Annual Report 2021-22

                                                                                  2021 - 22 Annual Report



• Building
  	        on the momentum of this tour, economic development and Stockwell staff have started
  fortnightly project meetings to advance a marketing plan, government and funding partnerships,
  and innovation industry lead generation.
Noosa Business Roundtable
•	The Noosa Business Roundtable is convened by
   Noosa Council and comprises of representation from
   local business groups and government agencies,
   including local (Precinct and Industry) Associations,
   Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Noosa and State
   and Federal Government departments.
• Originally
  	         brought together in response to the
  COVID-19 crisis, the Roundtable has evolved into
  a proactive and strategic business forum that provides information and guidance to help shape
  a range of Council’s strategies, policies, and activities. A new charter reflecting this has been
  developed for this forum. The Roundtable meet every 6-8 weeks and is chaired by the Director of
  Environment & Sustainable
Development. Current initiatives targeting labour shortages in the region supported by Council include:
  o Adopt a Worker Pilot Program – Noosa Chamber of Commerce $30,000
  o Employment Portal – Tourism Noosa $60,000
Business Support Panel
• Originally
  	         developed to assist businesses through the COVID pandemic, the Panel has evolved
  into a general business support program across a range of specialities. Initial activities supported
  included:
  o 	Respond Global to support businesses with COVID 19 Webinar, Information Sheets, and supply
      of RAT tests
  o Business Mentors Noosa
  o Buy Local Sunshine Coast promotion
• For
  	 this financial year, the entire value of this program amounted to $29,794, including $7,000 to
  support Buy Local.
Communications
• Council increased its communications with the wider business community including:
  o Monthly business e-newsletter with 1500 subscribers
  o Noosa Connects Facebook page – 500 followers
  o Dedicated Business pages on Council website https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/business/home
• In response to the launch of the new Economic Development Strategy, the business unit changed the
  look and feel of its marketing collateral and developed a toolkit of assets for internal marketing use.
• Council also invested in a comprehensive business photoshoot to upgrade its image stock and
  developed a new promotional video.

Economic Development Funding Awards
• Sunshine Coast Business Awards                      $15,000
• Sunshine Coast Showdown                             $15,000
• Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF)                $5,000
• Noosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry              $30,000 (Grant)
• Generation Innovation Grants                        $3,750 (over two intakes)
• Sunshine Coast Screen Collective                    Under Review
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