Building Business Resilience Program
Council have developed a holistic approach to disaster resilience, recognising that our community is diverse and requires a multi-tier resilience approach. Businesses can be affected by a wide range of natural and man-made risks and emergencies.
Floods, droughts and bushfires are all natural hazards that can result in emergency, crisis, or disasters and create extreme risks to the Western Downs community, businesses, and visitors. Being prepared for the unexpected can reduce the damage to local businesses and industries, allowing them to get back to business sooner.
The Building Business Resilience Program is designed to help Western Downs businesses enhance their business resilience and be more sustainable and viable.
Business Roadshow
In August 2025 we are delivering business roadshows across the region, with breakfast workshops in Miles, Jandowae and Tara.
These practical mini-workshops will provide you with foundational and practical business tips that you can implement straight away. Tips include business planning fundamentals, considering potential risks to your business, simple business operations improvements and digital marketing.
Join us at the following events where light breakfast will be covered:
- Jandowae - Tuesday 26 August, 7.30am - 9.00am. Wombat’s Cafe and Grill. RSVP here
- Miles - Wednesday 27 August, 7.30am - 9.00am. The Creek Cafe Miles. RSVP here
- Tara - Thursday 28 August, 7.30am - 9.00am. Tara Cafe and Fuel. RSVP here
Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for years, it's a great chance to meet others, share ideas, and connect with your neighbouring businesses.
Want to stay and keep chatting with the Sparrowly Group team? We are providing businesses the opportunity for a private session to continue deep-diving or getting advice for your own business. The team will remain through to 11.00am for any business owners who can stay on.
Business Mentoring
Following the delivery of the first round of business support sessions for 20 businesses, more places have become available for 20 businesses to receive one-on-one business support and mentoring with an expert advisor to work on your business.
Businesses from round one covered topics such as business planning, financial forecasting and modelling, website development, cyber security planning, proactive marketing and sales, staff development and retention.
100% of program participants found the program ‘Excellent’ in their feedback!
Hear from businesses themselves:
“Thank you for the amazing support that you provide for small and new businesses like me. I learned so much.”
“Participating in the Building Business Resilience Program has been a big confidence boost for our operations in the Western Downs. The program offered practical tools, sharp insights, and real-world strategies tailored to the challenges we face in regional industries. It’s not just theory - it’s the confidence to action without hesitation. The mentors brought a refreshing, no-nonsense approach that helped strengthen our business foundations and identify new opportunities for sustainable growth. Highly recommended for any business looking to sharpen its edge and future-proof its operations.”
Participant applications will open following the Business Roadshow events in August. The next intake of applications will open September 2025.
Business Resources
Business support resources, guides, templates, checklists and recorded videos will be made available on Council’s website soon.
Help shape support and resources that meet your needs
Please take our 10-minute survey and help guide the delivery of the Western Downs Building Business Resilience Program.
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The Program is being delivered by Western Downs Regional Council and supported by Shell Australia as part of their social investment. Our delivery partners Sparrowly Group have been engaged across 2025 for delivery of the Program.