To say that the next few months will be busy is an understatement. There is ALOT going on in our regions – from a plethora of events, workshops, capability building sessions and even a BOWLS tournament plus so much more.
We’re also delighted to share that due to the great feedback from our first Grow National workshop – we’ll be running the workshop again in August.
We also look forward to sharing an update on all things FAN and Turbine at an upcoming Industry networking event. Full details on all events below.
We hoped everyone had a great and somewhat dry Easter – and look forward to seeing you at a FAN event soon.
Cheers,
Nicole McNaughton
FAN CEO
Table of Contents
FAN Events
Grow National
Participants at FAN’s inaugural Seed to Sprout Workshop
Peachester Fresh | Woolooga Farm Kitchen | BOSS Aust | Little White Goat Cheese | Hum Honey | Joyous Jams | The Chilli Tribe | Cooee Coffee Co | Love Pepper Sauce | Oscar & Co Chocolates | Blue Dog Farm | ZestElement | Temple of Juniper | Hinterland Homestead | Noosa Black Garlic | Localfoodsunshinecoas
FAN’s inaugural Grow National “Seed to Sprout” workshop was held on Tuesday 19th March at UniSC. This was a day where passion for food and business converged, resulting in an unforgettable experience of growth, learning, and connection!
Morning Sessions: Mastering the Essentials
The day kicked off with a deep dive into the essentials of food safety and business strategy. Our attendees had the unique opportunity to learn from industry experts who shared their knowledge and insights, setting a solid foundation for success.
Afternoon Adventures: Unlocking Sales and Online Marketing Secrets
As the day progressed, the focus shifted to sales success and the intricacies of online marketing. These sessions were all about unlocking the secrets that turn a good food business into a great one. Participants left armed with strategies to navigate the digital world and make their mark in the competitive food industry.
Proudly supported by the Advance Queensland Accelerating Female Founders Program, Turbine & SRJ Walker Wayland – Sunshine Coast | Sunshine Coast Council | Noosa Council | City of Moreton Bay | Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast
Did you miss out on the Seed to Sprout workshop? FANtastic news – we are holding the same workshop AGAIN in August! See below;
Join us for the “Seed to Sprout” one-day workshop on Tuesday, 13th August, an essential event for food entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in the industry. Held at UniSC, this workshop is divided into two insightful sessions. Click here for more information on FAN’s Grow National Program.
Grow National is supported by funding from the Advance Queensland Accelerating Female Founders Program and Turbine. Grow National is also supported by SRJ Walker Wayland, Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Out & About
Sunshine Pantry
About the Queensland Sunshine Pantry campaign
FAN in partnership with Visit Sunshine Coast recently launched the exciting new Queensland Sunshine Pantry campaign
Commencing in earnest in February 2024, VSC will amplify the campaign nation wide via online video, social media, digital display, and on Visit Sunshine Coast’s website, EDM and social media channels. Follow #qldsunshinepantry.
Get Involved
- As a valued member of the food, drink & agritourism industry, VSC have developed a toolkit will that help leverage your involvement in the campaign. In this tool kit you’ll find the Industry Brand Stamp, usage guidelines, key messaging and more. Remember to tag #qldsunshinepantry #FAN #VisitSunshineCoast on any social posts. Download the toolkit here.
- Further producers, makers and agritourism experiences will be profiled through VSC content in 2024.
- For our producers who don’t have an agritourism experience / offering – we’ll be featuring them in the ‘What’s in our Pantry’ section on the updated Sunshine Coast Regional Food Directory, coming in 2024.
- Pop up Pantries will be activated at upcoming food industry, consumer and trade events – with details shared in early 2024.
Would like to be featured? Make sure your experience or offering is listed on ATDW or email us for more information on how to be involved.
Industry Development in 2024
This campaign will be supported by ongoing industry development in 2024 including;
- Agritourism Mentoring Panel
- Advanced Agritourism Workshop – 20 February
- Ongoing topic specific workshops – stay tuned
- Updated resource page – view here
Submit your EOI here for the mentoring panel and workshop
With thanks to…
The Queensland Government and our partners, members and wider industry for their collaboration on this exciting new campaign.
For questions or more information please don’t hesitate to contact us at members@foodagribusiness.
Upcoming Grants
Tap into global markets with the New Market Program by Trade and Investment Queensland. Offering up to $25,000 in matched funding for businesses exploring overseas expansion, the program supports market research, promotions, and more. Applications open 25 March 2024.
Advance Queensland – Ignite Ideas Fund – Aims to commercialise highly innovative and new products or services that are at minimum viable product stage or beyond. More info here. Close 8 April 2024
Advance Queensland – Ignite Spark Program the program spans across six months in the form of workshop sprints every five weeks. The courses are held in a hybrid format, consisting of online industry panels and masterclasses, together with in-person events and producer tours. More info here. Close 22 April 2024
Growing Future Tourism Program – this program aims to enable and leverage private sector investment for the development and delivery of new and enhanced tourism-related projects in the priority areas of coastal and marine tourism, heritage and cultural tourism, and ecotourism and sustainability. Info here. Closes 29 April 2024
Queensland Jobs Fund – Industry Partnership Program – This program aims to realise business, supply chain, economic and Queensland industry ecosystem impacts across the priority areas to enhance and grow industry, including employment, by expanding the existing industry footprint and developing emerging industries. Info here. Ongoing
Female Founders Co-Investment Fund – Supports eligible innovation driven enterprises (IDEs) founded and led by women to secure new early-stage investment through a capital raise, and will: support Queensland-based female founders to close early-stage investment rounds leveraging Government backing; support Queensland female founders to grow innovative businesses across a wide range of industries; increase the number of female founders participating in the Queensland innovation ecosystem.
