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 delivered business roadshows across the region, with breakfast workshops in Miles, Jandowae and Tara.
These practical mini workshops provided foundational and practical business tips that you can implement straight away. Tips included business planning fundamentals, considering potential risks to your business, simple business operations improvements and digital marketing.
It was a great opportunity to meet others, share ideas, and connect with neighbouring businesses.
Business Mentoring
Applications have now closed for one-on-one and group business support and mentoring.
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 from round one 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.”
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.