Local Buying Foundation

26/08/2026

📢 Applications are now open for South Australia's Funding Round 2

Do you have an idea that could strengthen regional businesses, support workforce development or create opportunities for your local community?

The Local Buying Foundation is inviting applications for South Australia Funding Round 2, supporting projects that help build stronger, more resilient business communities across the Coober Pedy, Port Augusta,
Port Pirie, Roxby Downs and Whyalla regions.

Whether you're looking to deliver a new initiative, expand a successful program or bring a fresh idea to life, funding may be available to help turn your vision into action.

Projects must deliver meaningful benefits to local businesses and align with one or more of our Funding Categories

📅 Applications close 16 October 2026.

To learn more and apply, visit the Local Buying Foundation bit.ly/46xPHKO.

24/08/2026

Meet the amazing Queensland Trading Tracks team!

Supporting Mackay and Isaac region Indigenous businesses and their journey, whether you're starting up or established. Get in touch with the team and find out how they can help you. 💜💜💜

24/08/2026

FY26 Annual Summary | A Year in Review

This year, The Local Buying Foundation invested more than $3 million into projects, events and initiatives supporting workforce development, business growth, Indigenous business capability and innovation.

Through the BHP Local Buying Program, more than $160 million was spent with local businesses, creating more than 10,000 work opportunities with over 800 suppliers across regional Australia.

But the numbers only tell part of the story.

Inside this year's Annual Summary, you'll find stories of businesses building capability, the expansion of Trading Tracks into South Australia, the growth of Supply Chain Ready, improvements to the buyer experience through a refreshed dashboard and the community initiatives helping regional businesses and communities prepare for future opportunities.

From supply chain participation to community investment, the FY26 Annual Summary highlights the outcomes being created through BHP partnerships, connections and the long term commitment to regional Australia.

Watch the FY26 Year in Review video here 👉 bit.ly/3UcXfjS
Read our online Annual Summary here 👉 adobe.ly/4xcUM7v

This is "FY26 - Year in Review" by C-Res Community Resourcing on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

20/08/2026

LOCAL LAUNCHPAD | Making connections that create opportunities

At the Tactic Conference & Trade Expo, Local Launchpad gave small, local and Indigenous businesses the chance to connect directly with industry leaders, buyers and potential partners.

For many small businesses, fining the right people to connect with can sometime be the hardest part. Local Launchpad helps break down barriers by creating a welcoming space to build networks, share conversations and explore future opportunities. The Local Buying Foundation was privileged to be a part of it.

Watch this short video to hear how the initiative helped local businesses make valuable connections and take the next step on their journey.

20/08/2026

How are businesses staying competitive and turning change into opportunity?

From new markets and technologies to evolving customer expectations and supply chains, the business landscape is changing rapidly.

At Continuing the Conversation 2026, we'll explore practical approaches to:

✅ Decarbonisation and ESG
✅ Diversification into emerging industries
✅ Technology and innovation

Whether you're looking to strengthen competitiveness, identify new opportunities or better understand what lies ahead, this event will provide practical insights and real-world examples from businesses navigating
change.

🗓️ 17 September 2026
🔗 Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/ctc2026

Continuing the Conversation is being delivered by GW3 in partnership with the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs Program.

Manufacturing Queensland
Local Buying Foundation
Queensland Government
Resources Centre of Excellence
Mackay Regional Council
Isaac Regional Council
Whitsunday Regional Council
Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce
Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Isaac Business Chamber
Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays

17/08/2026

🧡 🧡 WA Funding Round 2 applications closing soon! 🧡 🧡

There’s just over a week left to apply for Western Australia Funding Round 2 through the Local Buying Foundation.

Funding is available for projects, events and initiatives that support communities across Port Hedland and East Pilbara through:

✅ Innovation, Skills and Business Development
✅ Indigenous Economic Development
✅ Sponsorship

If you have an idea, program or event that can help strengthen local businesses, build capability or create opportunities in your region, now is the time to apply.

📅 Applications close 28 August 2026

Learn more, check your eligibility and submit your application: bit.ly/46xPHKO

03/08/2026

Tactic Conference and Expo | Helping local businesses take the next step 🚀

Local Launchpad made its debut at the recent South Australian Tactic Conference & Trade Expo, creating new opportunities for small, local and Indigenous businesses to showcase their capability and connect directly with industry.

Proudly supported by the Local Buying Foundation, the initiative helped reduce barriers to participation, giving suppliers greater visibility, valuable networking opportunities and access to key decision-makers.

By helping more businesses get in the room, Local Launchpad is strengthening business capability, building confidence and creating pathways to future opportunities.

30/07/2026

Queensland Mining and Engineering Expo last week provided a valuable opportunity for C-Res and BHP Queensland to connect directly with businesses from Mackay and across Central Queensland.

Over three days, the team engaged with suppliers, buyers and stakeholders to better understand local business challenges, identify opportunities for improvement and share practical information about accessing work, funding and capability development opportunities available through the BHP Local Buying Program and Local Buying Foundation.

These conversations help strengthen relationships, improve understanding of supplier experiences and ensure local businesses are better equipped to participate in the supply chain. They also create valuable opportunities to gather insights that can help shape future support and engagement activities.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the stand and shared their experiences, ideas and ambitions for the future.

29/06/2026

🧡 🧡 WA Funding Round 2 is now open! 🧡 🧡

The Local Buying Foundation is now accepting applications for Western Australia Funding Round 2, supporting events and initiatives in the regions of Port Hedland and East Pilbara.

To be eligible, your project must align with one of the Local Buying Foundation funding categories:
🔸 Innovation, Skills and Business Development
🔸 Indigenous Economic Development
🔸 Sponsorship

💡 How to Apply:
Visit bit.ly/46xPHKO to check eligibility and submit your application.

📅 Applications close 28 August 2026

24/06/2026

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | Queensland Local Buying Foundation Advisory Committee

This is an opportunity to play a regional leadership role, helping guide how funding is invested to support small, local and Indigenous businesses in the Mackay and Isaac regions.

As an Advisory Committee member, you will:
• Influence funding decisions that impact your region
• Contribute local knowledge and practical insight
• Collaborate with a diverse group of regional stakeholders
• Help identify opportunities for long-term business growth

We are looking for people involved in social value, regional leadership or local business growth who want to make a meaningful impact.

If this sounds like you, or someone in your network, we would love to hear from you.
Click the link for more details 👉 bit.ly/4oUsE5J