Funding & Support: $50,000 to $200,000 matched at a 1:3 ratio for a raise round led by an eligible investment entity. The organisation must secure a minimum of $150,000 in external investment to be eligible to receive a minimum of $50,000 in grant funding. More information here. Ongoing.
Sunshine Coast Council has partnered with GrantGuru to assist community and business groups, along with local businesses, to find grants and funding opportunities. This free Funding Finder allows you to search for available grants to help grow your business or project. Visit the Sunshine Coast Funding Finder HERE.
Thanks to the Successful Grants team who have provided the above information. Please contact the team if you would like to chat about how they can support you.
Member Resources & Opportunities
Exciting news for FAN members! We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with the City of Moreton Bay’s latest initiative, the Moreton Money Gift Card Program, along with six local Chambers of Commerce across Moreton Bay.
This collaboration underscores our commitment to boosting the local economy and strengthening community ties. It centres on inspiring the community to shop locally. By participating, your business becomes an integral part of an initiative that keeps money circulating within our region, bolstering local commerce and nurturing a sustainable economic landscape.
In the coming weeks, you can expect detailed information on how your business can get involved, joining the hundreds of businesses already thriving across Moreton Bay. Learn about the benefits and how to express your interest in becoming a part of this transformative program.
Stay tuned for our informative webinar in the coming weeks that will provide insights into the program and guide you through the easy sign-up process.
For more information, visit: https://www.
Thursday 11 April -this is a full-day event happening at City Hall being delivered by Rob Tomlinson from Incremental Improvements. The purpose of the workshop is to help businesses improve their quality, environment and OH&S management systems to meet expectations of top tier companies engaged in large government contracts and beyond. Cost: $99
Be a Part of Shaping Gympie Region’s Economic Future! Do you have 5 minutes to complete the survey and help shape Gympie’s economic strategy for 2024-2029. Your input is crucial! Complete the survey here. Closes 5th April
Multicultural Jobs Fair and Business Expo on the Sunshine Coast! This event provides a platform for businesses and industries to connect with skilled workers, as well as offering opportunities for our multicultural communities to showcase their talents and meet potential employers. Don’t miss this chance to network and discover new business opportunities while enjoying amazing food and entertainment. 25 May 2pm-6pm. More info & register here.
Register for this FREE webinar, delivered by Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Council, to learn more about the GreenPower benefits for your business. GreenPower is an independent government accredited scheme that guarantees renewable electricity is sourced from Australian energy generators and provided to you through your retail electricity contract. More info & register here.
FAN has received a request from Saba Sinai PhD with CQUniversity who is investigating the strategies that primary producers use to rebuild and recover after disasters such as floods, fires, droughts and disease outbreaks. This research aims to explore disaster resilience in Australian agriculture. Please see more info and survey here.
Tiaro field Day 13th July 9am-3pm. Opportunity for vendors at the Tiaro Field Day – Vendor Bookings here.
Facebook page.
General email: [email protected]
Vendor email: [email protected]
Partner Article
This article from KBI underscores the importance of cyber insurance for the food and agribusiness sector’s resilience against cyber threats. It emphasises the role of cyber insurance in managing financial and reputational risks amidst challenges of digitalisation. Read more from the KBI team here.. Read more from the KBI team here.
Member News
Great news from FAN member, Fisheries on the Spit in Mooloolaba, who took home the top prize for Take-Away Fish and Chips at the QLD Seafood Industry Awards 2024. This victory highlights their commitment to quality and innovation, earning them a spot in the national finals in Tasmania this September.
When the producers of Food Star approached FAN last year – looking for connections with innovative, passionate and entertaining producers – we happily suggested Karen Little White Goat Cheese (and some more members of course!). So now the secret is out – we’re thrilled to see this air!!! We are absolutely delighted for Karen – sharing her passion / product with the world! Tune in here!
Candice Kiss’ cafes Annie Lane on Bribie Island and Gather and Feast in Caboolture, are finalists for the esteemed Australian Small Business Champion Awards 2024! This follows last year’s win at the Australian Women’s Business Awards. Candice’s cafes have become beloved local spots by embracing everything brunch. Congratulations Candice and teams!
FAN is quite humbled to be named as a finalist in the inaugural HIVE awards, together with Liberty Loves Australia (ZestElement) in the GAMECHANGER Category which recognises companies that embody new ideas, innovations, and practices for the benefit of future food systems.
Congratulations also to East Forged who were named a finalist in the BEST PROCESSING AWARD which recognises the best project displaying a product or process innovation and/or application and to Sprout Organic for being named a finalist in the BEST INGREDIENT AWARD which recognises the best development and/or application of an ingredient for use in a food or beverage product.
Our Supporters
Special thanks to FAN’s Partners and Sponsors who provide significant resources towards the ongoing sustainability of FAN and the growth and resilience of our regions’ food and agribusiness industry.
