Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network

What a year it has been! 2020 kicked off with fires ripping through communities and causing horrible destruction to friends and neighbours' lives and livelihoods.By March, it was evident the world was in the midst of a pandemic.It felt like Armageddon.In parts of the world, I’m sure that is exactly how it is still being considered.

The pandemic has led to an unprecedented shock to the global economy. Whilst Queensland and the Sunshine Coast experienced related restrictions on business and personal activities, better health outcomes across our state, comparatively, are certainly valued. We must continue to look upwards and forwards. The Sunshine Coast has a reputation of being the entrepreneurial capital within our nation along with being an industrious, innovative bunch.

So, what is happening across our region for you to access to drive your business and boost local employment?

It starts with first understanding what opportunities are out there to plug into.

• The Sunshine Coast Council have developed an economic resurgence plan to support the economy over the next 12 - 18 months and to help the region bounce back.
• The Council are preparing a business case for a mass transit solution to accommodate our growing population.
• The Queensland Government have implemented a number of programs and initiatives to support small business.
• The 2020 Queensland budget offers $140 million to facilitate private investment into the small business sector. 
• The Federal Government announced unprecedented stimulus earlier this year.

On another note, as we draw into the joyous and celebratory part of the year, the fabulous festive season, I’m sure we all draw a sigh of relief and gratitude for living here on the magnificent Sunshine Coast; all that it offers and all we have achieved when other parts of our country and the world have been through some very challenging days.

I am so proud of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network members and all that you represent and contribute to our community, for the jobs you create, the diversity you deliver and the vibrancy you add to where we live, play and work. I am proud of the SCBWN executive management committee; a group of incredibly generous, talented and supportive women volunteering their time and expertise to drive better outcomes which have long term benefits to the broader community.I am absolutely grateful for our supporters, donors, volunteers and sponsors for your enduring commitment to empower and celebrate women in business.

On behalf of the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network I wish you all a joyous, safe and happy festive season, looking forward to 2021 with hope in our hearts and opportunity in our minds. We are a community which believes in the benefits of connectivity.Let’s build on that together and make our region stronger, better, buoyant.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. See you in 2021.

Roz White
President