Silicon Coast

01/09/2026

Our monthly Koffee with Kat catchups have become one of the best ways to keep our Silicon Coast LEAP FWD founders, both alumni and our 2026 participants, engaged, connected and grounded through their startup growth. ☕

It’s a safe and welcoming space to ask the questions you might not ask elsewhere, learn from founders across different industries, share what’s working (and what isn’t!) and be reminded that you’re not building alone.

Sometimes the most valuable support isn’t another workshop or presentation… it’s simply getting around the table with people who understand the journey.

That’s what the LEAP FWD community is all about. 🚀

20/08/2026

Want an investor for your startup?
Trade and Investment QLD is hosting a FREE program for businesses!

Investment Ready Queensland Program
Build the knowledge, tools and confidence to move from ambition to investment-ready. Develop your capability to navigate the investment journey with clarity and confidence!

Learn more here:
https://www.tiq.qld.gov.au/exporter-academy/investment-ready-queensland-program

Register below:
https://www.bdo.com.au/en-au/insights/advisory/investment-ready-queensland

A practical capability program designed to help Queensland businesses strengthen their investment readiness, attract capital and accelerate growth.

18/08/2026

Sneak peek at the Forward Fest2027 Launch with Rob Rand from Knobby 🏆 the latest story behind being agile in entrepreneurship… quick decisions with backup plans!

10/08/2026

RSVP today! https://events.humanitix.com/launching-fwd-fest-27/tickets

We had planned to wait to announce our first FWD>FEST 27 Keynote Speaker until the night of our launch event... but we wouldn't be entrepreneurs if we didn't get too excited and announce early!

Come along next Tuesday 18 August 5.30pm to The Wharf Events Mooloolaba and you will meet Rob Rand, Founder & CEO, Knobby.

Rob will share a little snippet of the incredible Knobby story (without giving too much away ahead of FWD>FEST 27) and be there to mix'n'mingle with guests.

FWD>FEST is all about getting up close and personal with those that are walking the talk every day - and Rob is certainly a great example of just that.

To register - https://events.humanitix.com/launching-fwd-fest-27/tickets

10/08/2026

Join us next week!
RSVP HERE - https://events.humanitix.com/launching-fwd-fest-27

"FWD>FEST 26 was one of those rare events that stayed with me long after I left the room." Roxy Sinclair, first time attendee.

Are you curious about what FWD>FEST is? Wondering what we could possibly bring to the table in 2027? Keen to get involved as a speaker, partner, crew member, collaborator? Destined to be part of a community of entrepreneurs and innovators that inspire, challenge and connect?

Then, FWD>FEST 27 is for you!

And we are ready to launch. Join us as we:

- acknowledge and celebrate those who made FWD>FEST 26 such a success
- officially launch the 2027 dates and venues
- announce our first 2027 keynote speaker (if we can wait that long to share his name) - and you get to meet him!
- Launch the FWD>FEST 27 Partnership Prospectus - and maybe even share some who have already jumped onboard
- Provide a FWD>FEST 27 special ticket offering, available only to those that attend the launch and/or have already placed a deposit.

We return to The Wharf Events, which holds special memories after FWD>FEST 26 for us.

All welcome - just register https://events.humanitix.com/launching-fwd-fest-27

10/08/2026

YOU'RE INVITED 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️ Join us on Tuesday 18 August
⏰ 5:30PM - 7:30PM
📍The Wharf Mooloolaba
RSVP HERE - https://events.humanitix.com/launching-fwd-fest-27

Reconnect with those you met at FWD>FEST 26, relive the memories from May 2026 with the debut showing of the 2026 recap video AND help us kickstart the nine (9) month countdown to FWD>FEST 27!

From those that played a pivotal role in 2026, to those hearing about FWD>FEST 27 for the first time, all are welcome to celebrate the lead-up to one of Australia's leading Entrepreneurial and Innovation Festivals.

Secure your seat today - https://events.humanitix.com/launching-fwd-fest-27

30/07/2026

Thriving Through Change Business Expo
5 August 🎪

After you’ll hear from Effie Zahos Money Editor!

4:00pm - 5:00pm - Keynote Presentation
Effie Zahos, Finance Editor, Commentator, Finance Literacy Campaigner
Adjusting your business to meet consumer spending trends

A free business expo connecting Sunshine Coast businesses with expert advice, resources and support.

Learn more here 👇
https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/business/supporting-your-business/thriving-through-change-business-expo-5-august

Register here: https://sunshinecoast.i-events.info/pub/pubType/EO/pubID/zzzz6a1cb94cdcf48329/interface.html?utm_source=sunshine%2Bcoast%2Bcouncil&utm_medium=website

A free business expo connecting Sunshine Coast businesses with expert advice, resources and support.

29/07/2026

Forward Fest 2927 update! Launch 18 August 🚀
More details being released soon…
https://www.fwdfest.co

29/07/2026

Capital@Altitude Investment Ready Workshop
Panel discussion with our Chair, Kathryn Giudes - Orca Opti and the following panel guests:

Rob Neely - Securely
Carlos Velasquez - SoundX
Alex Knight - Advanced
Rob Easton - SunCoast Angels

Thanks to this mornings host, Sunshine Coast Council, and Nikki Fogden-Moore for emceeing.

14/07/2026

Capital@Altitude - Investment Ready Workshop
Right Investment at the Right Time

Date: Wednesday 29th July
Time: 10:30am – 12:30pm
Venue: Altitude Nine, City Hall, Maroochydore

👉 Register today: https://events.humanitix.com/capital-altitude-investment-ready-workshop

Raising capital isn’t just about having a good idea. It’s about knowing what investors look for, when you’re ready, and how to build a credible path to growth.

Hosted by Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with Silicon Coast, this practical, founder‑focused workshop cuts through the noise and gives you a clear view of the investment landscape.

What you’ll walk away with:
A better understanding of different types of capital and when to use them
Insight into what investors actually look for
Clarity on whether you’re ready - and what to do if you’re not
Practical guidance to help you build credibility from a regional base
Expect real conversations, Q&A and useful takeaways you can apply straight away.

👉 Register today: https://events.humanitix.com/capital-altitude-investment-ready-workshop