Meet the Buyer: Connecting small business with big opportunities

• Small businesses pitch to major buyers
• Key infrastructure projects seeking local suppliers
• Event is part of Queensland Small Business Month

A major annual initiative to connect local small businesses with large organisations returns to Cairns on Thursday 29 May.

The Meet the Buyer event, held during Queensland Small Business Month, offers about 100 small business owners the chance to present their goods and services to large public and private sector buyers.

The event will host construction companies working on some of Cairns’ biggest projects, including the Cairns Hospital expansion, and upgrades to HMAS Cairns and the Cairns Marine Precinct.

High-value networking opportunity

Presented by the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, in partnership with Cairns Regional Council, the event facilitates one-on-one meetings between small businesses and major buyers across various sectors.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the event helps local operators grow their confidence and access larger markets.

“Small business is the backbone of our economy and that is why we are proud to be part of the Small Business Friendly Program,” Mayor Eden said.

“This event is about connecting small businesses with some of the biggest buyers in the Cairns economy.

"Cairns has more than 14,500 registered small businesses, representing 97% of all businesses in our region. These small businesses contribute $11.5 billion to the city’s economy, supporting jobs and helping our local community prosper.”

Council commitment to local spending

Last financial year, Council contributed 4.3% to the Cairns Gross Regional Product and supported nearly 3,900 local jobs with a total of $384 million, or 88%, of Council’s total expenditure, spent at Cairns businesses.

Register now

Spots are limited. Small business owners can register now via Eventbrite.