programs that are succinct, strategically delivered and measurable while utilising low or no cost tools and resources, businesses have a greater chance of success. Guiding SMEs through the program and content, while holding them accountable step by step, can give them more confidence on the path forward.
Sunshine Coast Council’ s Economic Development team has developed and delivered tailored business planning programs using this framework. Careful guidance by program facilitators has been critical in ensuring that businesses can confidently develop and action their comprehensive business plans. More than 200 businesses have completed the course, with countless case studies speaking of the program’ s success. Now with large procurement spend driving the need for sustainability action plans, Sunshine Coast council are considering adapting these programs to support ESG development in SMEs.
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS For whole of local industry to decarbonise, it needs to be a collective effort. Councils reach only extends so far into the community. A total of 38,000 businesses are registered on the Sunshine Coast, but despite best efforts, they service a fraction of that number. This is where it becomes imperative to partner with local industry groups and chambers of commerce. Leveraging relationships that councils have with industry groups will ensure that more businesses are reached, and the information shared is specific to their locality and industry.
The Sunshine Coast LGA consists of 13 chambers and nine industry groups that all play a role in building business capabilities and helping members to overcome challenges. Local groups such as Manufacturing Excellence Forum and Food & Agribusiness Network are examples of local industry groups that focus on sectors which are a higher priority in terms of needing to decarbonise. These groups are enthusiastic participants in industry and are active in delivering support to members that is focused on a range of industry specific topics.
Information sharing, capability building and funding are methods all local government can use to support industry groups driving sustainability in their business networks. Local government can funnel regulatory updates, resources and grant information while groups feed updates on business challenges and opportunities. Funding groups to deliver industry specific programs or events can ensure that businesses are accessing education and opportunities specific to their sector.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE REGIONS Supporting the green transition can come with great economic opportunities for regions that take on the challenge. Investment and workforce attraction can be the result of a local economy that decarbonises industry and prioritises sustainability.
Councils that drive a green economy can open investment opportunities in innovation and supply chains. National and international corporate interest can be driven to regions by a desire to access green supply chains and innovations. Bega Valley is a prime example of a region that has prioritised the development of a circular economy and attracted substantial government and private investment. Circular Bega Valley 2030 program is the result of a co-operative formed by the Bega Valley Shire Council and Bega Group, with foundational members including Rabobank, Deloitte, CSIRO and universities. For this agricultural region, the program drives circularity innovations that local SMEs and farmers can leverage while regenerating natural and social systems. The initiative has unlocked a mass of private and public investment in the Bega Valley in support of projects that fall under the program. One is the $ 27.5 million National Circularity Centre, which will become instrumental in circular economy research, education and tourism( Bega Circular Valley 2025).
Workforce challenges continue to impact regions across Australia. Councils have mobilised to stimulate workforce attraction and development through various strategies. Fostering green economy can be a valuable strategy for promoting the region as a career destination. An EY report titled The Green Transition( 2023) found that 65 per cent of employees are more likely to work for businesses that have environmental policies aligning with their values. And 88 per cent of business school students regard environmental issues in business as a high priority when considering their future careers. The data indicates that people entering the workforce are searching for employment in businesses that align with sustainability practices and priorities. This can present great opportunities for local economies that host industries successfully moving towards a green economy.
CONCLUSION The inevitable is already here. The world is well underway in its transition to a green economy that functions on net-zero emissions. Disruption cannot stop it – it will merely slow it down. Businesses that drag their feet will be left behind. Local government can take action to stop that happening in their region. Many councils have corporate net-zero targets and lowcarbon plans for communities that will be impossible to achieve without supporting decarbonisation in industry.
A total of 97 per cent of Australian businesses are SMEs and need steady guidance to support a region’ s decarbonised future while still experiencing commercial and productivity benefits. This is where local government has a significant role. Through procurement policy and resource deployment, councils can help grow an industry that is green and attractive to investment. Communication, education and industry partnerships are key pillars that will ensure SMEs are informed, confident and supported in the transition. Councils can give their SME community the support they need to benefit from the transitioning global economy. Give your SME community the best opportunity to experience the benefits of the transitioning global economy, not only because it’ s the right thing to do, but because ultimately, it will be good for business.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TYLER HARFORD Tyler currently supports small businesses at Sunshine Coat Council, specialising in building competitiveness in businesses seeking to secure government work. This work crosses over with his deep passion of reducing our global impact and creating a sustainable future. He believes that current economic trends, climate disasters and shifting consumer behaviour, makes now a better time than ever for small businesses to seize the opportunities available in the green economy.
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