Your monthly FANmail update.

In our last FANmail we shared news of the appointment of our new Board of Directors and Chair. We're excited that these new appointments allow for a revisit and refresh of the overall vision and direction of FAN. In the coming weeks our Board, together with input from our members, will be undertaking strategic planning which will lay out a way forward for FAN. The strategic planning will be facilitated by Christine Stephenson, a valued FAN member with extensive global experience. Christine will be undertaking consultation with industry members - with input directly guiding FAN's future. We look forward to your ideas and feedback during this very important planning period for FAN.

Yours in collaboration
Emma Greenhatch

Export Masterclass
Is export on your horizon but you're just not sure how to get there? Already exporting and looking for tips to grow international sales? Then Export Connect’s masterclass is for you! The workshop is being delivered in partnership with RDA Sunshine Coast and Export Connect and is for anyone interested in exporting their food and beverage products, especially to the ASEAN region. Drawing upon the 120 export projects covering 20 markets that have been delivered for 80 clients since June 2017, Export Connect has created an export workshop rich in content and case studies to help new and experienced exporters succeed. The workshop will be delivered by Export Connect’s Director Najib Lawand, who brings over 25 years’ experience in food & agribusiness export and extensive knowledge and connections in the ASEAN region. For more information email info@foodagribusiness.org.au or READ MORE HERE.

FAN on the Road
With March already here - its been a busy couple of months already for the team. We've been on the road meeting with our members both informally and at our scheduled member meet-ups. Our first event in January - kindly hosted by Brent and the team at First Batch Coffee Roasters, brought together members from the Noosa region, who connected over some truly great coffee. February's meet-up saw us connect at Sandra's Lindols Macadamia Farm Cafe - a truly beautiful space serving tasty macadamia treats. As with all our meet-ups, the focus is on bringing together members to connect and share. These events wouldn't be possible without the support of member hosts and partners - which is greatly appreciated. There'll be an event every month across the Greater Sunshine Coast, and if you're interested in hosting one of these - please let us know. We look forward to seeing you at the event in March - kindly hosted by Sarah of Basilea Living Herbs.

FAN NEWS

Biggest year yet for FAN events

Last month we were pleased to release our 2020 Event Calander. The dates, types of events, location and timeframes are based on member and stakeholder feedback - and our aim is to ensure ample opportunities for our members to come together to connect, collaborate and grow. Download the calendar here!

FAN Connect coming soon
Our Business to Business (B2B) platform powered by Bizitize® is being fine-tuned and will be coming soon! This will be another way for FAN to help our members to connect and work together.
READ MORE HERE or for more info please contact Sam and Bec for a chat.

Showing the love

The response to the 2020 FAN Member badges has been nothing short of amazing. Requests and the sharing on socials has blown us away. Proudly displaying your FAN Member badge shows that you belong to a strong, engaged and supportive community. If you've not received your 2020 Badge - email our lovely Member Co-ordinator, Rebecca.

Save the date MTM20

Meet the Makers 2020 is on 15 June and it promises to be bigger, better (and thankfully cooler!). We're working on full logistics and details - but in the meantime, we need your help in shaping up the invite list. Let us know who should be invited to the Buying Component of the evening. Make your suggestions here.

RESOURCES & INFORMATION

FAN Member Facebook page
Our member page has been VERY active lately. It's a great place to connect with our FAN members or call out for information, contacts or help. No topic is too random - and there is always someone ready with assistance or an answer. Open to current financial FAN Members - click to join.

FAN grant writing service

Grants for 2020 are coming out thick and fast - and let's face it understanding what's out there that's suitable for your business is a time-consuming process. Discuss your eligibility and how to navigate this often complex process by chatting with J enny Lawson from Successful Grants. FAN Member discounts are on offer.

Naturally Good stand available
There is one stand left at the upcoming Naturally Good expo, showcasing everything health and wellness. The space is being offered to FAN members at a negotiated discounted rate, and is located opposite Unique Health and below the VIP Room and Networking Hub. Each stand comes with a lockable counter, signage at the front, a 4amp powerpoint and 2 shelves.
Email adele@foodagribusiness.org.au for details.

