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 January 2010

Welcome to the first edition of the 2010 e-news series. Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Just a reminder that you have until 31 January to have your say on council's Draft Economic Development Strategy 2009-2014, addressing council's role in economic development for the region. Visit council's website for more information.

In this month's edition:


Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey

Announcing the next survey in the quarterly series of the Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Surveys, an online anonymous business survey series designed specifically for the entire Sunshine Coast.

By answering 8 quick questions about your business in the current climate, a snapshot of the region's business confidence can be created. Visit council's website for more details or complete survey.

Please also forward to your business colleagues and networks and ask if they too can participate.

Survey closes Wednesday 20 January.


Airport's name is officially Sunshine Coast Airport

Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Sunshine Coast Airport welcome the news that the airport’s name will be permanently changed and recognised by the aviation industry as Sunshine Coast.

This now completes a ten year process when the airport's name was last changed from Maroochydore Airport to Maroochydore/Sunshine Coast Airport.

A recent study identified that Sunshine Coast Airport contributed $469.3 million in direct expenditure to the regional economy in 2008/09, proving the airport is a valuable asset of the entire Sunshine Coast.

CASA Office of Airspace Regulation has authorised the name change and determined the effective date to be 3 June 2010.

Visit council website for more information.


Sunshine Coast Food Show

The first Sunshine Coast Food Show with the theme of "infusing local flavours" will take place on 21 February 2010 at Novotel Twin Waters Resort.  Entry tickets are $49 for adults and $25 for children. Further details and ticketing information can be found on Novotel Twin Waters Resort website or contacting (07) 5450 9537 or h1644@accor.com

A Gala dinner featuring a six course menu created by George Calombaris will be held on the 20 February at Lily's on the Lagoon restaurant.  Tickets are $195 per person and available online.

Council through its Rural Action Plan is supporting the event to showcase the regions food and beverages by providing access for producers to show their products, and to allow guests and industry representatives another opportunity to taste the wide variety of local produce.


Considering starting a new business on the Sunshine Coast?

The Considering a Business seminar will provide an overview of the important factors to consider when buying a business or starting a business. Listen to industry experts discuss important issues to consider when starting a business.

At the end of the seminar you will be provided with a 'Research Workbook' that will assist you in making your decision to start a business.

Cost: FREE
Date: 09 February
Time: 9.30am-11.30am
Venue: The Department of Employment, Industry Development and Innovation, Sunshine Coast Centre. Level 2/12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya

To register, please ring 5437 1300 or email: sunshine.coast@dtrdi.qld.gov.au


TCF Small Business Program - Round 5 Open

Minister Carr has announced that Round 5 of the TCF Small Business Program will open for applications on 9 December 2009 and close on Friday 26 February 2010 at 5.00pm.

Grants are available for up to $50,000 for Textile, Clothing & Footwear businesses that;

- design for manufacture or manufacture
- employ fewer than 20 people
- have not received TCF Post 2005 SIP assistance

Full program information can be found on the AusIndustry website - TCF Small Business Program

Application workshops will be held nationally in the first week of February. Session times for Queensland will be;

Brisbane - Wednesday 3 February 2010 - 9.45am for 10am - AusIndustry Queensland State Office, Level 12, 100 Creek Street, Brisbane

Brisbane - Wednesday 3 February 2010 - 12.45pm for 1pm - AusIndustry Queensland State Office, Level 12, 100 Creek Street, Brisbane

Gold Coast - Thursday 4 February 2010 - 9.45am for 10am - Gold Coast Fashion Incubator, Bermuda Point, Corner of Lake Orr Drive and Bermuda Street, Varsity Lakes

Register now for your attendance at a workshop!


Enterprise Tuesday 2010

Inspired by a program of the same name at the University of Cambridge, Enterprise Tuesday presents a platform for successful entrepreneurs to inspire entrepreneurship in the local community.

This free monthly networking event held at the Innovation Centre is open to all.

Upcoming event details:

Presented by: TBA
Date: Tuesday 2 March 2010
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Where: Innovation Centre Business Accelerator Foyer
Cost: FREE
RSVP: enterprise@usc.edu.au 07 5450 2600

"Enterprise Tuesday is a great networking event that provides students, emerging entrepreneurs, start up founders and key employees with valuable tips and contacts to encourage them to take action on their innovative ideas."
Nigel Hall, Entrepreneur in Residence, Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast

For more information or to make a booking please visit Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast website.


Export Smart Workshops on the Sunshine Coast

Trade Queensland offers professional development workshops and master classes throughout the year. One of the regular programs 'Getting Export Smart' is offering workshops here on the Sunshine Coast.

Today, across the globe, businesses are facing unprecedented and extraordinary economic circumstances. In tough times exporting might be the right way for your business to reach new markets and to take advantage of global opportunities.

Getting Export Smart is a practical hands-on export training initiative designed to help Queensland-based companies take up the export challenge in overseas markets.

Sunshine Coast export diary:

4 March 2010
Getting Export Smart Workshop 1 - Preparing for Export

18 March 2010
Getting Export Smart Workshop 2 - Export Marketing

15 April 2010
Getting Export Smart Workshop 3 - Getting It There & Getting Paid

29 April 2010
Getting Export Smart Workshop 4 - e-Business for Export 

Experienced industry and government international export advisors facilitate the workshop series. For more detailed information, visit Export seminars-workshops website.



Thank you for taking the time to read our eNewsletter. We would appreciate any feedback you may have. Please email us at
economicdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

 

 

 

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