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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.  

Qld Trading Tracks is a business capability and development program delivered by MARABISDA for Indigenous and Traditional Owner businesses in the Mackay and Isaac regions.

The program supports businesses by strengthening core capabilities such as business and strategic planning, financial management, operations, sales and marketing, and procurement readiness. For suppliers, this type of support can help build confidence, improve internal systems, and better position a business to pursue growth opportunities and engage with larger supply chains.     

Resource Industry Network (RIN) supports local businesses to build capability and connect with opportunities across the resources sector. Through networking events, industry updates, capability development and advocacy, RIN can help businesses better understand market expectations, strengthen their business readiness and engage with the regional supply chain.     

Bridging the Boundaries is a Local Buying Foundation initiative that funds regionally based business, economic and tourism development roles across Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia. These facilitators work directly with local businesses to deliver practical business support, capability‑building programs and events, and to provide information on services, resources and opportunities available within their regions.

 The Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is the independent regional economic development organisation for the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday region. GW3 advocates for sustainable economic growth by connecting industry, business and government. As future‑focused super‑connectors, GW3 delivers targeted programs, research and partnerships that support regional diversification, investment attraction and long‑term prosperity across the Greater Whitsunday region.

Greater Whitsunday Innovation offers shared workspaces, workshops and business events, giving businesses access to professional facilities and a collaborative environment that supports productivity, networking and capability development.

 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.  

Isaac Business Chamber supports and advocates for businesses across the Isaac region by fostering connection, collaboration and capability development. The chamber provides opportunities for networking, business support, advocacy and access to information that helps local businesses strengthen their operations, engage with stakeholders and contribute to a resilient regional economy    

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 ATO website provides practical tools, guidance and online services to help businesses manage their tax and superannuation obligations at every stage of the business lifecycle. It includes information on registering a business, GST and PAYG, deductions and concessions, employing workers, and accessing support during financial difficulty or unexpected events    

The Queensland Government Small and Family Business website provides practical support, information and connections to help businesses start, grow and employ. It brings together guidance on grants and financial assistance, mentoring and advisory services, cyber security, events and workshops and recovery support, helping businesses access the right services at the right time.

 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 ASIC website supports businesses by providing access to essential business registers and practical information to help meet company and business name obligations. It allows businesses to register and manage company and business name details, search public registers, understand ongoing compliance requirements and access guidance to help keep business records accurate and up to date.

 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.  

Supply Nation is Australia’s leading supplier diversity organisation, connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with corporate, government and not‑for‑profit buyers. It maintains the nation’s largest directory of verified Indigenous businesses and supports organisations to embed Indigenous procurement into their supply chains, helping them identify suppliers, build relationships and create meaningful economic opportunities that deliver strong social and commercial outcomes.    

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]

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

Or 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

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