CONNECTING local talent, promoting small business, and proving that shoes are optional in the quest for success are all at the heart of the new Do It In Douglas platform.
Douglas Shire Council, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) and Douglas Chamber of Commerce have launched the platform alongside a new series of storytelling videos and website that serves as a business concierge to help support, nurture and develop the small business scene in Douglas.
Do it in Douglas – The stories that prove lifestyle and livelihood are a match made in paradise
Prominent local business owners including Gary Hunt, Byron Kurth, Stephanie Elizabeth, and Henry Johnston tell their inspiring stories through the platform in a bid to motivate people to Do It In Douglas.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said the next step of the campaign would provide meaningful and purposeful support to small businesses and start-ups in the Shire.
“Do It In Douglas is about encouraging growth and prosperity in our small business community,” he said.
“Through the Talent Directory, and Start-up Page, Do It In Douglas can really help facilitate meaningful collaborations, and play a key role in nurturing and developing our local talent.”
“It’s also a wonderful celebration of the business scene in Douglas. I encourage everyone to watch the videos, they certainly leave you feeling inspired and proud to be living and working in the shire.”
Stephanie Elizabeth and David Lloyd from SEA Gallery feature in the video series
The new Talent Directory will connect local businesses with local talent. From bookkeepers to social media advisors, to landscapers and electricians, all businesses that operate in Douglas with the capacity to service other local businesses are encouraged to get involved and benefit from the merry-go-round of support the talent directory offers.
The platform also stands to celebrate the ever-growing network of start-up and micro businesses in the Shire, and enables these entrepreneurs to promote their businesses, and provide input into the resources and support services they would like to see to help them flourish in Douglas.
Launching with nine videos that take us into the lives of those that have realised success in business and life, Do It In Douglas also gives an inspiring and equally realistic insight into what it’s like to do business in Douglas. Each story is remarkably different, but the message is clear – get it right and this is the place where lifestyle and livelihood truly come together.
Marlene and Rohan Erard from Epicurean
Local businesses feature in the new video series
Douglas Chamber of Commerce President Shirl Lyon said she and the committee are excited about the future of small business in Douglas Shire.
“A platform like Do It In Douglas is an important and essential tool for our small businesses community,” she said.
“It’s important we recognise and celebrate local talent to help us grow our economy through fostering innovation and dynamism.”
“I encourage everyone to get involved and get connected – it’s through collaboration that success is realised.”
Gary Hunt from Hunt Design
Henry Johnston with Coconut Rodney
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) Chief Executive Officer, Tara Bennett, said the platform also serves as an important promotional tool to attract new business and investment to the Shire.
“The stories provide real-life insight into doing business in Douglas, and the opportunity that business in the region represents.”
“The content is about getting people informed and connected, and it’s presented in a way that reflects the professionalism of business in our Shire whilst honouring the relaxed lifestyle we offer.”
Byron Kurth from Managing Australian Destinations (MAD) and Steve Molnar from Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas
Do It In Douglas is a collaboration between Douglas Shire Council, Douglas Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree. This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Get involved, get connected, and register your service business or start-up here!
