Brisbane's business experts and industry leaders know that when one of us wins, we all win, which is why the Brisbane Business Hub (the Hub) has enrolled a circle of experts for free one-on-one mentoring sessions to support businesses affected by the record rainfall and resulting flooding. 

The Hub is also offering a range of free in-person and virtual workshops to support businesses that have been impacted and looking to get back to business. 

Supporting the backbone of Brisbane's economy

Brisbane’s local businesses pack a big economic punch, and other cities are taking notice. 

Brisbane is fast positioning itself as Australia’s most business-friendly council with Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) working to build capability, confidence and connections for business. 

At the heart of this support network is the Brisbane Business Hub (the Hub), which launched just over a year ago in the CBD and has become a rallying point for local businesses with its free courses, workshops, mentoring program and co-working spaces. 

With a wealth of expert advice and tips provided online and in person, the Hub is designed as a one-stop shop for businesses to help identify new opportunities for business and jobs growth. 

Brisbane’s powerhouse leaders and innovators are also putting their hands up to be involved in the Hub. 

Shark Tank investor Glen Richards, co-founder of multiple Australian healthcare companies Cathie Reid and music venue director John ‘JC’ Collins are just some of the guest speakers sharing their business advice through the popular On the Couch series. 

The Hub’s carefully curated set of resources are helping local businesses not just survive but thrive. 

Mentoring drives business momentum 

From Coronis Group Managing Director Andrew Coronis to Sales 2 Success Director Sharon Davies, more than 52 experts and industry leaders are providing free one-on-one or group sessions covering marketing to sustainability, technology and finance at the Hub. 

The Hub’s acclaimed mentoring program offers business owners an unprecedented opportunity to seek one-to-one support and insights. 

In its first year, the Hub supported more than 7,000 businesses, hosting 105 one-on-one mentoring sessions as well as welcoming more than 4,500 event attendees and holding 144 events and workshops. 

The mentoring program has been influential for Angela Tallon, recent Women in Business Grant recipient and founder of New Day Skin which produces scented sunscreens with a natural tint aimed at teens and tweens. 

“Brisbane Business Hub has supported our business in a number of ways... we have thoroughly enjoyed the advice and assistance provided through the mentoring program, and they have very much challenged us in our ideas and future business plans,’’ Ms Tallon said. 

New Day Skin is just one of the many home-grown businesses operating out of the Hub, which has become its own mini business ecosystem. 

Supporting women in business 

Providing support for female-led local businesses has also become an important tactic in BEDA’s ongoing efforts to drive economic growth in Brisbane through the Hub. 

Women business owners are integral to the ongoing success of Brisbane’s economy, with women already behind 35% of small businesses in Brisbane. 

BEDA is working to accelerate this growth with networking and skill-building initiatives as well as dedicated Women in Business grants to support female-led local businesses in Brisbane. 

In recognition of the challenges facing local businesses in a post-COVID economy, and in a bid to spur on business growth, the Inaugural Lord Mayor’s Women in Business grant recipients were announced last month. 

More than 50 female-led local businesses shared in $250,000 with the successful grant recipients ranging from health services to a Brisbane bakehouse and a Colombian café providing food to the disadvantaged. 

2023 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards launching soon 

For 18 years, the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards have recognised the best and most innovative businesses and entrepreneurs in the city and their role in helping drive Brisbane’s economy. 

Backed by Brisbane City Council and delivered by BEDA, the 2023 awards will play a special role in shining a light on those inspirational businesses that have overcome challenging economic conditions to achieve success. 

Not only are the awards a chance to celebrate local businesses success stories and the people behind them, but they are also a chance to amplify some of the city’s up-and-coming businesses. 

The recognition and opportunities that flow to finalists and winners in the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards can help to accelerate business growth, raise profiles and help to make those all-important connections.  

Previous winners have captured the attention of business heavy hitters, from US President Joe Biden praising Brisbane-based electric charging company Tritium to Officeworks buying a stake in social enterprise, World’s Biggest Garage Sale. 

Nominations for the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards will open in May and feature a range of business and individual award categories to choose from including small business, high growth, innovation, investment and sustainability. 

Where to learn more 

To find out more about the Brisbane Business Hub click here, or drop into the Hub at Level 2, 155 Queen St, Brisbane City. 

Learn more about the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards here.