This month, we’re delighted to share some exciting updates with you.
We’ve launched a new membership model to bring even more value and benefits to our community. As part of the new model – we’ve launched a new free Community Membership Tier. These members will be part of our network and experience a taste of what FAN offers within our paid, Connect Membership Tier. For more info check out all the details here.
As we roll out these changes, we want to hear from you about what matters most. Our team have been reaching out and we look forward to shaping upcoming initiatives and events based on this feedback.
I’m also delighted to welcome Bek Wall as our new Business Development and Operations Manager. Bek brings FANtastic experience and energy, and we’re lucky to have her join our team.
Lastly, we’re opening Expressions of Interest for a provider panel as part of our Industry Growth Program. You can find more details here
Nicole McNaughton
FAN CEO
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FAN, in collaboration with Central Coast Industry Connect, Food & Fibre Gippsland, FermenTasmania, and Noongar Land Enterprise Group, has been appointed as the Industry Partner Organisation for the Industry Growth Program.  This program will be executed through the Cluster Connect Project, which aims to empower businesses to effectively navigate their commercialisation journey.
The Project will support participants in the Industry Growth Program by providing a comprehensive suite of services, including collaborative mentoring, access to an expert advisory panel, advanced resources, and strategic networking opportunities.
We are seeking EOIs from businesses that offer expertise and programs aligned to the following areas
* Sustainable farming practices and agri-technology
* Renewable energy integration within the food and beverage industry
* Food quality, safety programs and waste reduction
* Digital transformation in agricultural and food production systems
Interested companies are invited to submit an EOI HERE
SUBMISSIONS ARE DUE WEDNESDAY 10th JULY 12 NOONÂ
Introducing Our New Membership Tier!
We’re excited to unveil a brand-new membership tier designed to enhance your experience with FAN. This new tier aims to provide greater access and benefits to our community members, fostering stronger connections and opportunities within the network. Stay tuned for more details on how you can take advantage of this exciting new offering and elevate your involvement with FAN and join us in this new chapter of growth and collaboration!o.
FAN Events
Sunshine Pantry
Join Us as an Exhibitor at the Premier Food Showcase on the Sunshine Coast!
This year, the Food and Agribusiness Network in collaboration with Visit Sunshine Coast invites you to participate in the celebrated Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry. This prestigious event will be held at the Station SC, offering a day brimming with the rich tastes, innovative creations, and communal spirit of our beloved region. More info here.
Upcoming Grants
2024 APCO Awards – Apply Now! Hurry, applications for the 2024 APCO Awards close in 2 weeks! Enter to gain industry recognition, enhance credibility, boost brand exposure, and motivate your team. Categories include the new ARL Excellence Award, Consumer Education Award, and more. Entries via the Banksia Foundation portal close on 19 July 2024. Apply today!
Circular Economy Investment Program Supports waste minimisation and resource circulation in Queensland. Open to businesses, clusters, social enterprises, charities, and partnerships. Grants of $250,000 to $750,000 for circular economy practices. Projects reducing virgin material consumption and offering lasting solutions are prioritised. Stage 1 applications close 3pm, 29 July 2024.
Beanstalk Ventures – Drought Challenge Aims to launch a new generation of agtech ventures in drought and climate resilience, backed by world-class Australian expertise. Funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. Open now – closes 12 July 2024. More information here.
ON Accelerate A three-month free commercialisation acceleration program for entrepreneurial researchers ready to translate their idea into a research-driven company. Focuses on business models, market validation, storytelling, and capital raising. Up to $180,000 per team. Closes 23 August.
ON Prime- CSIRO A free program helping research teams (2-5 people) advance their projects through customer discovery and market validation activities. Combines in-person and virtual sessions over nine weeks, with up to $5,000 for team engagement. Closes 22 July 2024. More information here..
Fisheries Structural Adjustment Scheme Supports holders and lessees of eligible primary commercial fishing licenses, fishery symbol holders, and skippers and crew affected by fishery closures in the Great Barrier Reef region, changes to the Great Sandy Marine Park zoning plan, and new gillnet-free areas in the Gulf of Carpentaria. See website for all details.
Accelerator for Enterprising Women – Kickstarter Challenge This program provides female entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their new business idea. Categories: Health, well-being & care economy; Climate change & sustainability; Community impact; Fintech or e-commerce. Accessible Budget: $7,500 – $30,000. Closes 16 August 2024.
National Farmers Federation – AgCAREERSTART Program
This program connects farmers with young Australians for a 10-12 month gap-year in agriculture, providing jobs, training, and development grants. Host-farmers offer paid, full-time employment and share skills and industry insights. Up to $2,000. Opens 22 July, closes 29 September 2024.
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Food Industries Association of Queensland Awards in Manufacturing. Businesses who believe they have made an outstanding contribution to the industry through new products, growth, access to market, new innovations, or impact to local communities are welcome to nominate here. Closes 1 November 2024.
City of Moreton Bay has partnered with Grant Guru to assis 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 Moreton Bay Funding Finder HERE.
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 News
Mallory’s Tocino Jerky Celebrates 10 Years!!!
Join us in celebrating Mallory’s Tocino Jerky’s ten years of innovation, growth, and success! Lory says, “As we reflect on our journey, we are grateful for your incredible support. Thank you for being part of our story. Here’s to many more years of growth together!”
