Redlands Coast business owners and operators are invited to take advantage of a series of free workshops being held throughout May as part of Queensland Small Business Month.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said Redland City Council had partnered with local chambers of commerce to offer a session on the mainland and two on the islands.
“These partnerships have also allowed these workshops to be delivered free to all local small business operators and owners right across Redlands Coast,” she said.
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“I’m very pleased to see two workshops being taken to the islands, as these communities and the services they offer play a critical role in the health of our local economy.
“At the mainland workshop, the focus will be on getting businesses ‘future ready’ and looking at how artificial intelligence (AI) can be harnessed by businesses to enhance productivity.
“The workshops on the islands will be themed around ‘local buy’ opportunities, offering businesses a chance to learn more about how to become a government supplier.
“There will also be an opportunity to meet Council’s economic development team at this event, while on the mainland the session will feature guests from the Queensland AI Consortium and Regional Business HQ.”
The workshops will be held at the Alexandra Hills Hotel on 15 May, North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) on 21 May and Russell Island on 23 May.
Venues for the island sessions will be confirmed in coming days, with event times to be published on the Council website.
The Mayor said small business month was also an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of the small business community on Redlands Coast.
“Council recognises that small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, with the sector providing jobs for locals and attracting investment into our city,” she said.
“Of the more than 14,850 active businesses on Redlands Coast as of January 2025, the majority were small businesses employing less than 20 staff.
“The sector is also a significant contributor to the city’s gross regional product, which is currently estimated to be about $7.4 billion.
“These businesses come from a wide range of sectors and are positioned in all corners of our city, from the Point Lookout headland across to the industrial parks of Capalaba.
“We want to help our small businesses grow into the future and capitalise on opportunities, because a strong local business community is a strong Redlands Coast.”
Council provides a range of support to local businesses in addition to helping deliver free workshops during small business month.
This includes hosting business support outreach every fortnight at Victoria Point and Cleveland libraries, offering a business concierge service, and facilitating networking events.
Council is a Small Business Friendly Council with a charter that affirms the organisation’s commitment to supporting and helping grow local business.
The small business month events are being held in conjunction with the following chambers of commerce:
- Redlands Coast Chamber of Commerce
- Southern Moreton Bay Islands Chamber of Commerce
- Straddie Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about the small business month workshops, visit Business workshops and events | Redland City Council.
