Small businesses get the chance to Meet the Buyers

Small businesses owners will take the spotlight when over $760 million worth of the region’s largest construction projects are represented at Cairns Meet the Buyer next month.

About 100 local small business owners will get in front of large organisations at the annual event on Wednesday 1 May to mark the start of Small Business Month.

The event will host construction companies working on the Cairns Tropical Enterprise Centre, HMAS Cairns upgrades, Cairns Hospital Expansion and Cairns Water Security Stage 1 Project.

Cairns Regional Council and the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training have partnered to provide the opportunity for small and family-owned businesses to pitch their goods and services to big buyers.

Limited spots remain available for small business owners to register for the chance to connect one-on-one with large buyers from the public and private sector.

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the annual Meet the Buyer event helps small businesses put themselves in front of large buyers and builds their confidence when doing so.

“We are connecting small businesses with some of the biggest buyers in the Cairns economy,” she said.

“Cairns has more than 14,600 registered small businesses which support jobs and help our local economy prosper.

“As a member of the Small Business Friendly Program, we believe small businesses are the lifeblood of the local community.”

Cairns Meet the Buyer 2024 is an opportunity for small businesses to connect with large, local organisations across numerous sectors who regularly buy goods and services.

Buyers will get the opportunity to give local business owners updates on upcoming projects and how best to work with them.

Last financial year, Council contributed 4% to the Cairns Gross Regional Product and directly supported 3,578 local jobs with a total of $339 million, or 87% Council’s total expenditure, spent at Cairns businesses.

The event is presented by the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and Cairns Regional Council as part of Queensland Small Business Month.

Cairns Meet the Buyer 2024

Small and family businesses are invited to register for this free event. Spaces are limited.

Please RSVP by Friday 26 April.

Where: Civic Reception Room, Cairns Regional Council

Arrive at 3.30pm with networking in the Business Expo for a 4pm start, finishing about 6:30pm. By attending the event, small business owners will be able to:

• Identify tender opportunities
• Understand local procurement needs
• Increase their business exposure
• Grow their network
• Secure new contracts

*Average of 3-5 appointments per small business with a large buyer.