Opportunities and Support

The Capricorn Coast is a region of lifestyle, diversity, sustainability, innovation and untapped opportunities.  We are driven and future focused.  We embrace the opportunity to determine our own future.  The Capricorn Coast is not only a popular tourism destination, but a thriving community and region full of potential and possibilities for future investment, development and business.

The Economy and Places team is responsible for strategic growth and economic development initiatives that drive growth in the local economy by delivering capability and innovation programs, tourism destination development, innovative placemaking and urban design initiatives along with effective management of Council’s property portfolio and land holdings.  The Economy and Places team is committed to supporting business development and investment support.  We work with all levels of government, government departments and the private sector to identify core areas for the sustainable economic development of the region. We also work with the Australian and Queensland governments in bidding for grants and funding to assist in the development of the Capricorn Coast region.

The Economy and Places team is always on the lookout for ways to increase the region’s capacity to do business, thus increasing prosperity for business, industry and the community.

Business Support

Livingstone Shire Council is committed to supporting local businesses.  When starting or expanding a business, information and advice at the early stages is critical. Below are links to resources available to you from across Council, government and other agencies.

  • The Queensland Government's Business and Industry Portal features useful interactive tools, information and support to make doing business with government faster and easier,  saving you time and money.

    • Starting a business: before you start, options, licensing, planning, legals, research, premises, suppliers
    • Running a business: money, sales, marketing, service, design, technology, tendering, risk, recovery, environment
    • Growing a business: ways to grow, rapid growth, mentoring, trends, tips, innovation, R&D, NPD, new customers, exporting
    • Support, tools, grants, services
    • Employing people: taking on staff, employee rights, payroll tax, managing staff, developing staff, ending employment
    • Exiting a business: ways to exit, closing, selling, valuing, succession planning

    The Australian Government's online business portal offers advice on grants and assistance, programs to help businesses innovate, grow and succeed, business establishment and compliance, skills and training and a range of useful templates.

  • For 155 years Business Chamber Queensland has represented businesses of every industry, every size and in every part of the state. Formerly Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), they’re an independent, not-for-profit organisation, with a rich legacy of putting Queensland business first, providing practical support for members backed by innovative thinking and powerful advocacy. They help businesses prosper by supporting, educating and empowering them to capitalise on the extraordinary opportunities on offer in Queensland – now and into the future.

    For resources such as:

    • Legislative requirements
    • Structuring your Business
    • Business Planning
    • Registering your Business
    • Insurance, Finance/Accounting
    • Record keeping
    • Marketing and Branding
    • Working online
    • Employing Staff
    • Taking your first steps as a business owner.

    Head to: https://businesschamberqld.com.au/

     

  • Back to Work – Regional Employment Package

    Back to Work Regional Queensland aims to give businesses the confidence to employ jobseekers in Queensland regions, with a focus on disadvantaged jobseekers. It will provide an economic boost to Queensland regions facing challenging times. 

    Australian Government Job Active

    Jobactive is the Australian Government’s way to get more Australians into work and provides links to jobactive providers and grant funding help for employers.

  • The following agencies provide services and information to support new businesses.

    Advance Queensland

    Advance Queensland  is a comprehensive suite of programs designed to create the knowledge-based jobs of the future, drive productivity improvements and build on our natural advantages. It aims to help position Queensland as an attractive investment destination with a strong innovation and entrepreneurial culture.

    Entrepreneurs' Programme

    Part of the Australian Government’s National Innovation and Science Agenda, the Entrepreneurs' Programme ( supports business competitiveness and productivity at the firm level.

  • Black Business Finder (BBF) is an online database established to give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses a platform that can be assessed by government or businesses looking to source goods and services from Indigenous suppliers.

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