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2026

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Recent business support initiatives

Indigenous Business Month - October 2026

More than 130 people participated in Cairns' flagship Indigenous Business Month event on 22 October, 2026, bringing together First People's Businesses, buyers, exhibitors, business support organisations, government representatives, and community partners.

The day commenced with a Sip and Yarn networking session hosted by Harbrow Mentoring, providing an opportunity for attendees to build meaningful connections before the main program of the day, featuring presentations and discussions designed to strengthen business capability, share practical insights and support future growth opportunities.

Guests learned about pitching to buyers and producing capability statements, financial fundamentals, digital tools and AI, procurement opportunities, and business growth and development.

Delivered in partnership by the Queensland Government, Cairns Regional Council, Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Harbrow Mentoring.

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.