Canefields Distillery: Sunshine Coast’s New Spirit The Cook family’s Canefields Distillery in Pacific Paradise produces spirits from sugarcane juice. Established by Luke, Kylie, and Dan, their first limited cane spirit bottles launched in May. Rum and gin are on the way. Visit weekends at Finland Road. Check social media for times. Discover their unique spirits today!
Cheeky Acquisition!!! Sunshine Coast Cider Takes Over Cheeky Tiki
Longtime FAN Member Sunshine Coast Cider is excited to announce the acquisition of the iconic Cheeky Tiki Cider brand. Following the closure of Cheeky Tiki Cider and Ohana Winery in Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast Cider will begin production of Cheeky Tiki Ciders from July 1, 2024. Fans can rejoice as their favourite ciders will continue to be available at selected venues and retailers, including Dan Murphy’s. Committed to preserving the unique flavours, Sunshine Coast Cider will use the same apple grower from the Granite Belt. The ciders will be available at the Sunshine Coast Cider Cellar Door in Kunda Park and online.
Member Resources & Opportunities
Join the Moreton Money ProgramÂ
Support local businesses in Moreton Bay with the Moreton Money program! This unique gift card initiative keeps money within the community, boosting the local economy. Benefits include free sign-up for Chamber members, promotion as a redemption store, and free marketing support. For every $100 spent, there’s a $180 regional impact. Service-based businesses can use Moreton Money as incentives or rewards. Look here for more details.
50 Shades of Green is an initiative from Tourism Noosa and Plastic Free Noosa. An innovative resource aimed to strike a balance between economic prosperity, social responsibility, cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. This dynamic guide will empower event organisers with knowledge on the intricate path toward zero emissions, zero waste and cutting-edge sustainable practices.
Recruitment Methods Review Survey QTIC invites tourism and hospitality businesses to share insights in a 15-min survey on recruitment processes. Feedback will help assess current methods, identify gaps, and improve support for the industry. Survey closes Monday, 8 July. Your input will inform recommendations to the QLD Government. Participate here to shape better recruitment solutions
Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow For the first time, the Coonawarra Wine Tasting Roadshow comes to the Sunshine Coast! Join 18 premium producers at the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Friday, 16 August, 2-5 pm. Tickets are $75pp + booking fee, including tastings, a souvenir wine glass, and a charcuterie grazing station. Reserve your ticket here.
Pathway to Net Zero Workshop Join experts to learn sustainable manufacturing, develop GHG emission sources, and start an Action Plan for Net Zero. Sessions on 16 and 23 July 2024, 10am-12pm. Online. Cost: $25 per person. Links provided after registration. Secure your spot now – register here.
Understanding ESG – Webinar 1 Learn about ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) and its impact on your business on 17 July 2024, 8:30-11:30am. Discover ESG requirements, benefits, and how to start your ESG journey. Gain insights from industry experts and receive a detailed toolkit and action plan. Register here.
Panel Discussion: Agrifood Solutions for Circular Economy Join the webinar on July 23, 12-1pm, to explore “Agrifood Solutions Addressing Circular Economy Challenges.” Discover how agrifood innovations tackle food waste, improve supply chains, and create sustainable systems. Featuring experts Simon Lockrey, Caity Touzell, and more. Moderated by Emma Coath. Register here!
Grand Opening of Rivermakers Artisan and Farmers Market Experience Brisbane’s newest lifestyle hub at Rivermakers Market! Opening Sunday, 21st July, 7am-1pm, and every Sunday after. Enjoy over 150 stalls, live music, kids’ activities, and more at 82 Colmslie Road, Morningside. FAN members receive 20% off stall fees. More info at www.rivermakersmarkets.com.au.
UQ Skills Short Course in Food Manufacturing Technology Join UQ Skills for a short course in Food Manufacturing Technology. Learn product development, food preservation, and process controls. Starts 23 July. Cost: $150. Ideal for food manufacturing professionals and SMEs. Email [email protected] for application details. More info: Food Manufacturing short course – UQ Skills.s
FaBA Training Centre Kickstarter Program Need help delivering your great product to market? The FaBA Training Centre offers Kickstarter Vouchers for start-ups to work with university researchers. Get up to $50,000 for product development, with access to top food technology labs and experts. Requires 20% matching funding. Next application deadline: 2 August 2024. More info here.
AIFST24 ConventionÂ
Join the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology’s premier convention, AIFST24, on 6-7 August at the ICC Sydney. This year’s theme is “Food Science – Navigating Our Future,” featuring over 50 speakers covering key areas like food safety, nutrition, AI, and sustainability. Register now at AIFST24 Convention.
Circular by Design Seminar Boost profits and improve your environmental footprint with circular design. Learn principles, gain tools for implementation, and hear from successful manufacturers. Date: 23 August 2024, 9-11am (Online). Cost: $25 per person. Register now to enhance your manufacturing process with circular design!
Sunshine Coast Airport PDA Notification Economic Development Queensland has started the public notification period for the Sunshine Coast Airport Priority Development Area (PDA). Share your feedback on the proposed development scheme to help shape a modern, sustainable airport. Visit Sunshine Coast Airport PDA ‘Have your say’ page to learn more and submit your feedback.
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.
