Business support networks for success
Being in business on the Sunshine Coast offers more than just lifestyle benefits. The region is home to one of Australia's most comprehensive ecosystems of industry network groups and professional associations.
This remarkable network of industry organisations is growing from strength to strength and is dedicated to fostering business growth, innovation and collaboration.
From manufacturing excellence to cyber security, the screen industry to food, agribusiness to clean technologies, industry groups on the Sunshine Coast collectively represent thousands of businesses responsible for generating hundreds of millions in economic activity.
Here we’re providing a run-down of the business and industry organisations providing networking, mentorship and business development on the Sunshine Coast.
Local government support
Sunshine Coast Council actively engages with new and established businesses to facilitate growth and innovation. Council’s Economic Development delivers and supports a range of programs to support business growth, from ideation and start-up through to scale-up and export.
Business resources
The toolkit provides a one-stop location for all the information you might need when considering locating or expanding a business on the Sunshine Coast. It offers business matching services, data connect assistance, site selection advice and a suite of tailored services delivered by Council’s investment specialists, including one-on-one support from the Invest Sunshine Coast team.
Level Up is a Sunshine Coast Council platform that collates resources and support from local chambers of commerce, industry groups and all levels of government to provide a centralised information source. Through Level Up, businesses can access a range of tools and regular events designed to support growth and success on the Sunshine Coast.
Technology and innovation networks
Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance (SCTechIA)
The Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance (SCTechIA) unites the local tech sector and advocates for industry growth and national competitiveness. It highlights the region’s robust digital infrastructure as a key differentiator, including the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network and the Maroochydore City Centre smart city initiatives.
Silicon Coast is the region’s leading innovation and entrepreneurship group, which aims to build connections, skills and knowledge-sharing across the innovation ecosystem. Silicon Coast delivers the annual FWD>>>FEST entrepreneurial and innovation festival. Its LEAP FWD program with ACS Labs is a collaboration designed to support startups.
Sunshine Coast Screen Collective
The Sunshine Coast Screen Collective is the region’s dedicated screen industry group, supporting local filmmakers, content creators and production companies with networking, advocacy, training and industry development opportunities.
UniSC Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast
The UniSC Innovation Centre is a major entrepreneurial hub, offering incubation, coworking and a range of programs to support innovative startups and scale-ups. The Centre runs accelerator programs, mentoring and regular events to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Critical Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (CI-ISAC)
The Critical Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Centre (CI-ISAC) is a collaborative industry group focused on protecting Australia’s critical infrastructure sectors from cyber and physical threats. CI-ISAC provides member businesses with real-time threat intelligence, incident response support and a trusted network for sharing best practices in security and resilience.
Agribusiness
Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN)
The Food & Agribusiness Network (FAN) is a nationally recognised industry network group with more than 400 members across the food and agribusiness value chain. FAN aims to grow the industry by creating an ecosystem that supports collaboration, accelerates innovation and drives trade locally and globally.
It offers suppliers, growers, manufacturers, retailers, foodservice operators and affiliated services opportunities to connect, build capability, increase knowledge and grow their profile.
Clean technology and sustainability
The Sunshine Coast is home to plenty of cleantech pioneers and the Cleantech Network is Australia’s premier not-for-profit clean technology businesses. The network supports clean, green and profitable business practices, provides an online directory of Australian cleantech solution providers and offers industry partnership opportunities.
Manufacturing and construction
Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF)
The Manufacturing Excellence Forum (MEF) connects local manufacturers to collaborate, share best practices and improve competitiveness. MEF offers newcomers instant access to resources, suppliers and joint initiatives. The forum’s focus on collaboration means new businesses can benefit from shared knowledge, joint procurement opportunities and collective advocacy efforts.
Housing Industry Association Sunshine Coast (HIA)
HIA Sunshine Coast supports the housing sector with commercial guidelines, industry recognition and regulatory insights. HIA’s annual awards program helps members showcase their work to the broader industry and those with HIA membership have access to industry-leading expertise, regulatory guidance and networking opportunities that can accelerate business development and ensure compliance with evolving industry standards.
Master Builders Queensland delivers services from licensing and planning to employment advice and dispute resolution. Sunshine Coast members also benefit from networking, events and strong industry advocacy.
