More than 300 business owners are expected to gather on the Gold Coast today as the Queensland Government continues its Queensland Small Business Month program with the second of three major expos aimed at supporting small and family businesses.
The event brings together industry leaders, financial experts, government representatives and entrepreneurs for a day of workshops, panel discussions and networking, with topics ranging from cash flow and cyber protection to artificial intelligence and opportunities linked to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The expos, being held in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Brisbane, form part of the state government’s broader economic agenda and are designed to help businesses adapt to changing market conditions while preparing for future growth opportunities.
Queensland’s small business sector continues to face pressure from rising operating costs, insurance challenges and workforce shortages, while many operators are also trying to navigate rapid technological change and shifting consumer habits.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the Gold Coast event would give local operators direct access to practical advice and support.
“The Gold Coast expo is a chance for local small and family businesses to tap into tailored support, gain valuable insights, and explore opportunities that can help them succeed in one of Queensland’s most dynamic economic regions,” Mr Minnikin said.
Sessions throughout the day will cover business continuity planning, tendering for government contracts, workforce capability and digital tools, including the growing use of AI across small business operations.
Representatives from National Australia Bank and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic organising committee are among those scheduled to speak.
The Queensland Government has promoted the expos as part of its economic strategy under Premier David Crisafulli, while also drawing a contrast with the former Labor administration’s handling of small business policy.
Business groups have broadly welcomed efforts to provide more direct engagement and practical resources for operators, though many continue to call for further action on insurance affordability, energy costs and staffing pressures affecting the sector.
Member for Theodore Mark Boothman said the event would help strengthen local business connections across the Gold Coast.
“Gold Coast small and family businesses are the backbone of our local communities and the Crisafulli Government is backing them to grow and thrive by giving them the right opportunities and support,” he said.
Founder and managing director of she wear, Stacey Head, will join The Merrymaker Sisters for a discussion focused on women in business, leadership and scaling companies sustainably.
“The expos give small business owners something you can’t get from a webinar or a podcast,” Ms Head said.
“I hope attendees walk away with practical, honest insights from a founder who has built a business from the ground up.”
Sean Madigan, partner in public sector advisory at KordaMentha, is also set to speak during a session examining resilience, workforce planning and financial decision-making.
“The expos give small business owners practical insights and access to trusted advice, helping them make better decisions and respond more confidently to change,” Mr Madigan said.
Queensland Small Business Month also includes webinars and online resources aimed at businesses in regional and remote communities, along with operators unable to attend the in-person events.
The final expo in the series will take place in Brisbane next week.
More information is available through the Queensland Government’s small business portal at Queensland Small Business Month.
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