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2026

Recent business support initiatives

Meet the Buyer

In May 2026, Meet the Buyer connected Cairns’ small and family-owned businesses with major buyers, creating a valuable platform gain insight into procurement priorities and explore tender opportunities.

Delivered as part of the Queensland Government’s Cairns Small Business Expo in 2026 during Queensland Small Business Month, the event generated over 220 one-on-one meetings between local suppliers and decision-makers.

Council thanks the valued buyers and local businesses who participated, including:

Austal Ships Pty Ltd, Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service, Cairns Regional Council – Facilities & Fleet, Cairns Regional Council – Project Management Office, Georgiou Koppen Joint Venture, Hansen Yuncken, James Cook University, Powerlink, QBuild, RoadTek North – Cairns, and Screen Queensland.

Delivered in partnership with the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Meet the Buyer continues to strengthen connections between local businesses and major projects across the region.

Indigenous Business Month - October 2025

The Indigenous Small Business Connect Event in Cairns in October 2025 was celebrated during Indigenous Business Month, guided by the theme “Strength through Collaboration”.
The event brought together entrepreneurs and businesses, exhibitors, supporters and buyers to network and strengthen opportunities for Indigenous businesses. A part of the event was Blak Business Yarns: a panel discussion where local Indigenous business leaders shared their experiences and insights.

The initiative was delivered in partnership with the Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism, the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Cairns Chamber of Commerce, the Department of State Development, the Department of Infrastructure and the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.