Leading social commentator Bernard Salt has called the Sunshine Coast the ‘entrepreneurship capital’ of Australia, based on the proportion of the workforce who owned their own business.

Our region has a unique entrepreneurial ecosystem network of education programs, business incubators, coworking spaces, advocacy events and meetups which actively support and encourage innovation, new ideas, entrepreneurs and startups, which have been captured in the Sunshine Coast entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem map.

Click here for the full size Sunshine Coast entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem map.[2007KB]

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• More details about our region’s ecosystem, programs and support are available in the Sunshine Coast entrepreneurship and innovation brochure. [2834KB]
• Sunshine Coast: The place to be report informs and guides the development of future programs that will encourage further innovation and entrepreneurial activity.  

Our entrepreneurial community

Our unique region and way of life is a magnet for big thinkers, experienced leaders and world class talent. It’s the place where they come to do world class work without compromising their aspirations for family, health and life.

Startups  The region has a collaborative and dynamic startup community supported by a number of incubators, accelerators, coworking centres and maker spaces.	Collaboration and leadership  Our innovation ecosystem supports entrepreneurs and nurtures ideas through industry collaboration and supported by regional leadership.	Skills and capacity building  A continued investment in talent and skills is crucial to preparing our workforce with the knowledge and experience they need to compete in a global marketplace.

Innovation in action 

International Broadband Submarine Cable   From 2020, the Sunshine Coast will deliver the fastest telecommunications connection to Asia from Australia's east coast and the second fastest to the US.	Award Winning Reputation Named a Top7 Intelligent Community in 2019. A Smart21 Intelligent Community for five of the last six years. Leadership City Winner at the inaugural 2018 Australian Smart Cities Awards.	The Mayor's Telstra Innovation Awards Almost 90 students were trained in innovation / entrepreneurship principles between 2016-2018, and awarded over $40,000 worth of prizes, including travel to Sydney for a mentoring.
Smart Cities Smart city technologies provide real opportunities to build a stronger Sunshine Coast economy, develop a safer community, and improve service delivery to residents, businesses and visitors.	Digital Champions The region has a high number of innovative entrepreneurs, digital champions and thriving businesses who all make a global impact, with many recognised by the Queensland Government's Community Digital Champions program.	Regional Economic Development Strategy Council is building a new economy based on a clear 20-year economic plan across seven high value industries. A key priority is promoting innovation, research and digital participation.