Property and development
The Property Council of Australia’s Sunshine Coast committee advocates for key priorities like housing supply and infrastructure growth. It connects developers to policy, market insights and major players.
The Urban Development Institute of Australia
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Sunshine Coast branch is the leading voice for the local property and development industry, providing real-time insights on issues shaping the region’s growth. UDIA connects members with critical market knowledge, professional development and exclusive networking opportunities, while advocating to government on behalf of the industry that drives much of the Sunshine Coast’s economic and employment growth.
Creative and events industry
Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective
Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC) identifies the broad cultural and economic benefits that this industry can bring to our region including supporting the growth of the night-time economy.
Sunshine Coast Events Industry Association
The Sunshine Coast Events Industry Association (SCEIA) connects professionals across the region’s vibrant events sector to strengthen industry connections, share expertise and promote best practice. SCEIA supports members through collaboration, advocacy and access to resources – fostering partnerships and professional development that help elevate the Sunshine Coast as a premier destination for diverse, high-quality events while growing the economic and cultural impact of the industry.
Regional development and support
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast
RDA connects government, businesses and community groups to drive regional growth. It offers access to funding, strategic planning and cross-sector resources.
Sunshine Coast Business Council
The Sunshine Coast Business Council is an industry advocacy group promoting long-term regional growth and prosperity. It collaborates with government and stakeholders to create a growth-ready business environment.
Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network
The Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network (SCBWN) is the region’s peak body for professional and business women, dedicated to empowering and celebrating women’s achievements in business for over 25 years. SCBWN offers regular networking events, educational workshops, mentoring and an annual awards program, creating opportunities for connection, professional growth and community impact across all industries.
Sunshine Coast Business Awards
The Sunshine Coast Business Awards are the region’s longest-running program recognising outstanding business achievements across all industries since 1995.
The awards celebrate business excellence, provide valuable networking opportunities throughout the year, and culminate in a major gala event each November, attracting hundreds from across the business community. Participating businesses benefit from increased exposure, access to workshops and events and the chance to benchmark themselves against the best in the region.
Making connections: the pathway to success
The Sunshine Coast’s business support groups are interconnected, regularly collaborating on joint initiatives and cross-referrals.
They provide businesses with insights, networking, advocacy, professional development and cross-sector opportunities that save time and drive growth.
For businesses establishing operations on the Sunshine Coast, engaging with these organisations provides a multitude of benefits.
- Market intelligence and networking. Each organisation offers unique insights into their respective sectors, market trends and business opportunities. The networking events, forums and conferences hosted by these groups provide invaluable opportunities to connect with potential partners, customers and suppliers.
- Advocacy and representation. These organisations collectively provide a strong voice in policy development, regulatory matters and infrastructure planning that directly impacts business operations. Their advocacy efforts help shape the regulatory environment and ensure business-friendly policies.
- Professional development and education. From Silicon Coast’s accelerator programs to Master Builders’ professional development initiatives, these organisations offer continuous learning opportunities to help businesses stay competitive and innovative.
- Collaborative opportunities. The interconnected nature of these networks creates opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, joint ventures and shared resource initiatives that can accelerate business growth and reduce operational costs.
Chambers of Commerce
The Sunshine Coast is also home to 14 Chambers of Commerce offering support to businesses establishing in the region.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Level Up website hosts information and contact details of every Chamber of Commerce and Industry Group in the region.
Want to know more? Contact an investment specialist
For investors and entrepreneurs considering the Sunshine Coast as a place for business, these organisations represent ready-made pathways to market entry, business development and long-term success
From Silicon Coast to FAN, Cleantech Network to Master Builders, the Sunshine Coast offers a well-connected ecosystem across key sectors. These groups provide the support, access and advocacy businesses need to grow, innovate and succeed.
Council also runs ideation sessions to grow industry – from Geospatial and Sportstech to upcoming Healthtech and Construction Tech events – helping to foster new industry clusters and support innovation-led economic growth.
For a confidential discussion about the opportunities available, contact an investment specialist at Sunshine Coast Council.
Email: invest@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Phone: +61 407 753 645
Want to know more?
Trending articles
Sunshine Coast-built catamaran debuts onto the global stage
Revolutionising the future of global healthcare education
Innovating in Paradise: Soulbotix tests tech on the Sunshine Coast Australia
