Successful businesses are constantly on the lookout for new business opportunities. The most effective way to do this is via networking in order to build new business relations.

Business opportunities can come in a variety of forms including:

• meeting the needs of organisations looking for certain products or services
• demand opportunities - locating suppliers who can better meet your needs i.e. providing a cheaper, quicker, better quality product or service  

While some businesses may appoint a 'Business Development Manager' who identifies various business opportunities, new businesses are not always in a position to do this.

Below are several easy-to-use resources available to businesses looking for new opportunities.

• Queensland Government Marketplace
  The Queensland Government Marketplace publishes the Queensland Government's major tenders, provides an overview of the forward procurement schedules of various Departments and provides information about the State Purchasing Policy.
  
  
• SmartSite account 
  Set up a SmartSite account. The Department strives to match SmartSite account holders with appropriate business opportunities.
  
  
• Industry associations 
  Get involved with your industry association as they often provide their clients with information about tender and networking opportunities which can lead to business opportunities.
  
  
• Many organisations publish their tender opportunities online therefore a visit to these websites could reveal a business opportunity.

Other Resources

• Winning new business, selling to government quiz
  Use this quiz to learn more about the Government tender process and ways to 'win' Government contracts.
  
  
• Local Industry Participation Plans
  The Queensland Government requires certain projects in the State to develop a Local Industry Participation Plan to encourage them to source their supply needs from Queensland.
  
  
• QMI Solutions
  A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping Australian industry achieve Manufacturing and Product Development Excellence through research, education and implementation of World Class Practices and Technologies.
  
  
• Innovation
  Do you have untapped markets already within your reach? Take our quick quiz to learn how regularly implementing innovation can lead to new business.