Vicki, Empowering Strong Communities
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and I are offering a series of practical, hands-on opportunities designed to help community groups and organisations thrive. Learn how to write winning grant applications, discover strategies for building a resilient and sustainable organisation, and maximise your volunteer workforce. Whether you’re looking to secure funding, strengthen governance, or plan for the future, these sessions provide the tools, knowledge and support you need to succeed.
Upcoming workshops
Event: Grant writing for community organisations
Date and time: Tuesday 17 February 2026, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: Grange Library, 79 Evelyn Street, Grange
Description: An informative and hands-on session for anyone looking to brush up on their grant writing skills.
Event: Grant writing for community organisations
Date and time: Saturday 21 February 2026, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: Everton Park Library, 573 South Pine Road, Everton Park
Description: An informative and hands-on session for anyone looking to brush up on their grant writing skills.
Event: Grant writing for community organisations
Date and time: Saturday 28 February 2026, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: Garden City Library, Level R4, Westfield Mt Gravatt Shopping Centre, Corner Logan and Kessels Roads, Upper Mount Gravatt
Description: An informative and hands-on session for anyone looking to brush up on their grant writing skills.
Event: Grant writing for community organisations
Date and time: Friday 6 March 2026, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: The Y Cannon Hill Community Centre, 18 Lang Street, Cannon Hill
Description: An informative and hands-on session for anyone looking to brush up on their grant writing skills.
Event: Information sessions: Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grant – Community Support category
Date and time: Wednesday 25 March 2026, 4pm-6pm
Venue: Grange Library, 79 Evelyn Street, Grange
Description: Learn more about the grant program, eligibility requirements and get practical tips. This is also an opportunity to speak directly to a Council officer.
Event: Information sessions: Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grant – Community Support category
Date and time: Thursday 26 March 2026, 5pm-7pm
Venue: Grange Library, 79 Evelyn Street, Grange
Description: Learn more about the grant program, eligibility requirements and get practical tips. This is also an opportunity to speak directly to a Council officer.
Event: Information sessions: Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grant – Community Support category
Date and time: Monday 30 March 2026, 11am – 1pm
Venue: Brisbane Square Library, 266 George Street, Brisbane
Description: Learn more about the grant program, eligibility requirements and get practical tips. This is also an opportunity to speak directly to a Council officer.
Event: Information sessions: Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Grant – Community Support category
Date and time: Monday 30 March 2026, 5pm – 7pm
Venue: Garden City Library, Level R4, Westfield Mt Gravatt Shopping Centre, Corner Logan and Kessels Roads, Upper Mount Gravatt
Description: Learn more about the grant program, eligibility requirements and get practical tips. This is also an opportunity to speak directly to a Council officer.
Event: Volunteer management for community organisations
Date and time: Thursday 30 April 2026, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: Garden City Library, Level R4, Westfield Mt Gravatt Shopping Centre, Corner Logan and Kessels Roads, Upper Mount Gravatt
Description: Learn best practice methods of attracting, retaining and managing volunteers.
Event: Volunteer management for community organisations
Date and time: Saturday 6 June 2026, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: Windsor Community Centre (Zig Zag), 57 Grafton Street, Windsor
Description: Learn best practice methods of attracting, retaining and managing volunteers.
Event: Building a resilient organisation
Date and time: Saturday 13 June 2026, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: Garden City Library, Level R4, Westfield Mt Gravatt Shopping Centre, Corner Logan and Kessels Roads, Upper Mount Gravatt
Description: Discover strategies to strengthen governance and sustainability to help your group or organisation thrive.
Supporting Brisbane’s Business Networks
Update from the Business Engagement team, Economic Development
Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant
Brisbane’s business and research pioneers can apply for up to $5,000 in funding through the Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant to attend a leading international conference. Recipients also play a role in attracting major industry conferences to Brisbane, driving sector growth, creating jobs, and supporting Brisbane’s $275 billion future economy. Find out more and apply by 24 February 2026.
Do you know a Young Entrepreneur?
Do you know a high school student who wants insight into starting a business? If so, let them know about Council’s Future Founders Forums that are being held in Coorparoo, Toowong, Chermside and Eight Mile Plains. Students can learn from a keynote speaker and a panel of young entrepreneurs as well as networking with like-minded students over light refreshments.
Skills for Education and Employment Program
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program is an Australian Government initiative that provides free, tailored training to help your employees strengthen their language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, setting your business up for success. Upskilling your team with SEE can deliver immediate and long-term results that benefit your business. Whether you’re planning for growth, navigating change or simply aiming to boost productivity, see what SEE can do for your workforce.
New Rules for your Business SMS
National regulations for business text messages are changing – the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is introducing a new SMS Sender ID Register to help stop scammers from impersonating businesses. If your business communicates with customer using an alphanumeric Sender ID (the name that appears as the sender instead of a phone number, like ‘MyGov’ or your bank’s name) you must register it before 1 July 2026. If you only send texts from a standard phone number, you don’t need to take any action. Visit the ACMA website to find out more.
Payday Super
Payday Super is a change to how you calculate and when you pay your employees’ super guarantee. From 1 July 2026 employers will need to pay employees their super guarantee on payday, at the same time as their salary and wages. It is a good time to review your payroll systems and super processes and get ready to pay super guarantee more frequently. Visit the ATO website to find out more.
Get your Google On
Thursday, 26 February (9.30 – 11:30am)
Brisbane Business Hub
Get Your Google On is a hands-on, beginner-friendly introduction to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), tailored for local business owners. This session will cut through the jargon and myths to show you the four foundational pillars of SEO and how to apply them in your own business.
Marketing on a Budget
Tuesday, 3 March (9.30 – 11:30am)
The Clubhouse Moorooka
Marketing on a Budget is a practical, no-fluff workshop designed for small business owners and operators who want results without wasting time or money. This session cuts through the noise and focuses on what actually moves the needle when resources are limited.
Canva for Social Media and Print
Tuesday, 17 March (9.30 – 11:30am)
Garden City Library
If you already have Canva but would like to gain confidence on how to use it more effectively, this workshop is for you. We’ll cover how to use Canva for several business needs including setting up your brand, social media posts, sales presentations, and flyers.
Get Found Online: SEO in the AI ChatGPT Era
Wednesday, 18 March (10am – 12 noon)
Suburban Business Hub Nundah
AI-powered search is changing how customers find businesses online and that means traditional Search Engine Optimisation strategies need an urgent update to ensure your customers can find you online. Learn how to navigate the new landscape where ChatGPT, Google’s AI, and voice search are reshaping how people discover your business
Financial Education: Know Your Numbers
Tuesday, 24 March (9.30 – 11.30am)
Brisbane Business Hub
For business owners, financial literacy is a critical skill. If you understand your numbers, it is easier to make informed, strategic decisions that result in financial stability and sustained business growth. This workshop will help you be aware of the financial impact of every business decision you make.
Navigating Grants for Small Business
Wednesday, 25 March (9 – 11:30am)
Suburban Business Hub Nundah
Join us for this practical, skills-focused workshop designed to help small business owners and professionals confidently navigate the world of grants. You’ll learn how to identify funding opportunities, assess feasibility, and write compelling applications that align with your business goals.
More information
If you have any questions, or would like further information about the initiatives or events in this email, please contact the Business Engagement team and we will be in touch.