Business support

Business support service

Thinking of starting a business in the Mackay region and don’t know where to start? Already have a business and not sure if you are complying with council rules? We can help you navigate the process. The Economic Development team within council can help facilitate all business (existing, new and future) enquires.

We will help you navigate the different departments within council and will liaise internally for you, briefing the different programs on the nature of the enquiry and arranging any necessary meetings to help move forward with ease.

As well as providing support navigating council, we also partner with the local Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce and industry associations.

Reach out to the Economic Development team on 1300 MACKAY or email business@mackay.qld.gov.au

Setting up a business

Are you thinking of starting a business in the Mackay region?

Below are some handy links to the Queensland Government's Business and Industry Portal website.

Starting a business
Running a business
Planning a business

Approvals and permits

Did you know that you may need a planning or building permit to start or expand your business? For general planning or development enquiries, please contact council’s Planning Advice team.

Find out more

Local laws

Council is responsible for the enforcement of local laws that are necessary for the regulation of a broad range of matters within the community.

Some local laws require individuals of business activities to obtain a permit or license to operate. Examples of this include accommodation activities, caravan parks, entertainment venues, food businesses, personal appearance services and mobile vendors.

Find out more

Government agencies

Below are some handy links to the Queensland Government's Business and Industry Portal websites.

Business Queensland
Advance Queensland
Business, Australian Government
QLD Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
Regional Development Australia, Mackay, Issac and Whitsunday

Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce and industry associations

Mackay Issac Tourism
Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce
Resource Industry Network
Canegrowers
Greater Whitsunday Alliance
Split Spaces 

Going into business with council

Due to the wide breadth of services provided to the community, a diverse range of providers are required to assist council in achieving these objectives.

Find out more

Make sure your business is in good shape with these free mentoring webinars.

Mackay Regional Council offers a free five-part webinar series focussed on business development.

The webinars cover business essentials such as planning fundamentals, building a digital footprint, business accessibility and much more.

The webinar series is part of council’s Small Business Mentoring Program delivered by Sparrowly Group.

Business Planning Fundamentals	Building Your Business Digital Footprint
Understanding the Mountain Bike Visitor	Know Your Numbers
Making Your Business Accessible

Grant Finder

Grant Finder is a joint initiative of the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regional Councils, facilitated by Greater Whitsunday Alliance.

Grant Finder helps businesses and community groups to search for government and non-government grant opportunities in one place.

Find out more

Connect to a professional grant and tender services network

There are over $150 billion available in grant and tender funds and we want to help you get your share.

Grant and Tender Services is a network of professional grant and tender service providers. With one point of contact you will access an entire network of experienced grant and tender service providers.

Find out more

The Make Your Place Mackay Waterfront Placemaking Grant supports projects and activities that connect the local community, and create places people want to go to or be in.

The grant program helps people to create and deliver inspiring, inclusive and vibrant projects in public spaces, encouraging people to become more active and involved in their community.

Find out more

The Facade Improvement Grant supports the revitalisation of building facades across the Mackay region. Improving building facades contributes to promoting quality facade improvements, enhance the streetscape appeal of our city and towns, attract patronage and stimulate the economy of the Mackay region.

Council’s Facade Improvement Grant works in partnership with property owners and business operators to encourage revitalisation of commercial facades and create new vibrancy within our region’s business districts.

Find out more

Council’s ‘Invest Mackay Events and Conference Attraction Program’ supports the attraction of major sporting and cultural events, concerts and conferences to stimulate the local economy.

Mackay Regional Council seeks to support major events and conferences that achieve the following outcomes:

• Raise awareness of the Mackay region by contributing destination image and appeal
• Attract overnight visitation and expenditure from outside the region and increase length-of-stay
• Contribute to, enhance and grow the regional economy by generating new investment and developing business and industry
• Foster community pride.

For more information please download the attached program guidelines.

Program guideline(PDF, 1MB)

Mackay Regional Council will consider supporting events and conferences that meet the criteria of one of the five event categories - Significant Regional Events, Major Events, Hallmark Events, Event Sponsorship Partnership, and Event Analytics.

An expression of interest form is to be submitted by applicants who wish to be considered for funding. To obtain a copy of the expression of interest form please contact Council’s Economic Development and Tourism team: ashley.ferguson@mackay.qld.gov.au or call 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Expressions of interest are to be submitted with a minimum window of six months lead time to utilise the funding to help develop and grow the event in line with the objectives of the program.

Please note, the assessment duration for applications can take up to eight (8) weeks to process.

The Facilitating Development in the Mackay Region policy provides a suite of flexible concessions to support the delivery of sustainable economic growth that will generate employment, diversify our economy and value-add to existing businesses and industry.

Originally introduced in 2016, the policy has seen the approval of over 105 applications worth $20.18 million in concessions and facilitated the delivery of significant capital investment and employment to the region.

Targeted development

The policy targets the following development types:

• Development within the Mackay Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA)
• Tourism development
• Community facilities
• Housing diversity

Specific incentives

The policy offers a range of specific incentives including:

• Dedicated point of contact
• Accelerated assessment
• Infrastructure charge concessions
• Delayed payment of infrastructure charges
• Service connection fee discounts
• Concessions on car parking rate
• Reduction in food license and trade waste fees.

