Sunshine Coast First Nations Business Showcase 2026

2026 Sunshine Coast First Nations Business Showcase

Tuesday 6 October 2026
Venue 114, Bokarina

Join us for a vibrant celebration of First Nations enterprise, excellence and economic participation at the 2026 Sunshine Coast First Nations Business Showcase.

Held in celebration of Indigenous Business Month, the Showcase brings together First Nations businesses, entrepreneurs and leaders with buyers, industry representatives, government, community organisations and the broader Sunshine Coast community. The 2026 theme for Indigenous Business Month is local and connected.

More than an exhibition, the event creates a platform for meaningful connection, greater visibility and new business opportunities.

Attendees can look forward to:

• A diverse showcase of First Nations businesses across industries including art, technology, professional and cultural services, food, agriculture and more.

• Cultural performances and storytelling that honour Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country and recognise the enduring contributions of First Nations peoples to enterprise, innovation and the region.

• An engaging panel discussion featuring First Nations business and industry leaders.

• First Nations business pitches connecting local businesses with prospective buyers, partners and supporters.

• Practical masterclasses and access to business support services, resources and information.

• Networking opportunities with First Nations business owners, corporate and government buyers, industry representatives, community leaders and potential partners.

Whether you are a First Nations business owner, buyer, industry representative, government agency, community organisation or someone interested in supporting the First Nations business sector, you are warmly invited to attend.

Registration is free and everyone is welcome.

Come along to connect, discover new businesses and celebrate the strength, diversity and contribution of First Nations enterprise on the Sunshine Coast.

Event program

First Nations businesses and stallholders

• 12.30pm - 2.00pm — Stallholder Registration and exhibitor bump-in

• 2.15pm - 3.30pm — First Nations business masterclasses

Industry, buyers and community guests

3.45pm onwards Arrival and registration

Enjoy a Yaala Sparkling drink on arrival and native-inspired canapés from

Saltwater Eco Tours. Entertainment by Torres Strait Islander musician Alister Bartholomew

4.30–5pm Opening

Master of Ceremonies | Mandy Draper, Deadly Dot Pots

Welcome to Country | Uncle Lyndon Davis & Gubbi Gubbi Dancers

Opening address | Mayor Rosanna Natoli

5–5.30pm Panel: Local and Connected

Hear from a panel of First Nations leaders sharing their stories, knowledge

and practical tips to support First Nations enterprise and economic prosperity.

Paul Graham | CEO, Queensland Indigenous Business Network

Debbie Hoger | Founder and CEO Riley Callie Resources

Kylie Bradford | Founder and CEO, Kakadu Organics

Ramone Close | Managing Director, PLANZZ

5.30–6.15pm First Nations business pitches

Get to know the local First Nations businesses as they share who they are,

what they do and who they are looking to connect with.

6.15–7.30pm Showcase and networking

Minister’s address | The Honourable Fiona Simpson MP, Minister for Women and

Women’s Economic Security, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Partnerships of Queensland.

Connect, network and discover First Nations businesses showcasing their services

and products along with information and resources from industry and services.

Grab a burger and chips from Hooper’s Tucker.

Delivery partner

The 2026 Sunshine Coast First Nations Business Showcase is being delivered in partnership with The Dreaming Collective, a 100% First Nations, female-owned and locally owned and operated consultancy by Mandandanji woman Carly Forrest.

Sponsors and partners

An initiative of Sunshine Coast Council, supporting its Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan commitments to strengthen First Nations supplier diversity and grow a thriving local First Nations economy.

Proudly supported by: Stockland, Queensland Government, Coastal Trax, ARUP, Beerwah Coastal Connect, Trade and Investment Queensland and Shadforth.

Further information

For more information, contact delivery partner The Dreaming Collective; hello@thedreamingcollective.com

Sunshine Coast Council acknowledges the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi Peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters we all now share. Their enduring connection to Country and rich cultural heritage is central to our region’s past, present and future.