Gympie Region Investment and Innovation Program (GRIiP)
Gympie Council has launched a new program to provide support, information and opportunities for both people seeking to develop their business ideas and investors keen to be part of the growth and development of business and industry in the Gympie region. READ MORE.

One-stop shop for ag development and investment
The Queensland Government has delivered a one-stop service to build a sustainable, productive and profitable agriculture, fisheries and forestry industry. The one-stop service is a client management system for agriculture and related supply chain clients—from an enquiry at a field day to facilitating your development or investment projects. READ MORE HERE.

Global food and drink trends
Given the rapid pace of change as we enter a new decade, Mintel’s 2030 Global Food and Drink Trends carefully consider the likely shifts in consumer needs, product innovation, corporate actions, and society over the next 10 years, offering optimistic, yet pragmatic actions intended to help businesses adapt to the transformations ahead. DOWNLOAD HERE.

?Have information, events, resources or tips that might be useful to our network and industry
Please feel free to share. Email nicole@foodagribusiness.org.au.

OPEN EOIs AND OPPORTUNITIES

EnviroTech Day 2020
Gympie
EnviroTech Day Gympie aims to promote technologies which will help to make our community more sustainable across a range of economic sectors; Agriculture, Water, Energy, Transport, Education, Employment, Waste and Recycling. Stands for interested exhibitors are still available. FIND OUT MORE.

Queensland Small Business Month
Queensland Small Business Month - has been extended for the whole month of May. The QSBM 2020 Grant program is proving grants of up to $5,000 to eligible individuals and organisations to deliver events, projects and initiatives during QSBM 2020 that provide transformative impacts for small businesses. FIND OUT MORE.

Maleny Show 29 - 30 May
Special offer for FAN Members discount of $100 per stall (normal price $150).
With over 6,000 visitors expected over the 2 days, it's the Sunshine Coast Hinterland's premier Ag Show. FIND OUT MORE.

Tastes of Moreton Bay Festival
Tastes of Moreton Bay is a month-long program from 1st September until 30th September 2020 celebrating and showcasing local produce, as well as the operators, events and experiences throughout the region. EOIs for exhibitor stands are now open.
READ MORE.

FIAL announces 'Black Summer' fund
Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) has announced its Black Summer Innovation Fund - providing $500,000 to support innovation in Australian food and agribusinesses impacted by recent events. Businesses will be provided with up to $25,000, and the opportunity to partner with technical experts and researchers, to unlock commercially relevant innovation opportunities. READ MORE.

Coles nurture fund

Helps small to medium Australian producers, farmers and manufacturers to innovate and grow their business. This grant, up to $500,000, provides small and medium-sized businesses with a grant to help them develop new market-leading products, technologies and processes. READ MORE.

MEMBER NEWS

Woombye Cheese
A huge congratulations to Karen, Sandra and the team at award-winning Woombye Cheese Company - Woombye Ash Brie crowned Champion White Mould Australian Grand Dairy Awards. A fantastic result!

Noosa and Kawana Farmers Market local farmer launch
In a move that is sure to delight Noosa and Kawana Farmers Markets shoppers, Shane Stanley together with the local farmers he partners with, has introduced a new concept from this weekend under the “Local Farmers” brand. The initiative will allow customers to see at first hand the location of the farm where the food is grown, identify the farmer and confirm that the produce is organically certified.

Spare Harvest Top 500 FoodTech company
Congrats to Helen Andrew - her profit for purpose enterprise Spare Harvest has been recognised as one of the top 500 of global entrepreneurial talent at the intersection between food, technology and sustainability. Spare Harvest was number 230 on the list out of 1200 applications from 54 countries across 8 different categories of AgriFoodTech. READ MORE HERE.

Burma in Ya Belly cooking classes
Trish from Burma In Ya Belly has launched her first cooking series. Cook at the beautiful Meta Kitchen in Maroochydore starting on 21st March with classes scheduled till July. Why not get some friends together for a great day of Burmese culinary fun and flavour. DETAILS HERE.