Application process

Engage with Mackay Regional Council’s Economic Development program to discuss eligibility requirements. Contact us by emailing business@mackay.qld.gov.au or calling 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Submit a Stage 1 - Expression of Interest (EOI) to provide general information about the applicant, proposed development, requested incentives and eligibility.

Submit a Stage 1 - Expression of Interest (EOI)(PDF, 272KB)

EOI Assessment – Following assessment of the EOI, council will provide written notice to the applicant advising whether the development qualifies to proceed to Stage 2.

Submit a Stage 2 – Application to demonstrate that the development provides sufficient economic benefit and will meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

Submit a Stage 2 – Application(PDF, 164KB)

Formal Assessment – Stage 2 applications are assessed by the elected council with the final recommendation being adopted at a council meeting.

Facilitating Development in the Mackay Region(PDF, 823KB)

Get in touch

We encourage you to get in touch with council to discuss your development.

Please contact council’s Economic Development program:
Phone: 1300 MACKAY (622 529)
Email: business@mackay.qld.gov.au

In June 2025 Mackay Regional Council resigned the Small Business Friendly Councils commitment. The Small Business Friendly (SBF) Program initiative was established to recognise and support local councils that actively support local businesses. The program acknowledges a commitment to be mindful of small businesses; their issues and priorities when making decisions for the local community.

Mackay Regional Council originally signed the Small Business Friendly Charter in March 2021 with the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce and together have since delivered many initiatives to support small business in the Mackay area. After a review of the program which aimed to better support the needs of members and their business communities, and as an existing member, in June 2025 Mackay Regional Council and the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce reconfirmed their commitment to small business.

The 2025 Small Business Friendly Commitment outlines commitment to:

Uplift the capability of small businesses

• Provide support and guidance to improve capabilities
• Help to improve digital literacy and drive the use of technology
• Promote opportunities to grow skills and workforce.

Foster ecosystems that help small businesses thrive

• Actively communicate and engaging with small businesses
• Enhance our policies, practices and minimising red tape
• Build resilience to respond and recover from disasters and major business disruptions.

Promote small businesses and vibrant economies

• Promote opportunities and raising the profile of small businesses
• Support place-making and the creation of circular economies
• Support trusted networks that help small businesses learn and succeed.

Enable small business development and success

• Create an annual Small Business Action Plan, or equivalent (each financial year)
• Develop our understanding of the economic environment
• Champion small business investment and procurement.

Work together for small business

• Advocate about challenges and opportunities facing small businesses
• Collaborate and partnering to enhance the operating environment for small business Monitor and reporting on our performance.

By signing the commitment, Council agrees to:

• Authorising an organisational representative and proxy to champion our commitment
• Implementing an annual Small Business Action Plan, or equivalent (each financial year)
• Actively participating in at least four SBF Program activities (each financial year)
• Attending the SBF Program Annual Conference (in person or virtually)
• Publicly promote local small business initiatives
• Submitting a financial year Annual Report to the QSBC by 30 September each year.

Find out more

Or reach out to the Economic Development team at Mackay Regional Council on 1300 MACKAY or email business@mackay.qld.gov.au

• Download signed commitment(PDF, 672KB)
• Download Annual Report(PDF, 340KB)

The Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) is a passionate supporter of Queensland small and family businesses. The team at the Queensland Small Business Commissioner's office have developed a comprehensive resource hub for small businesses in Queensland offering a wide range of grants, support services and tools to help businesses start, run, grow and adapt.

Find out more

Showcase your event energy

Make your business part of Mackay’s biggest moments.

Mackay is ready to shine - and your business can be part of the excitement. During major event periods across 2026 and 2027, locals and visitors will be out exploring, dining, shopping and looking for memorable experiences.

This campaign invites local businesses to create themed promotions, exclusive experiences and event‑inspired products that encourage people to explore, engage and spend locally - helping grow business while strengthening Mackay’s reputation as a vibrant regional destination.

Find out more and get involved

Discover upcoming event periods, how your business can get involved, and ideas for event‑inspired offers and activations.

Five major event periods bring thousands of visitors to the region and get locals out and about.

View event periods and find out how your business can get involved, visit:

• Discover Mackay event energy

We'll help promote it

Your event offer or activation will be promoted via:

• The Amplify Mackay website
• Direct promotion to event attendees
• Council social media channels

View offers from other local businesses, check out:

• Showcase your event energy

Stay connected

To find out more, contact Mackay Regional Council’s Economic Development and Tourism program via:

business@mackay.qld.gov.au; or

1300 MACKAY (622 529)

Stay update via the Mackay Regional Council socials and visit Mackay Events.

Council has proudly endorsed a new Small Business Action Plan at a council meeting on April 22, 2026. The plan reinforces council’s commitment to making it easier for small businesses to operate, grow and thrive across the region. Developed in partnership with the Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce and a range of local industry partners, the plan outlines practical, achievable actions council will take to support Mackay’s diverse small business sector. The Small Business Action Plan includes 26 action items divided across seven key pillars, ranging from improving access to small business information to strengthening procurement pathways for local businesses.

Find out more about the community and business consultation council completed in 2025 to help inform the action plan at connectingmackay.com.au.

Read the action plan here.