The Isaac region recently celebrated the launch of the Isaac Business Chamber, an important step forward for local businesses. The new chamber will provide a space for nearly 2,000 businesses to connect, collaborate, and find support. It aims to represent their interests and offer valuable resources.
The Local Buying Foundation has played a key role in supporting the chamber’s creation. Through the Bridging the Business project and Isaac Business Support and Facilitation Program, and with the help of Leann Priestley in her LBF-funded role, the Local Buying Foundation has supported businesses in the Isaac region. For the past four years, Leann’s work as the Isaac Business Support Officer, in partnership with GW3, has helped lay the foundation for this new chamber.
The BTB project identified the need for a local organisation dedicated to business support. The Isaac Business Chamber will meet this need by providing ongoing advocacy and resources to help local businesses grow. Chambers of commerce are important for supporting local economies by giving businesses a unified voice and helping them succeed.
LBF has shown its commitment to the region’s growth through its support of projects like BTB. This support has helped create a strong foundation for the new chamber and ensured that businesses have a clear voice in the community.
Leann Priestley of GW3 said, “The chamber was carefully developed with the commitment of Greater Whitsunday Alliance and the Local Buying Foundation. They provided a strong framework and vision. With the launch of the chamber, we’re setting a new direction for the region’s economy.”
LBF encourages local businesses to join the chamber. Members will gain access to resources, networking opportunities, and a stronger voice in advocating for their needs.
Join us in building a vibrant and sustainable business community by signing up for membership https://www.isaacbusinesschamber.com/memberships
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Isaac Business Support and Facilitation Program – Home Brewed Series
4 June, 2024
The Local Buying Foundation’s support for the Isaac Business Support and Facilitation Program through 2023 has delivered tangible results for the region’s micro and small businesses. Coordinated by Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3), this initiative addresses a crucial need for local business development, especially among home-based and micro-business owners.
The “Home Brewed” series, a key feature of the program, was designed to empower these businesses with practical knowledge and skills. The first two workshops, held in Moranbah, showcased the program’s impact.
Workshop 1: Business Coaching and Strategies
In March, the series kicked off with a workshop led by Peter Sheen, The Admin Guide. Sixteen local business owners participated in a hands-on session that covered productivity, planning, and efficiency strategies. One of the standout tools introduced was the “To Don’t” list, which helped participants prioritize tasks and avoid burnout. Participants left feeling more confident in their ability to plan and manage their businesses, with 86% reporting a significant boost in their confidence.
Workshop 2: Social Media Marketing
Later in March, Tracy Sheen, The Digital Guide, led a second workshop focused on social media marketing, attracting 20 participants. With technology moving fast, Tracy gave small business owners actionable insights on leveraging digital tools, AI, and platforms like ChatGPT. The session highlighted the importance of owning your online presence and consistently showing up as your brand. Feedback showed participants gained valuable knowledge on using social media tools effectively, with many appreciating the practical examples shared from Tracy’s own experience.
Both workshops created meaningful learning opportunities and provided participants with tools to apply immediately. The program is helping local businesses build capacity, connect with one another, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
With two more workshops to come, the “Home Brewed” series continues to be a valuable resource for the Isaac region’s business community.
More information about the Isaac Business Support Program can be found here.
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Funding Approved for Isaac Business Support and Facilitation Program
Nov 20,2022
The Queensland Local Buying Foundation has approved funding for the Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) to deliver the Isaac Business Support and Facilitation Program through 2023. The program, under the Micro-business and SME Capacity Building funding category, is designed to support local businesses in the Isaac region by offering practical, needs-aligned business development initiatives.
This annual program encourages businesses to advance and maintain their skills through accessible professional development and networking opportunities. The focus is on promoting best practices in operations, helping Isaac businesses thrive in a competitive landscape. A highlight of the program is the “Home Brewed” series, which offers four facilitated training workshops tailored to home-based and micro-business owners, entrepreneurs, and start-ups in the Isaac region. These half-day workshops, held in Moranbah, Dysart, Middlemount, and Clermont, provide expert insights on topics such as marketing, technology, and scaling up.
Coordinated by Leanne Priestly, GW3’s Isaac Business Facilitation Officer, the program will strengthen local businesses and foster connections through networking events.
This initiative represents a key investment in building the capacity of local businesses, empowering them to grow and succeed.
More information about the Isaac Business Support Program can be found here.