Innovation, Skills and Business Development
This category focuses on funding projects and programs that focus on building the capability and competitiveness of regional businesses by supporting initiatives that foster innovation, strengthen future skills and enable strategic business growth. This includes business support services, training, planning, shared workspaces, incubators, accelerators and programs aimed at sustainability and digital readiness.
If you would like to know about specific funded projects, please reach out to the Local Buying Foundation Project Officers.
Driving Regional Innovation: Greater Whitsunday Innovation to Deliver AI Workshops and May 2026 Summit
Greater Whitsunday Innovation (GWI) empowers local businesses and community organisations across the region.
Strengthening Regional Capability Through Strategic IREP Business Development
Isaac Resource Excellence Precinct (IREP) will strengthen the region’s business ecosystem by fostering collaboration, innovation, and capability development.
Building Connected Business in Singleton
The Local Buying Foundation continues to fund key roles to ensure Singleton businesses succeed, guaranteeing that the region remains a vibrant, innovative and prosperous place to do business.
Isaac Business Chamber: Strengthening Business Connections
The Isaac Chamber has successfully developed an event calendar and is actively working on sponsorship opportunities to ensure value for its members.
Voices of the Future: Regional Leaders Step Up
The Regional Leadership Development Program delivered by Regional Development Australia Far North with support from PIRSA is continuing to make a strong impact across South Australia’s Far North.
Driving Tourism Growth in the Isaac Region
This project has leveraged partnerships with Tourism and Events Queensland, ensuring Isaac’s coastal and inland operators are front and centre in statewide tourism promotions.
Driving Regional Collaboration in the Pilbara
The launch of the Pilbara Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry marks a major step forward in regional collaboration and advocacy.
A New Era of Accessible Resources for Local Enterprises
The Tactic Toolkit project has delivered a transformative digital resource designed to meet the evolving needs of regional businesses.
Investing in Community Connections
The continuation of the Member Services Manager role at Muswellbrook Chamber of Commerce & Industry Inc (MCCI) represents a strategic investment in strengthening local business support and community
Building Capacity in Muswellbrook
Two initiatives represent a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability of the Muswellbrook Chamber and the broader business community to respond to the community’s needs.
Decarbonisation Accelerated – Leading the Way in the Greater Whitsunday
The Decarbonisation Accelerated project, delivered by the RCOE in partnership with Greater Whitsunday Alliance is making a real difference towards a sustainable future.
Men’s Voice in Changing Navigating Diversity
Inclusive leadership and culture are essential for attracting and retaining talent, improving safety and driving performance, by helping SMEs build stronger teams and better outcomes.
Strengthening Leadership and Workforce Participation
Equipping women with leadership skills and networks strengthens succession planning, boosts workforce participation and enhances SME performance, reflecting a committment to sustainable regions.
Keeping SA Far North Business Safe Online
This initiative delivered a six-part face-to-face workshop series acrossfar north SA. Each session was designed to be practical and immediately actionable, covering topics such as recognising cyber threats, securing business systems and responding to attacks.
Success for the Inaugural Tech Verge Summit
Hosted by Greater Whitsunday Innovations, this inaugural event with a strong focus on ditigal tools explored practical, real-world applications of technology for regional businesses.
Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program
The Bowen Basin Women in Leadership Program, delivered by RDA Greater Whitsundays and proudly supported by the Local Buying Foundation, has concluded its latest cohort with resounding success
Port Hedland Online Business Directory
The Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce and Industry recently delivered an important project to strengthen the visibility of local businesses
Whyalla Learns How to Make an Impression
More than just a training opportunity, this program highlights the power of collaboration – between education providers, local government and community-focused organisations.
Artists Connect Inc. Strategic Plan
Established in 2022, Artists Connect Inc is a not-for-profit network dedicated to enriching the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday regions through diverse artistic programs. The strategic plan, funded by the Local Buying Foundation and developed with input from 58...
Greater Whitsunday Communities’ Key Workforce Accommodation Project
The QLD Local Buying Foundation is proud to announce it's support the Greater Whitsunday Communities’ Key Workforce Accommodation Project, addressing one of the most pressing challenges for businesses in the Mackay region—access to housing for key workers. Running...
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Acknowledgement of Country
The Local Buying Foundation acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land where we work and live. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities who also work and live on this land.