Our Commitment to Country  |  1800 536 663  |  [email protected]

QUEENSLAND

Business Development Tips

Please Note: The information provided by C-Res is for general information purposes only. While we endeavour to provide accurate and correct information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability or suitability of the information, contained in the communication. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

Servicing our region

The Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce was established in 1887 as an advocate for local businesses. Today, they represent over 10,000 organisations across every industry in the region. From the sole trader to multinationals based in Mackay, Chamber provides support across three key pillars; advocacy, education and connection.  

If you are an Indigenous business or start-up based in the regions of Central Highlands, Isaac, Mackay and Woorabinda, Trading Tracks know what you need. Connecting Indigenous business with essential business support and networking opportunities in the business elements including strategic planning, finance, IT capacity, human resources and leadership development.

Resource Industry Network is a peak industry association representing companies actively engaged in the METS and resources sector, and including those who are allied to this sector. They connect, develop, and promote our members to the commercial decision-makers, peak bodies and government representatives in the resources sector.  Their purpose is to build a prosperous and resilient resources community through leveraging the collective capabilities of the resources sector supply chain. 

 The Local Buying Foundation provides funding for a number of ongoing business economic and tourism development roles within the LBF regions in Queensland and New South Wales. Each of the facilitators in these roles do incredible work to initiate, support and drive a range of economic development and business support programs and events within their regions, and to provide information about services and resources available.  

The Isaac Business Support Program aims to connect small business with a range of resources and support to address key local challenges, and build both capacity and resilience.

The program hosts a variety of business events, as well as funding and partnership opportunities for communities in Moranbah, Clermont, Dysart, Middlemount and Nebo.

Central Highlands Development Corporation (CHDC) is the lead economic and tourism development agency for the Central Highlands in Queensland, Australia.

A not-for-profit organisation that advocates for a sustainable region and economic growth by enhancing the workforce, promoting the region and supporting local businesses.

The sole purpose of Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is to capitalise on the region’s economic potential. For greater, GW3 works closely with government and the private sector to create and develop new growth opportunities across multiple sectors.

From traditional wealth powerhouses such as mining, agriculture and tourism to exciting emerging industries including aerospace, aquaculture and bioproducts, they’re motivated to secure investment in vital infrastructure and job-creating, future focused projects to build the bottom line for not just our region, but Queensland and Australia.

Book a co-working desk at Split Spaces for a professional and productive workspace. Flexible booking options, high-speed internet, and community of like-minded professionals make us the perfect solution for freelancers, remote workers, startups and small business owners.

 Grant Finder, a joint initiative by the Mackay Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Councils and GW3, helps businesses and community groups find government and non-government grant opportunities. The platform offers guidance, support, and a framework for successful applications. By increasing access to grants, it aims to drive economic and social growth in the Greater Whitsunday region.  

More than 3,300 businesses operate in the Central Highlands, with two-thirds of them owner operated and one-third in the agriculture sector.

Part of CHDC’s Corporate Strategy is to support local businesses to build capability and resilience, and compete in a digital environment.

Servicing our country

 Many Rivers supports Indigenous and other Australians with personalised business development assistance, including mentoring, planning workshops and expert guidance. They provide the tools and knowledge to start, sustain and grow businesses. Through a long-term approach, Many Rivers builds confidence, improves business skills and fosters self-sufficiency. They help small businesses thrive, contribute to local economies and create jobs within the community.  

 The Australian Tax Office is the principal revenue collection agency of the Australian Government. Their role is to effectively manage and shape the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians, including collecting revenue, administering the goods and services tax (GST) on behalf of the Australian states and territories.  

Helping small businesses to start, grow and employ, through grants and support programs.

 For over 40 years, ICN has connected small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) to major projects in Australia and New Zealand. With expert industry specialists, ICN offers support, procurement tools and advice to help SMEs succeed in the supply chain. They provide networking opportunities, workshops and resources to boost economic activity, foster competition and help small-to-medium enterprises grow their business.  

