Business
25 May, 2025
Tap into lucrative contracts
SMALL business operators are being given the opportunity to tap into hundreds of millions of dollars of projects in the Cairns region next week.
Big deals are up for grabs when about 100 local small business owners pitch their products and services to large organisations at the ‘Cairns Meet the Buyer’ event on Thursday, May 29.
The event will host construction companies working on some of the region’s biggest projects, including the Cairns Hospital expansion, upgrades to HMAS Cairns and the Cairns marine precinct.
Cairns Regional Council and the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business have partnered to provide the opportunity for small and family-owned businesses to pitch their goods and services to big buyers.
Part of Queensland Small Business Month, limited spots remain available for small business owners to register for the chance to connect one-on-one with large buyers from the public and private sector.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the annual event helped small businesses put themselves in front of large buyers and build their confidence when doing so.
“Small business is the backbone of our economy and that is why we are proud to be part of the Small Business Friendly Program,” she said.
“This event is about connecting small businesses with some of the biggest buyers in the Cairns economy.
“Cairns has more than 14,500 registered small businesses, representing 97 per cent of all businesses in our region.
“These small businesses contribute $11.5 billion to the city’s economy, supporting jobs and helping our local community prosper.”
Cairns Meet the Buyer 2025 is an opportunity for small businesses to connect with large, local organisations across numerous sectors who regularly buy goods and services. Buyers will advise local business owners on upcoming projects and how best to work with them.
Last financial year, the council supported nearly 3900 local jobs with a total of $384 million, or 88 per cent of the council’s total expenditure, spent at Cairns businesses.
To register for the event, visit https://bit.ly/42YTAbm
