Your monthly FANmail update.
With the easing of restrictions, restaurants and cafes re-opening and the kids going back to school (yeah!), it feels like we're coming up for air and exploring a 'new normal'. Over the next couple of months we'll be delivering information, resources and support to help our members 'reboot'. At the same time, we're rolling out programs that will help build resilience and new market opportunities. As the FAN board and team look to re-imagine FAN in a post COVID-19 world, we need your help to shape what role we play in supporting our members to connect, collaborate and grow into the future. If you have ideas you'd like to share please get in touch with me.
 
Yours in collaboration
Emma Greenhatch

FAN UPDATES


Sharing Insights and Information  
We're currently working on reviewing and revitalising our Strategic Plan and Operating Model for the future. We've often said that FAN is a cluster led by its members - so we feel it is crucial to include you in this process. We need 5 mins of your time on this survey. Your input on what shape and direction we should take based on your business needs is greatly appreciated! 

Profile and Promotion 
Jump over to any of the @localfood pages for Gympie, Noosa, Sunshine Coast or Moreton Bay (on FB and Insta) for the latest details on our member's new products, offerings, services, open time and collaborations. Like, share, tag and follow and help us profile and promote our regions' amazing array of growers, makers and innovators. 

Making Connections 
Our online B2B platform FAN Connect now has the ability to post job opportunities! It takes about 2 minutes to pop the information for the post on FAN Connect and you can use it to collect information like the other big job sites. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. If you haven't already logged in or need help, please contact Bec for a chat.

Sharing Knowledge 
Getting the right and relevant information from trusted sources is key in helping any business navigate these uncertain times.  To help, we've has been consolidating information and resources from government and other trusted sources and sharing via our channels. Jump over to FAN's LinkedIN and Facebook pages for regular updates specific to our industry. 

CAPABILITY BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES


Export Masterclass
Join this online 3-part masterclass for the most practical and actionable advice on export, delivered by Export Connect. This Masterclass is part of an integrated Export Programme that has been designed for FAN members and adapted to suit the current circumstances. With a focus on the ASEAN region, it will build export readiness and support our members to access new export opportunities. This Programme is a collaboration between FAN, Export Connect, Sunshine Coast Council, Trade and Investment Queensland and RDA Sunshine Coast.

REGISTER HERE

SPRUNGG Virtual Change Accelerator Program
Create better and change for good. The SPRUNGG Sustainable Change Accelerator program, from Sustainable Innovation CO - powered by FAN, is designed to help food and agriculture businesses bring about radical change, better innovation and a more sustainable world. Adopt a growth mindset, create a collaborative circle of support and embed ethics to help your business accelerate sustainable change. Sustainable Innovation Co is generously subsidising the cost to FAN members. 

REGISTER HERE
FAN Online Sessions 

We're very excited to announce our new series of online sessions - "Insights, Innovation and Inspiration from our Industry". Our world has changed - many businesses and industries have transformed and we've had to realign personal priorities and professional goals. We’re coming up for air and it's a great time to gain some insight on where to from here. From May to July we'll hear from inspiring industry innovators, experts and leaders.
Kim Seagram - Chair FermenTasmania VIEW
3 June 12noon: Andrew Scott – Executive Chair Queensland Robotics
10 June 3pm:  Michael Fox – Founder Fable Food Co


FAN Grant Writing Service 

The record uptake of the Queensland Small Business Adaption grant (fully subscribed in 5 days) indicates that the grant process is going to become increasingly competitive. Now is the time to become grant ready, starting with gathering financials to demonstrate COVID impacts and determining what projects you would seek grant funding for. Next, find out what's available, what you're eligible for and determine the best way to streamline the process. Many of our members can testify that chatting with Jenny Lawson from Successful Grants has helped them to clarify their goals and improved their chances of securing grant funding. FAN Member discounts are on offer, varying dependent on the grant.

MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES & RESOURCES

FIAL's Food Matrix 
Many up-and-coming food and beverage businesses experience challenges on a constant basis, whether it's trying to source new ingredients, finding the right packaging partner or trying to improve productivity.  The Food Matrix, powered by FAN's valued partner FIAL, connects businesses to expert support needed to save time and address skills gaps. Register to the Food Matrix and ask one of the experts for help. READ MORE.
 

