Workshop Series Complete - Twelve Locations, Strong Connections Built, One Shared Focus

Queensland Manufacturing Institute (QMI) and Industry Capability Network Queensland (ICN QLD) have completed a six-month workshop series helping manufacturers and local businesses better understand major project procurement and position themselves for supply opportunities. Delivered in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development, the Queensland Government Supplier Readiness and Profile Improvement Workshop series helped businesses understand procurement requirements and improve their visibility and capability for major project supply opportunities. 

The series visited 12 locations across Queensland: Moreton Bay, Toowoomba, Gympie, Maryborough, Ipswich, Gold Coast, Mackay, Townsville, Logan, Sunshine Coast, Redlands and Bundaberg. It brought together businesses new to Gateway by ICN and those with established profiles, with a shared focus on understanding how to communicate their capabilities in the context of project requirements.

The interactive workshops explored what influences supplier visibility and how businesses can strengthen their position for major project opportunities. Participants gained guidance on procurement requirements, identifying suitable work packages and communicating their capabilities. The focus was on understanding what information matters and how to use it to present a clear, relevant picture of their business. 

Abhiney Arora, Executive Director ICN QLD highlighted that "What stood out across the series was the willingness of businesses to look beyond simply finding opportunities, but to improve their visibility, strengthen how they communicate capability, and build confidence to engage with major projects"

The workshop guest speakers added practical expertise and current market context to the workshops. They shared insights into buyer priorities, procurement pathways, emerging supply opportunities and the support available to local businesses. Their participation also gave attendees valuable opportunities to engage directly with project representatives, raise business-specific questions and build relevant industry connections. Speaker involvement varied by location, allowing the content to reflect the industries, projects and opportunities most relevant to each region.

Feedback from participants highlighted the strong value of the workshop, with attendees particularly appreciating the quality and relevance of the content, the opportunity to network with peers, and the practical insights provided to support business growth.

As one participant noted, they “really enjoyed the workshop, the quality of information and the networking opportunities,” while another described the session as “brilliant content” and “a great opportunity to help the growth of our business.”

This workshop series brought industry, government and local businesses together creating valuable opportunities to connect, learn from each other, and gain insights into what’s happening across regional markets.

Twelve locations, six months, strong connections built, one shared focus – helping Queensland manufacturers strengthen their position for the opportunities ahead.