Brisbane is getting behind its food and beverage innovators with Lord Mayor Graham Quirk inviting businesses to participate in new accelerator programs to help them grow and reach global markets.
Launched today at a Future Food Brisbane “boot camp”, the suite of workshops and programs are designed for a range of food businesses from start-ups to established businesses.
Cr Quirk said the Future Food Brisbane programs were part of the city’s strategy to drive investment and job growth in the food and agribusiness sector.
“Brisbane and its surrounds are recognised for producing delicious high-quality produce, and combined with our robust supply chain infrastructure, research capability and support for start-ups, we are seeing more innovative food products and ideas emerge,” he said.
“There is a hunger from Brisbane’s food community to expand their capabilities, capacity and expertise and the Future Food Brisbane initiative will deliver a range of targeted education and industry development advice to help them achieve this.
“Growing Brisbane’s food and agribusiness industry is a priority of the Brisbane 2022 New World City Action Plan for economic growth, which is why we want to help our local food and beverage businesses to prosper.”
Developed by the city’s economic development board Brisbane Marketing, the Future Food Brisbane initiative includes the following opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs:
- Future Food Global Readiness Accelerator: An eight-week program run by professional services company KPMG for businesses with existing products and high-growth potential.
- Future Food Product Development and Market Readiness Incubator: An eight-week program run by corporate services company Bentleys for businesses at an early stage of development.
- Startup Launchpad: An eight-week program for businesses at the concept development or startup stage, presented by SilverChef in conjunction with Wandering Cooks.
- Industry development workshops and seminars covering important aspects of food and beverage commercialisation, from e-commerce to IP protection.
Cr Quirk said Brisbane had everything it took to become Australia’s home of food innovation.
“Brisbane has the facilities, infrastructure and networks to support local food and beverage businesses to tap into national and international markets,” he said.
“Collaboration with councils and industry across South East Queensland is also critical to this initiative and the overall success of our region.
“Under the ethos of ‘building local to grow global’, Future Food Brisbane will assist businesses and entrepreneurs gain information, advice, mentoring and industry connections under a range of workshops and programs run by industry experts.”