Doing business in Cairns

• ABN Registration: Learn how to register your Australian Business Number (ABN) through the Australian Government Business Registration Service.
• Permits and Licences: Find the forms, permits, and licences you need with the Australian Business and Licence Information Service.
• Business Launchpad: Access the Queensland Government Business Launchpad for tailored advice on licences, permits, and regulations specific to your business.

• Workshops & industry events: Stay updated on business workshops, networking events, and training opportunities in Cairns by subscribing to the Council’s business newsletter.
• Business Queensland Events Calendar: Access a full calendar of business events, workshops, and training programs.

Connect with the local Business Community

Cairns is home to a vibrant business network, offering various groups and organisations to help grow your business. Here are some of the key local resources:

• Advance Cairns is an independent, non-government organisation driving advocacy and economic development for Far North Queensland. Funded by business members, it works towards long-term regional growth and practical outcomes.
• Babinda District Community Association Inc (trading as Babinda Taskforce) collaborates with government organisations, agencies, community groups, and local businesses to provide support to the Babinda region.
• Black Business Finder (BBF) is an online database created to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses with opportunities to engage in and benefit from the rapidly growing major project programs across Queensland.
• Cairns Business Women's Club supports and connects women in the business community, offering leadership, networking opportunities, and celebrating achievements through an annual awards ceremony.
• Cairns Chamber of Commerce helps local businesses stay informed, connected, and engaged in the community. Membership provides access to networking events, advocacy, and tools to grow and succeed.
• Cairns Manufacturing Hub supports local manufacturers through training, collaboration, and innovation. Focusing on industries like marine, aviation, and food, the hub helps businesses improve and grow.
• Cairns Young Chamber empowers emerging leaders and young professionals across Far North Queensland. It fosters connections, encourages collaboration, and promotes future-focused regional development.
• ecoBiz is Business Chamber Queensland's is a free sustainability program by Business Chamber Queensland and the Queensland Government. It helps businesses cut costs by reducing energy use, water consumption, and waste.
• Gordonvale District Chamber of Commerce is a local business network promoting Gordonvale’s economy and lifestyle. It aims to attract visitors, support local enterprise, and grow community pride.
• Indigenous Business Australia (IBA) helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people build financial independence through business support. It offers funding, mentoring, and tools for growth.
• Launch Y(E)P supports startups in Tropical North Queensland with mentoring, training, and business connections. It partners with government and industry to empower impactful entrepreneurs.
• Many Rivers provides practical support to individuals wanting to start or grow small businesses. The organisation focuses on financial inclusion and community economic development.
• North Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is a federally funded organisation improving primary healthcare services. It works to ensure people across the region live healthier and longer lives.
• Regional Development Australia Tropical North drives economic development through leadership, infrastructure planning, and industry support. It helps strengthen Far North Queensland’s regional economy.
• Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) with My Pathway supports aspiring business owners with mentoring, training, and resources. The program offers flexible help to launch or strengthen small enterprises.
• Study Cairns is a network of education providers and supporters promoting international education in the Cairns region. It showcases the area as a quality destination for global students.
• Superyacht Group Great Barrier Reef promotes the region as a premier superyacht destination. Covering Cairns to the Torres Strait, it supports cruising, maintenance, and training services.
• Supply Nation provides Australia’s leading database of verified First Peoples businesses, enabling users to search by business name, product, service, category or location.
• Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) is the regional tourism organisation promoting Tropical North Queensland worldwide. It markets destinations like Cairns, Port Douglas, and Cape York.
• Tradelinked Cairns-PNG-Pacific fosters strong economic and social ties between Cairns and Papua New Guinea. It supports trade, investment, and workforce movement across the Pacific region.