  Small Business Mentoring Service (SBMS) is a not-for-profit supporting small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) since 1986. With over 150 experienced mentors, SBMS offers ongoing guidance to help SMEs grow, improve profitability and create jobs. Volunteer mentors provide valuable support, helping businesses overcome challenges and achieve long-term success. 

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is Australia’s financial markets conduct regulator. ASIC is responsible for promoting a fair, transparent and efficient financial system for all.

ASIC regulates the conduct of Australian companies, financial markets, financial services organisations (including banks, life and general insurers and superannuation funds) and professionals who deal in and advise on investments, superannuation, insurance, deposit-taking and credit. ASIC is also responsible for authorisations to operate in industries it regulates.

 Austmine is the leading not-for-profit industry association for Australia's Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) sector. With over 30 years of advocacy, Austmine represents over 750 METS companies, promoting technology, innovation and sustainability in mining. The association fosters collaboration to create real opportunities, supports members in their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) journey and ensures Australia’s METS sector remains a global leader in mining technology and innovation for future generations.  

Free online business tools

Create, send and track email newsletters using Mailchimp  

Makes designing simple. Create designs for Web or print for presentations, Facebook covers, flyers, and more using Canva 

Create and publish online surveys in minutes, and view results graphically and in real time using Survey Monkey 

Create your own website easily, without needing to know any coding, try Wix or Squarespace  

Business planning and development resources

Capability Statements 

Department of State Development (DSD) offers regular Capability Statement Workshops

Or contact your local office:

Mackay, Isaac & Whitsunday Office 

Ph: 4898 6800

[email protected]

Central Queensland

Ph: 4924 2914

[email protected]

Many banks have tools information on their websites eg: Commonwealth / ANZ Bank

Business Planning and Set Up

business.gov.au - provides information, grants, services and support to the Australian business community.  

Queensland Government Business and Industry Portal

This site provides a wealth of information for all businesses, including:

- Planning a business

- Employing and managing people

- Running a business

- Support, tools, grants

- Selling/leaving a business

Tendering Opportunities

QBuild Queensland government job tendering program. Register for opportunities to tender for constructiona nd maintenance o government assests

Other information available includes:

- Grants and business support services (upcoming and recorded)

- Business mentoring programs

- Industry specific resources

Central Highlands and Dysart business can email the Business Development Officer at Central Highlands Development Corporation for assistance. In addition, our C-Res Business Development Principal in Queensland, Emma McCullagh is available via email - [email protected]  

Business development - staying connected

Local and regional business groups work hard to promote local business communities. Keep up to date by signing up for free newsletters or show your support and reap the benefits by becoming a member.

Community Business & Industry Groups

- Mackay Regional Chamber of Commerce

- Resource Industry Network 

Free eNewsletters subscriptions

- Supply Chain Ready The Local Buying Program's minimum requirements for BHP supplier information

- Central Highlands Development Corporation eNews & Fitzroy Region Tenders Update

- Mackay Regional Chamber of Commerce

- Resource Industry Network Updates

Business grant funding options

There are many grants available for Small business. Here are a couple of sites to start your search

Indigo Gold Funding List - A subscribe for free to General or Small Grant funding list

Government Grants 

- AusIndustry (Federal)

- Qld Government Grant Finder

- Business.gov.au

Increasing business visibility

National Business Directories

eg Local Search and Hotfrog

Contact C-Res

Phone: 1800 536 663

Email: [email protected]

ABN: 61 158 250 992

Head Office

Lvl 1, 224 Victoria St

PO Box 1721

Mackay Qld 4740

C-Res Locations

New South Wales: Muswellbrook

Queensland: Brisbane, Clermont, Emerald, Mackay, Moranbah

South Australia: Adelaide, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Roxby Downs, Partnering with Tactic

Western Australia: Kambalda, Newman, Perth, Port Hedland

© C-Res 2024

Privacy Policy