June Newsletter

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Message from the CEO

This month, RDA Sunshine Coast, released the Transport survey results, which has reaffirmed transport as a key issue for resolution to support the region’s future growth and economic development. A survey, which involved 768 people, was conducted between November and March. It was carried out to gauge residents’ attitudes towards transport priorities for the region. See the full results here.

Advancing Regional Innovation Fund
The Sunshine Coast will benefit from a $1 million program to drive innovation, boost economic opportunities and create new jobs - thanks to a co-funded partnership between the Palaszczuk Government, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Noosa Shire Council, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast and over 24 other partners.

RDA Sunshine Coast is proud to partner with Noosa Shire Council and Sunshine Coast Council and 24 other organisations in delivery of Sunshine Coast Regional Innovation Program. The Sunshine Coast region already has a vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem, and this program will enhance and broaden the ecosystem for greater regional impact.”

The Sunshine Coast Region will receive $500,000 over three years from the State Government to collaborate with and encourage local entrepreneurs, business leaders and key industries to work together to innovate and strengthen the region’s economy. Enabling innovation in our existing business community will be an important contributor to economic development and will provide the jobs of the future.

Sunshine Coast Investor Network (SCIN)

The Sunshine Coast Region is fast becoming known as the Entrepreneurial Capital of Australia. It is a national imperative that we innovate and build relevant solutions that generate global revenues and create local jobs. The Queensland Government recognises this and have committed $405m to their Advance Queensland Initiative. Queensland now has the second largest number of startups in the nation, behind only New South Wales.

The next generation of global start-up companies can be born here on the Sunshine Coast. In fact, many companies with origins on the Sunshine Coast are already competing in the global marketplace. Consider investing in these new and exciting technologies and innovative new businesses! The activities happening across the region are developing business ideas for you to invest in at grass roots. They not only need capital but they may also need your business experience and advice as they develop their ideas.

So how do you connect with the opportunity?

We would like to connect with you via newsletter to keep you informed of upcoming events. Please subscribe to this newsletter and forward to anyone else who may be interested. Later in 2017, we will be able to connect you with investment opportunities through an exciting new app designed here on the Sunshine Coast.

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Headlines

Uber-style solution providing IT support takes out top tech prize
St Andrews Anglican College team CheckTech Solutions has come out on top in the second annual Mayor’s Telstra Technology Awards which help to promote, foster and grow innovation and entrepreneurship on the Sunshine Coast.
Read more

International visitors continue to flock to the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast attracted 288,000 international visitors to the year ending March 2017, up 11.6% and contributing $240 million in visitor expenditure to the economy.
Read more

Creative visionaries from around the globe to gather on the Sunshine Coast
The globally renowned REMIX arrives on the Sunshine Coast for the second year running this September, now an annual event exploring best practice in creative place-making.
Read more

Have you checked your digital score?

With business productivity and efficiency in mind, understand how your business compares with your competitors by completing the Queensland Government's free, online Digital Scorecard to identify ways to improve your digital capability and be more competitive in a global economy. The Digital Scorecard was developed by the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation(DSITI) in collaboration with Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast, and is a great enabler for regional businesses. It will help businesses assess their technology adoption and application, and help improve productivity and profitability. Businesses who complete a digital scorecard will be invited to targeted workshops, to be held in coming months.

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Our transport troubles – how you rate the Sunshine Coast’s most pressing problems

Most Sunshine Coast people believe upgrading the Bruce Highway is the region’s most critical transport infrastructure priority, according to a survey carried out by Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast.
Residents also say they would happily use public transport, and take the train to Brisbane, if it was more efficient, faster and more reliable.
They ranked the upgrade of the Sunshine Coast airport to international status as the region’s least pressing priority.
RDA Sunshine Coast, after releasing survey results, has reaffirmed transport as a key issue for resolution to support the region’s future growth and economic development.

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Queensland Budget 2017-18

Queensland Budget 2017-18: Sunshine Coast winners

Treasurer Curtis Pitt handed down his third budget on Tuesday, with the Sunshine Coast winning across health and education.

A total of $64.7m was set aside for the ongoing construction and development of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and $7.9m for the Caloundra Hospital refurbishment.

A new primary school in Caloundra South will receive $11.9m.

The Bruce Highway received $120m to widen from four to six lanes from Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway, due for completion in November 2020.

However, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast CEO Darrell Edwards was disappointed in the lack of funding for the North Coast Rail.

“Funding has been awarded to the Cross River Rail project, which means we will now have to apply for funding under the $10bn National Rail Fund.”

An exciting addition to the Sunshine Coast will be the Peregian Digital Hub, with over $700k allocated for office spaces, co-working areas, training and presentation rooms, and cafes to create a centralised location for innovation.

“This means more entrepreneurial activity on the Sunshine Coast, helping with education and office space for new and established businesses to innovate and place us as a global destination for business,” said Mr Edwards.

Another Sunshine Coast win was $1.4 million total spend to construct a Sunshine Coast Aquatic Exercise Facility within the existing University of the Sunshine Coast Sports Precinct..

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The Innovation Masterclass

What - The Innovation Master Class is an applied business development program developed by Causeway Innovation and delivered as a part of Noosa Council’s wider Innovation Program. The program introduces tools for developing and testing new ideas such as Lean Startup methodologies and the SPRINT process developed by Google Ventures.

When - Commencing 28 June 2017, the program includes four half-day workshops held fortnightly, with practical additional assignments to help the participants apply learnings to their business, and culminates in a showcase session.

Who - The program is aimed at owner managers of established small to mid-sized businesses.

Why - To grow your business, increase profits and achieve business efficiencies.

Where - Noosa Boardroom, Noosa Civic, 28 Eenie Creek Rd, Noosaville QLD 4566.

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Events

Innovation Masterclass
Noosa Boardroom
See dates

HOT DESQ SHOWCASE by Advance Queensland
10:30 am - 5:00 pm
June 28, Wed
Learn more

Boardroom Briefing Elevate Series
10:00 am - 11:30 am
July 24, Mon
Learn more

Contact us

RDA Sunshine Coast
17 Ocean Street
Maroochydore Q 4558

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Website

Grants and Funding Opportunities

Visit our regional grants page for a list of grants available for business, events and other community programs including:

Business Development Fund - http://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-startups/business-development-fund.aspx

Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Program - http://advance.qld.gov.au/small-business/knowledge-transfer-partnerships.aspx

Queensland Startup Events and Activities Fund - http://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-startups/startup-qld.aspx

Young Starters' Fund - http://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-startups/young-starters.aspx

Have your say!

We welcome your feedback about any of our projects or news items featured in our monthly newsletter. If you have regional news stories or economic development events relevant for the Sunshine Coast community, please contact us at media@rdasunshinecoast.org.au. Editorial deadline is by the 28th of each month.

Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast is an Australian Government initiative that works in collaboration with the Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils to support economic development within the region.

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