Caloundra Markets
The Caloundra Chamber is excited to announce the reopening of their Caloundra Street FairThe Caloundra Chamber of Commerce, who run the markets, has a vision to create the best outdoor browsing precinct on the Coast, and as part of this they are creating a dedicated section exclusive to FAN members. Starting on Sunday 7th June, the Chamber would like to offer eight, 3x3m sites to FAN members to use free of charge for a trial period. FOR MORE INFO.

Food South Australia Summit
Hosted by Food South Australia, the Summit is being held online on 17 June and will provide food and beverage manufacturers, producers, buyers, service providers and policy makers with essential updates and practical input from industry experts. Participants will gain new knowledge and inspiration on how to overcome the immediate challenges and realise future opportunities.  READ MORE.
 
Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
The Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) has released two new reports to assist Australia move towards an improved packaging sector. Released in April 2020, Our Packaging Future is the new strategic framework outlining how Australia will deliver the 2025 National Packaging Targets and provides a completely integrated and holistic perspective of Australia's packaging ecosystem. READ MORE.
.

MEMBER NEWS

Delicious Awards - State Winners announced
Big congratulations to our members Megan and Stewart at Forage Farms and Becky from Big Heart Bamboo for being selected as a QLD State Winner in this year's Delicious Produce Awards. Big Heart Bamboo was a winner in the Earth category for their Gourmet Asper Bamboo Shoot, while  Forage Farms was a winner in the Paddock category for their Pastured Pork. A huge testament to their hard work, dedication and passion for what they do! Congratulations to other regional winners including Maleny Dairies and Fraser Isle Spanner Crabs.

Tasty Collabs
When people ask - why become a member of FAN? - we talk about our incredible community and the opportunities to connect, collaborate and grow. The proof is in the pudding - in this case rosella dusted freeze dried goats cheese. Yes you read that right! The team at Boneafide Broth Co took the Rosella plant grown locally at CC's Kitchen, freeze dried it and blended it into a powder. Going one step further they sprinkled it over Little White Goat Cheese new freeze-dried Goat Feta. High in many nutrients,  especially Vitamin C, this makes another superfood mix for their new salad topper range. 

Kandanga Farm Store Cafe opening
Kandanga Farm Store Cafe is opening up again from 1st June. The commercial kitchen is now back in operation and available to hire. Owners Tim and Amber Scott are on a quest to find more artisans with ideas that can build resilience in the food system and grow business in the local community through this great facility. To assist they will also be running a seminar designed to help those customers wishing to practically navigate compliance around creating value-added products. WANT MORE INFO?
 

KOKOPOD Grant success
Congratulations to Brigid and the team from KOKOPOD Chocolate who were successful in securing a Manufacturing Modernisation Fund grant. Brigid utilised FAN's Grant Writing Service and worked with Jen Lawson from Succesful Grants to secure the significant grant. Brigid says the grant will enable her to scale some of her products within her two brands and undertake more contract manufacturing. In total, four Sunshine Coast businesses were awarded grants under this Federal Government fund, including FAN member Epicurean Products. 
Please contact nicole@foodagribusiness.org.au if you have something to share.

BETTER BUSINESS TIPS WITH BENTLEYS

Protecting yourself online – the COVID-19 scams to watch out for
By Jo Adams, Business Development Manager Bentleys
 
With many businesses thrust into the ‘new normal’ of working online; unfortunately, scammers have taken the opportunity to prey on people’s vulnerability. While cybercrime is nothing new, the pandemic has bred novel opportunities for scammers to spread malicious software to steal personal information from unsuspecting Australians. From SMS campaigns to fake government websites, dodgy ‘IT help desks’ and phony Microsoft logins, we’ve put together some of the most common threats to watch out for to protect our identities and finances. Read more here.
 
The team at Bentleys offer FAN members a FREE no-obligation 30-minute meeting to discuss your business. Contact us today if you’d like to book an appointment.

 

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

Many thanks to ANZTAFE Queensland  and Epicurean Products
for their renewed and continuing support of FAN.

THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS

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

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH EVERYTHING FAN

There's plenty of ways to keep up-to-date with what's happening at FAN. 

Facebook Page - Keep up to date with all things FAN
FAN Instagram - Inspiring photos
Private Facebook Group - Connect with Members & news on FAN events
FAN on Linkedin - Industry news and features 
Private Linkedin Group - Connect with Industry Professionals
FAN Twitter Page - FAN & industry news
Feel free to share this newsletter with your colleagues or networks
Share
Tweet
Forward
Facebook
FAN Website
Email
Copyright © 2020 Food & Agribusiness Network, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp