They are the face and beating heart of the Sunshine Coast, helping our region grow and prosper, and now it's time to celebrate our businesses - as part of the region's first ever Buy Local Day.
It will be held on Saturday June 22, and Sunshine Coast Council, in collaboration with Buy Local Sunshine Coast is calling on all local businesses and consumers to take part.
The region-wide event aims to draw special attention to local independent shops and our community is asked to look out for a range of special incentives.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Buy Local Day would be a win-win for consumers and local businesses.
"Our first ever Buy Local Day shines a spotlight on our beloved businesses and the benefits generated through spending money locally," Mayor Natoli said.
"May is also Queensland Small Business Month and a timely reminder to support our local businesses because each transaction strengthens our economy now and into the future."
Leading up to Buy Local Day, businesses will be showcased and given tips and resources on how to be more visible to consumers.
Hear more from local businesses
Benefits of Buy Local Day
Caloundra Fishing World business owner David Granville encouraged all businesses to get behind the big day.
"Businesses can make the most of the promotional material provided by Buy Local Sunshine Coast to activate their stores and entice consumers to visit," said Mr Granville.
"Buy Local Day is the ideal day for consumers to make a conscious decision to purchase locally.
"Whether you buy from your local farmers' markets, butcher, coffee shop or independent retail store, your purchase is a way to say thank you to all the businesses that support our community throughout the year."
Caloundra Fishing World business owner David Granville.
How to get involved
Businesses can find more information on how to get involved, plus a suite of marketing material and social media assets to help with promotion by visiting www.buylocalsunshinecoast.com.au/buy-local-day.
Buy Local Day is being delivered with assistance provided through the jointly-funded commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Sunshine Coast Council has invested in buy local campaigns in recent years to encourage local consumers including campaigns coinciding with Mother's Day and Black Friday sales.
In addition to Buy Local Day, Council supports a range of programs and opportunities to help businesses build growth and resilience, including the Level Up Your Business website.
