Growing stronger businesses, stronger communities

When COVID-19 hit, many small and family businesses faced an uncertainfuture. What started as a simple idea to help local business owners navigatethose challenging times has since grown into a statewide success story.

In 2020, the University of the Sunshine Coast launched a free businesscourse for just 25 participants. Today, more than 2,000 Queensland businesseshave taken part in practical training designed to help owners adapt to changingmarkets, strengthen operations and plan for long-term success.

The program provides free courses in business planning, workforceplanning and business continuity, while also creating opportunities forbusiness owners to learn from one another and build valuable networks.

More than 1,000 businesses are now on the waiting list, and in 2026 theQueensland Government committed $11.5 million to expand the initiative.

By helping small businesses build resilience and confidence, the programis strengthening local economies and the communities that rely on them.