Ipswich business hub Fire Station 101 will put a greater emphasis on workshops, education and networking sessions as it moves to better support all Ipswich small and local businesses.
Ipswich City Council launched Fire Station 101 five years ago as a co-working hub and start-up accelerator.
Since 2019, Fire Station 101 has been home to the $5 million defence supply chain and logistics hub which was established by Queensland Government.
The establishment of the Ipswich Defence Hub has been a huge success, facilitating engagement and assisting small and medium companies to secure defence supply chain, maintenance and logistics contracts.
Alongside the ongoing Defence Hub activities, Fire Station 101 will put greater emphasis on providing broader business support initiatives three days per week.
Mayor Teresa Harding said the realignment matches best practice with feedback from residents and the small business community.
“As Ipswich grows and changes so do community needs,” Mayor Harding said.
“The upgrades to Fire Station 101 recognise the benefits of sharing knowledge, experience and insights for a stronger and more resilient sector.
“As Queensland’s first Small Business Friendly Council, we are excited to bring local traders together to learn, connect, network and grow.”
The types of programs and events that are run through this facility will be based on local business needs.
Both the region’s chambers of commerce and other business support agencies will provide input to ensure programming is delivered in line with local business needs.
The change to Fire Station 101 as an event and education space will mean a change in membership structure and council is working with existing members to communicate these upcoming changes.
Businesses seeking help or interested in upcoming programs should take a look at the new Business Ipswich website or contact council’s Local Business and Investment team at [email protected]
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