Doing business in Cairns

Information and advice is critical in the early stages of starting or expanding a business. Council can help you to find the right information, networks and support, and locate the resources you need to navigate the requirements and paperwork of the different levels of government.

Small Business Friendly Council

We are a Small Business Friendly Council. In 2021, we signed the Small Business Friendly Charter, formally committing to initiatives to support small business, including better communication and engagement, more promotion and development, and importantly, cutting red tape.

We like to keep our contracts and procurement local. Council is a major contributor to the Cairns economy, generating a range of economic benefits for the region through employment and expenditure on goods and services. Council’s total expenditure for 2021/22 financial year was $383 Million, with 88% ($338M) being spent local.

Of the remaining 12% there was no local option for 5%, non-local suppliers were used for 4% and the remaining 3% is attributable to government expenditure.

Tender for work with us


Getting started

Business Launchpad for hospitality and construction

New hospitality and construction businesses in Cairns can access the online one-stop-shop service Business Launchpad, provided by the Queensland Government, to help them locate and complete the right paperwork to get started.

Go to Business Launchpad


Support to grow

  • Queensland Government Business Portal provides information, support and tools for Queensland business owners and industry sectors.
  • business.gov.au is the Australian Government's online business portal offering 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.
  • Advance Queensland helps entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers turn their ideas into commercial success.
  • The Entrepreneurs' Programme is the Australian Government’s flagship initiative for business competitiveness and productivity.

We love sustainable businesses

Council has comprehensive resources to help you make your business more sustainable. Find out how to increase your recycling, decrease your emissions and more.

Sustainability in business


Local business networks, industry resources & support

Last Updated: 10 August 2023

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