The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are still six years away, but the supply chain is already being built. Around $2.5 billion in contracts across roughly 500 opportunities is expected to flow through the Games’ procurement program, and organisers have said they want small and medium Queensland businesses to win a large share of it. At comparable Games, more than 80% of contracts went to SMEs.
Here is how the process works, what buyers will look for, and the digital groundwork a Brisbane business should do now so it is ready when tenders open in its category.
Who buys what
Procurement is split across three main entities, all following the Queensland Procurement Policy 2026:
- GIICA (Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority): venues and infrastructure.
- The Queensland Government: athletes’ and Games villages.
- Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee: running the event itself, from temporary infrastructure and transport to catering, technology, medical services and accommodation.
How to register interest
- Register on the ICN Gateway. Opportunities are published through the Industry Capability Network Gateway.
- Complete the Expression of Interest questions for the categories that fit your business.
- Turn on notifications so you hear when packages in your area open.
Shortlisted businesses move to a closed tender, which can include an in-person pitch. Organisers have also said they want to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, women-owned businesses, social enterprises and regional suppliers in the mix.
What buyers will check before they call you
Large buyers do their homework online before shortlisting. Expect them to look at:
- Your website. Does it clearly state what you do, where you operate, your capacity and your contact details? Is it fast, secure (HTTPS) and current?
- Evidence. Case studies with measurable outcomes, client names where you have permission, and certifications.
- Policies. Privacy, cyber security, work health and safety, modern slavery and sustainability statements are increasingly expected in government supply chains.
- Systems maturity. Can you handle electronic invoicing, purchase orders, reporting and data requests without manual workarounds?
Does your website pass a buyer’s first look?
We build fast, credible business websites with case studies, capability statements and the policies procurement teams look for.
Digital groundwork to do in the next 12 months
1. A capability page that matches tender language
Create a page that lists your capabilities using the same words that appear in procurement categories, with capacity numbers, locations served and relevant experience. Make it easy to download as a capability statement PDF.
2. Case studies with real numbers
Write two or three case studies with the problem, what you did and measurable results. If clients cannot be named, anonymise them and explain how figures were measured.
3. Cyber security basics
Government buyers increasingly ask about cyber security. At a minimum: multi-factor authentication on all accounts, patched systems, tested backups and a written incident response plan. Our security checklist is a good starting point.
4. Systems that can scale
A Games contract can multiply order volumes for a period, then drop back. If your quoting, scheduling, invoicing or stock management relies on spreadsheets and manual re-entry, fix that before you win the work, not after. Connected systems also make the reporting that government contracts require far less painful.
5. Get found by the right people
Keep your Google Business Profile, LinkedIn company page and ICN profile consistent. Buyers cross-check.
Opportunities beyond the Games contracts
Not every opportunity is a direct contract. Expect growth in tourism, hospitality, events, transport and construction across South East Queensland well before 2032, and businesses that supply those sectors will benefit too. Being digitally ready, with a clear website, good systems and online bookings or ordering, helps whether you sell to the Games or to the visitors.
FAQ
Do I need to be a large business to tender?
No. Organisers have said they want SMEs involved, and many packages are sized for smaller suppliers.
Where are opportunities published?
Through the ICN Gateway. Register and complete the EOI questions for your categories.
Sources
- business.gov.au: Unlock Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games opportunities
- IOC: Brisbane 2032 unveils strategy to boost local business
- ICN Gateway
Get tender-ready with a local team
We help Brisbane businesses build credible websites and connected systems that scale when the big contract lands.