Regional Activation and Industry Events

2022 - 2023


Regional Activation and Industry Events

Queensland’s economic recovery needs impact businesses that are run well, supported, able to respond to social procurement opportunities and can access the right capital at the right time.

The Queensland Government has supported QSEC and sector partners to help reveal the diversity and depth of market for social enterprises (SE) to advance business activity in regional areas across Queensland.

Regional Activators have been engaged to help unlock opportunities for SE on the ground in key regional areas and promote direct engagement with potential industry partners through Industry Forums (see below for details and dates of events).


Regional Activation Lead - Su Marshall

Su has a wealth of community development experience spanning 20 years across community service settings, including legal community service, women’s and youth development, community education and local government. This includes leading the development of grass roots activities and transforming a domestic violence state-wide program. Su’s values and vision are to work collaboratively alongside individuals and businesses to create positive social, cultural, and environmental impact.


Contact: su@qsec.org.au

Regional Activators

We have engaged seven Regional Activators for the following areas:

Far North Queensland
North Queensland
Central Queensland
Emerald & Central Highlands 
Wide Bay Burnett 
Darling Downs & South West Queensland
South West Cluster (Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Redlands, Gold Coast, Logan, Ipswich & West Moreton)

Sector Development Activation

CQ University (Office of Social Innovation)

  • iActivate is CQUniversity’s innovative short course for developing a social enterprise or “business for good”.

Dates: Feb - May 2023 - Details here

iActivate Darling Downs starts 20 February 2023 - secure your spot now!

EOIs close Friday 3 February 2023, so apply fast

Areas: Toowoomba and Rockhampton(check program for specific regional dates)


Nundah Community Enterprises Cooperative Ltd & Community Praxis Co-op

Strengthening the ecosystem for place based social enterprises.

  • Workshops are suitable for people interested in taking practical steps to start a social enterprise and have an idea ready to develop.

Workshops in Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and Moreton Bay.

Dates: February -April 2023 in collaboration with Neighbourhood Centres

Workshop 2 - (9.30 - 1.30pm)

  • 8 February - Wilsonton Neighbourhood Centre
  • 17 February - Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre
  • 24 February - Caloundra Community Centre

ONLINE activities:

Statewide forum for Neighbourhood Centres and Community Organisations.

    • 23 February (11am - 12.30pm)  
    Online Community of Practice for Neighbourhood Centres and Community Organisations
    • 23 March (11 - 12.30pm) 
    • 20 April (11 - 12.30pm)
    For more information about the program click Here

    White Box Enterprises Ltd

    Do you run a social enterprise focused on job creation in South-East QLD? Are you looking for some expert coaching to strengthen and grow your business?

    @White Box Enterprises is running a FREE 12-week capacity building program, thanks to the support of the QLD Government, to boost the productivity of jobs-focused social enterprises.

    EOIs are open until 30 November, find out more here and apply today.

      Contact: More information


      James Cook University

      • Social enterprise sector development - FNQ project

      Areas: Cairns/Port Douglas, Tablelands (Atherton/Mareeba), Thursday Island, Cooktown, Lockhart River, Weipa

      Dates: TBC

      Contact: narayan.gopalkrishnan@jcu.edu.au


      QUT (Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies)

      • Developing your enterprising leadership and partnerships 

      Areas: Brisbane and remote/regional QLD

      Online short course: 6 sessions over 6 weeks @ 2.5 hours

      Commencement date: 21 April 

      For more information click - Details


      BDO Financial Education

      • Financial Education for QLD social enterprises

      Areas: Cairns, Rockhampton, Mackay, Brisbane

      Cairns, Rockhampton & Mackay will commence next year Program Information

      Contact: Financial.edu@bdo.com.au


      Impact Boom Pty Ltd

      • Elevate+ social enterprise accelerators and additional sector capacity building
      Would you like to get support to strengthen your social enterprise?

      APPLY NOW for Australia's leading social enterprise accelerator program, and get wrapped with strong, subsidised support.

      Elevate+ is currently open to South East Queensland based entrepreneurs and will:
      - provide you with weekly workshops, allowing you to develop key areas of your business
      - give you access to Impact Boom's online learning modules
      - connect you with leading mentors, investors and their alumni for one-on-one and group mentoring
      - generate strong exposure for you, both online and at public events
      - take the loneliness out of being an entrepreneur.

      Applications for the 2023 program are now open. Closing date for applications 31 December. Don't miss out on this fully subsidised opportunity!

      Areas: South East QLD

      More details here


      StartSomeGood Pty Ltd

      • Emerge pre accelerator program

      Areas: Brisbane, Roma, Toowoomba, Goondiwindi, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Mackay

      Dates:

      • April 2023 (call for applications February 2023)

      Contact: Startsomegood



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