THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW · Attachment 1 Review of Noosa Council Economic Development Grants Program

         Council’s Economic Development Strategy and team are the key drivers of this program. They
         facilitate the management, actions and deliverables with outcomes focused on future planning
         for and investment in a vibrant and sustainable local economy.


iii.     Alternatives to a Grant Program
         Should Council choose not to fund an Economic Development Grants Program, the following
         initiatives, supported by other LGA’s may provide a suitable alternative:

         Noosa Business and Industry Expo
         Funded by Noosa Council and managed by Council's ED Team, the Noosa Business and Industry
         Expo runs annually around mid-year in support of showcasing all Noosa Businesses across all
         Industry Sectors.
         The Expo is held in partnership between Council and local Chambers of Commerce, Business
         Groups, and Industry Sector Associations.
         A two day (Friday – Saturday) major event attracting businesses and industry to showcase their
         products and services. Sales are not permitted at the Expo, rather a referral point for consumer
         interaction. Showcase presentations by businesses and industry are delivered throughout the
         Expo.
          The Noosa Business and Industry Expo could potentially be linked to the Noosa Biosphere
         Summit, showcasing Noosa’s Business and Industry capabilities as part of a “Smart Biosphere”
         approach to economic development.

         Leverage of Queensland Small Business Month
         The Queensland State Government, Business Queensland hosts Queensland Small Business
         Month annually in May of each year. The opportunity is for Council's ED Team to apply for state
         funding to participate in Queensland Small Business Month and, as part of its commitment to its
         Small Business Charter.
         An event program is developed and planned with participation of all incorporated business
         associations and groups to jointly deliver a program of events in Noosa celebrating the
         development of the Noosa Business Community.
         The Noosa Small Business month could potentially be linked to the Noosa Biosphere Summit,
         showcasing Noosa’s Business and Industry capabilities as part of its “Smart Biosphere” approach
         to economic development.
                 Events could include:
                 - Economic - Local, State, National, International Economic Conditions
                 - Women in Business
                 - Digital Economy / Advanced Technologies / Artificial Intelligence
                 - Food and Agri-Business
                 - Noosa Industry Sector Expo (see below)
                 - Labour Attraction / Skills Development / Training / Youth Deployment
                 - Business Mentoring




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