Sunshine Coast Coffee Guild reusable swap cup
The Sunshine Coast Coffee Roasters Guild is about to embark on a 2-month study of reusable coffee cup swap systems. With the assistance of grant funding from the Sunshine Coast Council, and consultant Chad Buxton from Circular Communities, roasters will be trialling two cup swap systems in their cafes to compare and report back on their effectiveness in reducing disposable coffee cup usage. Cup swap systems are just that – instead of owning, cleaning, and remembering to bring your own reusable cup, you simply join one of the cup swap systems, then after using the cup, return it to a participating café and they will prepare your coffee in a clean cup. The café then washes and reuses the cup and the cycle continues. For more info contact Jo from Pioneer Coffee.

Mill Street Markets are back!
The ever-popular Mill Street Night Markets are back - hosted by James and Hayley from Mill Street Kitchen and Pantry. Enjoy street food from around the world, with cool live music and a great atmosphere. Support locals, embrace community and spend quality time with the family at Mill St Nambour.

Homemade Bliss dessert container
Your favourite vegan sugary treats are coming to NightQuarter - in the form of Faith's Homemade Bliss Dessert Container. Check out their new Insta account where you’ll see sneak peeks of their new desserts before they’re released, details of an epic new Dessert Challenge and all the sugary details for the opening night.

Have a great success story or recent news that needs to be shouted from the roof tops!
Email nicole@foodagribusiness.org.au.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FAN Partner
Behind the Scenes Tour

Sunshine Coast Airport
Thursday 12 March
9:00 am - 11:00am

Join us for a special tour "Behind the Scenes" of the Sunshine Coast Airport’s International Terminal, with updates provided by SCA Chief Executive Andrew Brodie. Proudly supported by our partner Sunshine Coast Airport.
BOOK HERE

March Member Meet-Up
Basilea Living Herbs
Tuesday 31 March
10.00am - 12.00noon
Join us in the lush herb fields of Basilea Living Herbs and Flowers Farm. Proudly supported by our partners MBRIT and Regional Development Australia - Moreton Bay.
BOOK HERE

An Evening with Krista Watkins, Natural Evolution Foods
Ginger Factory
Tuesday 24 March
5.30pm - 7.30pm
We're delighted that Krista will join us for an evening of conversation, inspiration and insights. Krista, a banana farmer from NQ, has won international recognition for her innovative banana flour product that tackles food waste at its source, the farm gate. BOOK HERE

Export Connect Master Class
Ginger Factory
Tuesday 7 April
9.00am - 3.00pm
Is export on your horizon but you're just not sure how to get there? Already exporting and looking for tips to grow international sales? Then Export Connect’s masterclass is for you!
BOOK HERE

BETTER BUSINESS TIPS WITH BENTLEYS

Avoiding a wage-theft scandal

By Jo Adams, Business Development Manager Bentleys

The recent spate of staff underpayment scandals has exposed the failings of several high-profile corporations who have – apparently unknowingly – committed “wage-theft” against thousands of Australian workers. However, this issue is not limited to the big end of town. While it may not make the national news, many SMEs across Australia are very likely just as vulnerable.

Australia’s complex industrial relations regulatory framework has created an enormous administrative burden for payroll software systems and personnel – and navigating the payroll landscape is complicated.

Understanding a few key principles can help your business to avoid the pitfalls of payroll. And, hopefully, avoid you ending up in the news for the wrong reasons! Read more here.

Need help to grow your business? The team at Bentleys offers FAN members a FREE no-obligation 30-minute meeting to discuss your business. Contact us today if you’d like to book an appointment.

NEW MEMBERS

Blitz

Ballz

Busy
Beef

The Orchard
Kin Kin

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast is part of a national network of 52 committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the development of their regions.

Our not-for-profit, community-based organisation’s vision is to create an innovative, dynamic, connected and sustainable Sunshine Coast.

A Federal Government initiative, we identify local priorities, align resources, engage stakeholders and promote solutions to strengthen and build the region.

RDA Sunshine Coast’s highly experienced committee has a unique insight into federal, state and local government policies and initiatives, allowing us to play a key leadership role in engaging our local community in change and innovation.

READ MORE HERE

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

Special thanks to FAN's Partners who provide significant resources towards the ongoing sustainability of FAN and the growth of our regions' food and agribusiness industry.