Scenic Rim small businesses embraced Small Business Month with gusto attending 18 events over the 20 working days. The bookend event, the Scenic Rim Chamber of Commerce Collective Business Breakfast, was at capacity, featuring special local guest speakers as well as the highly interactive and entertaining entrepreneur Daniel Johnsen.
As part of Queensland Small Business Month, events hosted by Council, local Chambers of Commerce, and government departments provided businesses owners opportunities to network and learn new skills.
Scenic Rim small businesses make a vital contribution to the region’s economy and Small Business Month provided opportunities to upskill.
The theme for Queensland Small Business Month 2021 was ‘Bounce Back Better’ with the month focusing on connecting small businesses with information, initiatives and events to come back even stronger following the economic impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19). Scenic Rim Regional Council presented a range of events for business owners to network, connect and learn new skills and tools that would help them succeed now and into the future. With over 18 events, from social media to secrets of success, from payroll to planning, grant writing to resilience, there was something for everyone. Council extends its thanks to the facilitators of these events, and the participants who took time away from their busy schedules, to make connections, learn new skills and hear from industry experts to improve their business.
Council has already started planning a month of events for next year and encourages community to provide feedback on what they would like to see in the program. Please email prosperity@scenicrim.qld.gov.au with ideas.
The grand finale event of the Small Business Month program was the Scenic Rim Chamber of Commerce Collective Business Breakfast. The breakfast was been developed by the collective of the Scenic Rim Chambers of Commerce as part of the region’s celebration of Queensland Small Business Month 2021.
The business breakfast supported 80 members from the business community who relished in the opportunity to network with like-minded businesses from across the region. Attendees were treated to the skilled and pleasant service from the students from McAuley College Beaudesert as well as a delicious offering of local produce for breakfast.
Presentations at the event showcased local businesses Terra Firma Fertilisers and The Hub Café in Canungra. Jill Gray from the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training provided information on grants, business mentoring programs and opportunities the department can assist the business community with.
Terra Firm Fertilisers story has been recaptured here. A good news story on persistence and vision, which we encourage all small business owners to read and share.
The final presenter may have sounded a little different, but his lengthy tenure in Australia has provided him with some Aussie colloquialisms everyone enjoyed during his presentation. Daniel Johnsen bio details that he is a catalyst for change and innovation and is a proud technology advocate. Daniel has worked with over 4,000 small businesses and emerging entrepreneurs to explore, start, and grow new businesses. Since 2017, Daniel has been an Entrepreneur in Residence, mentor and resource for Australia’s regional and rural communities. Daniel is the first recipient from North America of the coveted Global Talent visa, Australia’s newest innovation recruitment tool. It aims to draw the world’s best and brightest to help up skill and train Australians to adapt and respond to global challenges and opportunities. In his spare time, he is building Lolly, a simple way for families to record, store and effortlessly playback their favourite stories, books and songs using apps or smart speakers like Alexa and Google Home. Daniel holds an MBA with a focus in entrepreneurship.
His presentation was engaging with audience interaction and participation. It highlighted topics such as customer service , social media marketing and promoting your business and other like-minded businesses to create a greater experience for the shopper.
The event was a huge success promoting the strong collaboration between the business community, Chambers of Commerce and the Scenic Rim Regional Council.
A full suite of images from the breakfast can be viewed here.
