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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ACT, the Ngunnawal people and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.

Partnership opportunities

If you’re keen to collaborate, Canberra is the place.

Connections and partnerships are a big part of doing business here. Discover how you can help your business flourish by connecting with peers, clients and collaborators across sectors.

Businesses are connected and supportive in Canberra. We’re a small enough city that you can grow your network quickly and build enduring partnerships to solve problems.

Many of our best ideas come when smart, driven people connect across sectors. Here in Canberra, you can find partners in:

  • the Australian Government
  • Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN)
  • universities and research institutes
  • Canberra Business Chamber
  • businesses and other organisations.

Innovation and start-up partnerships

When you’re in the start-up phase, CBRIN can help with partnerships.

CBRIN is funded by the ACT Government to connect businesses, universities and research institutions.

Each year, CBRIN hosts more than 250 events for business innovators. These events give you the chance to network and connect with other organisations.

CBRIN members include our ACT universities and major corporate partners. You’re set to create important business partnerships with research institutes to benefit your business.

Export partnerships

Canberra is globally connected through strong trade links and direct international flights.

The ACT Government partners with Austrade to deliver trade services for eligible export-ready businesses. Austrade can connect you with overseas networks and develop trade partnerships.

Canberra has a dedicated TradeStart adviser. These are sector specialists who work across regional Australia and in our state capitals. They can:

  • advise on trade, markets and export challenges
  • help small and medium-sized exporters in international markets.

Find out more about trade and exports.

Office of International Engagement

The Office of International Engagement (OIE) connects Canberra-based businesses and potential partners in the industry sectors where Canberra has strengths.

It creates bonds between Canberra and targeted cities around the world to encourage trade.

Find out more in the ACT Government’s International Engagement Strategy.

Talk to the OIE team about your export goals.

Email: CIE@act.gov.au

Help and information for export businesses

For more information and advice for new exporters, see:


Learn more about programs that help support exporters and export-ready businesses on the export help and resources page.

University partnerships

Canberra is Australia’s most educated city, home to one of Australia’s highest-ranking universities, two research-intensive Group of Eight (Go8) universities, as well as high-quality vocational education and training institutes.

We value education deeply. Our world-class education institutes are led by renowned academics, industry leaders and award-winning thinkers.

Educational institutions work with government and industry to bring together the brightest minds. They work on some of the world’s biggest challenges, presenting many opportunities for partnerships.

Research partnerships

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is Australia’s national science research agency. CSIRO works with a range of partners to identify strategic opportunities.

There are opportunities to forge collaborations with a number of research institutions and universities in Canberra. Explore how science and technology can help your business. Get in touch to find out more.

Business partnerships

To find potential partners in industries where the ACT has strengths, see the sector pages:

Canberra Business Chamber

The ACT Government also partners with the Canberra Business Chamber (CBC) on collaborative programs including:

  • trade missions and in-bound trade delegations
  • the Mature Workers Employment Initiative
  • Healthier Choices Canberra
  • the Future Leaders Program.

For more details, visit the CBC website.

Published date: 11 Sep 2024
Related Pages

Business networking

Here business collaborates locally to compete globally. You can grow your networks quickly and build enduring partnerships.

Read more

Canberra Innovation Network

The Canberra Innovation Network is empowering entrepreneurs to make an impact and change the world.

Read more

Export help and resources

Whether you’re new to exporting or an established exporter, you’ll find free and paid export advice in the Canberra region.

Read more

Interested in doing business in Canberra?

Contact the business team for information and advice.