Effie Zahos headlines annual business resilience expo
Sunshine Coast businesses looking to seize opportunities, navigate a changing business environment and learn from the country’s best, shouldn’t miss Council's annual business expo, Thriving Through Change, on Wednesday 5 August 2026 at Maroochy RSL.
The free business event brings together trusted business support organisations, advisors and industry leaders under one roof, giving local business owners direct access to practical advice, valuable connections and real-world solutions to help strengthen and grow their businesses.
This year's keynote speaker is renowned money expert, media commentator and business advocate Effie Zahos, who will share practical insights to help businesses navigate changing economic conditions and make more confident decisions based on consumer need.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the event was a great way for businesspeople to receive free professional insight and reflected Council's commitment to supporting our region's small business community.
"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we know many are continuing to face challenges including rising costs, workforce pressures and economic uncertainty,” Mayor Natoli said.
"Thriving Through Change is designed specifically for our small businesses, sole traders and SMEs— focused on turning the concept of business resilience into practical action they can apply straight away.
"Whether you're looking for ways to reduce costs, improve business performance or connect with the right support services, this event offers useful information and resources in one convenient location."
Interactive expo – what's in it for your business?
The event program includes a keynote presentation from Effie Zahos, a panel discussion featuring business and industry leaders, an interactive expo showcasing business support services and networking opportunities with fellow business owners. Attendees will leave with tangible strategies they can implement immediately.
Attendees will be able to:
- Find the right business support faster, all in one place
- Access practical help to manage cost pressures
- Gain trusted advice to make more confident business decisions
- Connect with the local business community
- Walk away with practical actions they can implement in their business immediately.
Event details
What: Thriving Through Change – Business Resilience Expo
When: Wednesday 5 August 2026, 3-7pm
Where: Maroochy RSL
Cost: Free
More information: Thriving Through Change Business Expo
About Thriving Through Change
Thriving Through Change is Sunshine Coast Council's annual business resilience expo, helping local businesses access trusted advice, support services and practical strategies to navigate challenges, build resilience and create opportunities for future success.
About Effie Zahos
Effie Zahos has been on a lifelong mission to make money talk a lot less boring and a lot more accessible for everyone. As the Money Editor for Channel 9NEWS and a familiar face of finance on the Today Show, she translates complex economic headlines into plain English for millions of Australians.
With over 30 years of experience—including her long-standing tenure as Editor of Money magazine—Effie is one of Australia’s most trusted voices in financial literacy. She currently sits on the board of the ASX-listed InvestSMART and serves as a Director at the Ecstra Foundation. Through her work with Ecstra, she is proud to support the Talk Money initiative, a national school-based program that has already empowered over 500,000 students to build financial confidence.