its success.

These initiatives reflect our commitment to nurturing a vibrant and resilient local economy. We look forward to building on this momentum in the coming year, continuing to support our business community and drive economic growth in Redland City.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful festive season. We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing our efforts to enhance local economic development in 2025.