Supply and procurement

Procurement is a conduit for governments to create positive impacts in their communities. Delivering on successful projects is not a government’s only intention when engaging a supplier. Suppliers must also help support government prioritise that enrich the community such as local first, social and environmental impacts. Governments often detail these priorities as guidelines in procurement policies which allows businesses to identify how they can align their business and delivery.

Local

Local businesses

Governments often prioritise local businesses in their supply chains when delivering projects to boost economic activity within the community. Awarding procurement contracts to local businesses stimulates economic growth, creates jobs, and fosters a sense of community. Businesses that win tenders are encouraged to include other local businesses in their supply chains. This approach not only amplifies the economic benefits but also supports a network of local enterprises, creating a more widespread positive impact.

The below platforms can be used to identify Sunshine Coast businesses for your supply chain.

• MEFSC Database - Local industry group, Manufacturing Excellence Forum, has developed a database of local manufacturers and service providers.
• ICN Gateway - Find businesses seeking contract work.

Local employment

Governments encourage suppliers to hire local employees to create more job opportunities in the region. By generating more jobs, especially in highly skilled areas, governments can contribute to the development and diversification of skills in the local workforce.

The below platforms and programs can be used to find and develop staff.

• Sunshine Coast Jobs Hub - Sunshine Coast businesses can find local staff through this hub. Post a job and instantly receive a shortlist of potential applicants.
• Workforce Evolve - Learn strategies to develop and attract a robust workforce. Access free mentors that can support your workforce development.

Social

First Nations

Including First Nations businesses in government supply chains provides meaningful opportunities in the community while developing a robust workforce. The specialised skills and unique cultural knowledge that these businesses provide enhances quality and diversity of projects. This inclusive approach supports the economic empowerment of First Nations communities while enriching the broader economy with diverse perspectives and expertise.

The below platforms can help you find First Nations businesses to work with.

• Supply Nation - Connect to over 5,000 verified indigenous businesses.
• Black Business Finder - Find a network of First Nations businesses based in Queensland. 

Workplace inclusion and diversity

An inclusive and diverse workforce ensures that all community members are given a fair go and can make a meaningful contribution to the local economy. Government’s actively support businesses that prioritise inclusion and diversity as a way to generate more equity across the community.

• Diversity and inclusion in Government - Queensland Government is delivering on several plans to create more inclusion and diversity in the state public sector. Read how you can align your business with the Queensland Government.
• Resources for employers - The Australian Human Rights Commission has developed resources to support employers in fostering an equitable workplace.

Volunteer work

Community-minded businesses are businesses that go beyond their delivery. These businesses volunteer resources, and sometimes expertise, to enrich the surrounding community. This could be supporting groups tackling homelessness, forest revegetation or even the local football club. Governments look for this in their suppliers. By supporting community-focused suppliers, they’re enabling support for more non-profits and social enterprises.

Businesses should consider:

• what principles and values do you stand by?
• what causes align with your principles and values?
• what local community organisations align with those causes?
• how can you support one or a few community organisations aligned with those causes?

Environmental

Governments are supporting the transition to a new economy that prioritises sustainability and minimises environmental impacts. Many governments have set emissions and waste targets which they intend to reach with help from suppliers. This means businesses that are actively reducing their emissions and waste are valuable to governments on the path to achieving sustainability goals.

Waste

Waste management has become a key priority in government projects. Businesses that can demonstrate methods that safely reduces waste output will help support government project goals.

Find resources, platforms and programs that support sustainable waste management practices.

• ASPIRE Circular Economy Marketplace - This council subsidised online matchmaking tool allows businesses to connect and exchange unwanted material resources. Find out more here .
• Ecobiz - Book a visit from an ecoBiz coach who’ll conduct a resources audit and identify where waste can be reduced, and costs saved. Learn more here .
• Recycled products directory - Planet Ark’s directory lists products and resources made from recycled materials. Learn more here .
• Australian Circular Economy Hub - ACE Hub is a valuable platform for education and ideation that can give you a deeper understanding of Circular Economy. Find resources, events, networks and more. Learn more here .

Consider the following to help reduce your waste and raw material demand.

• Identify how and where your supplies are made. Working with your suppliers or finding suppliers aligned with your waste and resources goals is a valuable demonstration of waste reduction.
• Design (or redesign) can reduce a products environmental impact by more than 80 per cent. Focus on designing products that are durable and that can be easily repaired to extend the end-of-life. Also factor in the eventual end-of-life, can parts or all of the product be repurposed or recycled? Government’s want to see the materials of a product in circulation for as long as possible.
• A lot of waste is created from unnecessary packaging. Consider working with your suppliers to minimise packaging waste, or identify other suppliers who’re already aligned.
• Bring your staff on the journey by educating them on new processes that help to eliminate waste. Waste reduction is the result of behaviour change so its important that staff understand why and how the new processes are introduced.

Energy

For many governments with net-zero or low carbon targets, suppliers that can deliver work with minimal emissions output is highly valued. Businesses actively reducing energy use or switching to renewables can support government goals.

Find resources, platforms and programs that support energy and emissions reductions.

• EcoBiz carbon module - The ecoBiz carbon module has been designed for small businesses to accurately calculate energy emissions and develop a plan to reduce them. Businesses can tap into free mentoring to support them on the journey. Learn more here .
• GreenPower - This government-managed program ensures that businesses can source Australian renewable energy straight from the grid without installing solar systems. Businesses can opt into GreenPower through most retail energy contracts. Learn more here .