Gold Coast small businesses get Games ready

Gold Coast small businesses will be briefed on opportunities and benefits to come with hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games, at a Queensland Government Advancing Small Business Breakfast tomorrow morning.

Governing from the Gold Coast this week, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said for Queensland businesses the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018) was about much more than 11 days of world-class sporting competition.

“GC2018 will be Australia’s biggest sporting event this decade and the largest sporting event the Gold Coast has ever seen, injecting billions of dollar into our economy,” the Premier said.

“With only nine months to go, there is no better time for Queensland small businesses to start planning and preparing.

“We want to make sure everyone here on Gold Coast, and across the state, is ready to take full advantage of the opportunities and benefits associated with hosting the Games – before, during and after the event.

“That is why tomorrow’s breakfast is dedicated to providing them with the tools and information they need to grow, expand and prepare.”

As at 30 June 2017, at least 90% of construction contracts for the Games Village and Venues have been awarded to South East Queensland businesses, and 86% of the contracts awarded by GOLDOC have been to businesses that have a presence on the Gold Coast or in Queensland.

The Premier said Queensland small businesses were encouraged to take advantage of the recently launched ‘Be Games Ready’ guide, which included information and resources to assist small businesses to get involved in GC2018 and take advantage of all Games-related opportunities.

“Available on the Business Queensland website, the guide is designed to help with everything from stock management, cash flow and staffing to licensing and regulations. It also offers important information on how to improve marketing and social media presence to drive sales,” she said.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place from 4-15 April 2018. To find out more, visit www.gc2018.com

To find out more about the ‘Be Games Ready’ guide, visit www.business.qld.gov.au/commonwealth-games

Media contact: Kirby Anderson (Premier’s office) 0417 263 791