Gold Coast City - open for business The business and industry engagement team is part of the City of Gold Coast’s Economic Development branch. The team proactively works to develop a sustainable Gold Coast economy, strengthening our city’s business capabilities through business engagement and industry development initiatives.
Contact one of our team for more information: Principal Business Development Officer (Central Gold Coast) Ivanka Kovac 5581 7543 ikovac@goldcoast.qld.gov.au Business Development Officer (Southern Gold Coast) Max Poznanovich 5581 7523 mpoznonovich@goldcoast.qld.gov.au Business Development Officer (Northern Gold Coast) Suzette Sutton 5581 7473 ssutton@goldcoast.qld.gov.au
businessgoldcoast.com.au
Supporting business Our team focuses on supporting the city’s businesses with the potential for growth. We engage through one-on-one meetings and proactively manage and deliver specific business development programs. Growth potential criteria includes: •• established Gold Coast business (more than 1 year) •• focussed on business growth and/or research and development or innovation growth •• a capacity to expand into markets beyond Gold Coast city •• financial viability •• operating in key industry sectors.
Our programs Export and Global Readiness 1. Export Introduction Forum - held bi-monthly, designed as an introduction to export. Partnering with Australian Institute of Export the forums are open to all Gold Coast businesses who are new or are existing exporters. 2. Export Masterclasses - designed for new or existing exporters who are looking to refine their existing export strategy or gain insight into aspects of developing a new export strategy. Gold Coast businesses can participate in all topics or attend individual classes as required. 3. Coaching for Export - provides specialised group or one-on-one export coaching sessions to assist with the development of an export strategy.
Supporting local business
Export Assistant Scheme This provides financial support to our city’s businesses who are export ready, have an export strategy and have identified international markets for their products and services.
International Trade and Investment Program This includes a range of inbound and outbound activities designed to help local businesses generate export sales and in turn expand the city’s economy and workforce. Each trade mission is coordinated and supported by a range of local and overseas contacts, including Austrade, Trade Queenlsand and our city’s international connections.
Digital Enterprise Program This program provides training to assist small and medium enterprises and not for profit organisations to learn how to maximise business opportunities through greater digital engagement. This includes improving online presence, cloud computing, online communications, teleworking, cyber privacy and security.
•• assisting businesses to develop capacity to secure resource sector supply contracts •• establishing the Gold Coast as a FIFO hub. www.resourcelinkgc.com.au
TradeStart TradeStart is an Australian Government initiative that delivers Austrade services through local public sector and industry organisations throughout Australia. Our city’s TradeStart adviser is ready to support existing exporters by: •• providing practical advice on doing business in international markets •• assisting with international market selection •• providing assistance and advice with international market entry and strategy •• identifying relevant international contacts •• delivering and following specific international business opportunities. dawilson@goldcoast.qld.gov.au austrade.gov.au
Resource Link GC In June 2012, the Fly-in/Fly-out (FIFO) Gold Coast project was initiated in order to further diversify the Gold Coast economy by leveraging opportunities in the mining and resource sector. Services include: •• assisting jobseekers access mining and resource sector jobs •• facilitating skills recognition and gap training to enable employment in higher level resource sector jobs
Key inclusions are: •• contracts worth up to $15,000 will be awarded directly to local businesses
City of Gold Coast procurement policy
•• quotes for contracts less than $200,000 will be sought from three local businesses in the first instance
Council’s new ‘buy local’ procurement policy supports local competitive business
•• contracts worth up to $200,000 will include a 15% weighting apportioned on a sliding scale to local, regional, intrastate and overseas suppliers
•• contracts worth up to $300,000 annually will allow for up to a 15% price advantage to local companies •• Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards winners will receive a 2% weighting.
Useful resources AusIndustry AusIndustry provides incentives to help Australian businesses to conduct research and development; grow small business; take up new technology; undertake industry-specific manufacturing and production; and commercialise a new technology or venture. AusIndustry offers both entitlement and concession programs. ausindustry.gov.au
Manufacturing Microscope Program This is a confidential one-on-one program that works with business to benchmark performance and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. The program includes: •• principles of standards such as ISO 9000 and 14000, EFQM, lean manufacturing and service excellence models •• assessment and measurement using world class standards for improving effectiveness and efficiency
Enterprise Connect Enterprise Connect is an Australian Government initiative backed by industry that offers comprehensive advice and support to eligible Australian small and medium businesses. Services include the confidential Business Review, delivered at no charge, and the Tailored Advisory Service which helps businesses engage a consultant to assist in implementing recommendations flowing from the Business Review. enterpriseconnect.gov.au
•• highly respected tools used as a standard for benchmarking and improvement by industry and trade groups worldwide. adrian.dawson@dsdip.qld.gov.au
Tendering for Government
Austrade – EMDG
These workshops are designed for existing and potential suppliers of government departments and agencies on how to tender for government business. The four hour workshops run for a fee of $47 and include information to help you:
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) scheme is a key Australian Government financial assistance program for aspiring and current exporters. Administered by Austrade, the scheme supports a wide range of industry sectors and products, including inbound tourism and the export of intellectual property and know-how outside Australia.
•• maximise your chances of winning new business when applying for government funded projects •• prepare and submit a conforming tender.
austrade.gov.au
Mentoring for Growth This is a monthly mentoring program delivered by the Queensland Government with the support of business experts and professionals from the private sector. The program assists enterprises that are in growth mode by providing access to a panel of business mentors who can help address commercial challenges. business.qld.gov.au/mentoring m4g@dtesb.qld.gov.au
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business.qld.gov.au/workshops
“The City of Gold Coast has supported Superior Jetties in our export endeavours over many years. This included assistance for visiting buyer missions, assistance with foreign trade shows and ensuring that the professionalism of Australian suppliers is verified by a governing body. These activities assist us to open doors with new markets by providing confidence to potential customers”. John Hogan - Superior Jetties
Thanks so much for o rganising such a useful and resourceful event. It was the best export program that I have been to. The speaker you provided was really outstanding providing excellent content, amazing industry knowledge, practical examples and invaluable resource links and contacts on all the essentials for exporting. Alison Atia - Skin02
Useful resources The Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards The Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards commenced in 1996 and over the past eighteen years, the awards have grown to be recognised as the regions most comprehensive and prestigious awards scheme. The awards seek to contribute to the self-image and identity of Gold Coast business and to foster pride in this business community. The Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards entries are due on 1st of each month from May to October inclusive. Each category is awarded every month. Major awards are then presented at a black tie ball at Jupiters Hotel and Casino on 30 November. goldcoastbusinessawards.com.au
Small Business Solutions Small Business Solutions is a Queensland Government initiative designed to enhance the business skills, profitability and growth of small businesses across Queensland. The service incorporates one-on-one business mentoring and formal skills recognition for business owners in their workplace at a time to suit them. smallbusinesssolutions.qld.gov.au
Business.gov.au Offers you simple and convenient access to all the government information, forms and services you need. It’s a whole-of-government service providing essential information on planning, starting and growing your business. business.gov.au
Queensland Government Business and Industry Portal Information, support and tools for Queensland business owners. business.qld.gov.au
CCIQ CCIQ are your essential business partner. Their services ensure you have a voice to enact change in all levels of Government and have the information and advice your business needs to maintain compliance, increase productivity and succeed. With almost 150 years of experience in taking care of business, they know how to look after the things that would otherwise stop you from getting on with the job. cciq.com.au