Uncategorized Archives - Level Up program by Sunshine Coast Council

August 11, 2023August 11, 2023

Fresh Meats persevere during disruption

Fresh Meats persevere during disruption

Sunshine Coast wholesale and retail butcher Fresh Meats was overwhelmed by the support of the local community when their truck with approximately $10,000 worth of meat was stolen from the Mooloolaba Wharf last month. Through the power of social media, concerned citizens reported sightings of the truck back to the business and police, who chased the vehicle down the Bruce Highway from Caboolture to Brisbane.

Staff got right back to work recutting 600kg of meat despite the major setback. With strong resilience and determination, Fresh Meats made each of their orders for the day.

“Our staff rallied together to make sure each order was met despite everything that happened. It really proved the strength and spirit of our business as a whole,” said Agnes Pennay, owner with husband Martin.

Fresh Meats sources the vast majority of its meat and seafood locally and in Queensland, and is the Sunshine Coast’s largest wholesale butcher, employing 120 staff. A local supplier to hospitality venues and institutions, Fresh Meats also showcases the region’s amazing produce by supplying Brisbane daily and as far as Northern QLD and Darwin.

“It’s important that we all buy local because that’s what helps supports local businesses during challenges. We experienced this challenge, and we were supported from our customers and businesses. That’s why we make sure that we work with Sunshine Coast businesses wherever possible.”

Sunshine Coast businesses can find information and resources that provides support during emergencies, and helps prepare for disruptions at Council website Level Up Your Business. Find more information here.

Level Up Your business collates information and support from Chambers of Commerce, industry groups and all levels of government to provide you with a centralised resource center.

March 30, 2023March 30, 2023

Local business builds valuable support network

Local business builds valuable support network

Moffat Beach based coffee roaster and café Groundskeeper Willie, is an active member of the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce and the Food Agribusiness Network (FAN) on the Sunshine Coast. Owner/Operator Will Kemp, has built a strong support network through linking with the groups which has been invaluable for the business.

“We’ve been able to entrench ourselves in our local business community through our affiliation with the Caloundra Chamber and FAN. It’s led to many opportunities ranging from connecting with new customers and suppliers to help with our renovations and accounts. I think forming this network is a must do for businesses on the coast”.

Will found the groups have been very approachable and supportive since opening their doors. Entering these communities has helped the business grow from a start up to an established coffee supplier and cafe.

“We’ve felt supported by the groups since the start which allowed us to take off on the front foot. Their approachability and knowledge of the network led us to great connections with businesses in the community.

We were introduced to Ross White of White’s IGA through the community which allowed us to make that initial connection. It gave us the chance to prove our credibility and resulted in our Cold Drip Cans being stocked in White’s IGA stores across the region.”

With giving-back at the heart of their business, connection with the groups presented opportunities for Groundskeeper Willie to give back further through supporting the local community. Their business relationship with a local accountant led them to find opportunities in the local Caloundra area.

“Our accountant who we met through Caloundra Chamber was involved in sponsoring the local rugby club which we thought was great, so we also got involved. Now, we’re passionate supporters of a variety of local community clubs, schools and organisations we may not have discovered without these connections.”

Sunshine Coast is home to a wide network of chambers and industry groups that are purpose driven to support businesses in the region. Businesses can tap into their local chamber and industry group to build a thriving network or simply connect with opportunities. You can find more information on networks and support in the region on Sunshine Coast Council’s Level Up Your Business website.

Level Up Your Business has been developed to help businesses overcome challenges and realise opportunities. The platform aggregates resources, tools, information and programs from all levels of government, industry and education.

March 15, 2023March 30, 2023

How Dash Academy built a better business

Sunshine Coast social media trainer, Dash Academy, supports businesses owners and in-house teams to define creative online strategies and feel confident managing their organic platforms online.

When Founder Bronte Creswell was looking for support on how to take her business to the next level, she signed up to the Build A Better Business program to set more firm foundations and plan for the future.

“The program showed me how to formally set my business goals and break down the steps to achieve them over 12 months. Learning and discussing budget, goal setting and business positioning gave me more clarity of what my business stood for.”

Bronte applied the learnt strategies to her business by mapping the tasks needed to achieve her goals and set monthly check-ins to ensure she remained focused. This resulted in reviewing the business’s services and offering to ensure the structure aligned with the goals.

“I was able to achieve major goals from the guidance I was given in the program, particularly with budgeting and goal setting. This gave me confidence in what I was already doing well while identifying the gaps in the business that I needed to focus on. I now feel more qualified as a business owner to effectively manage and grow my brand.”

Build A Better Business program is one of many fantastic programs supported and delivered by the Sunshine Coast Council. You can find more information on this program and others on council’s Level Up Your Business website.

Level Up Your Business is a website dedicated to helping businesses overcome challenges with support, resources, tools and programs available on the Sunshine Coast. This aggregation of support has been sourced from all levels of government, industry and education.