While the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to reverberate across the small business sector, there are some clever, new innovations providing support to business owners looking to recover from months of adversity.
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Now in a first for Port Stephens and as part of October Small Business Month, small businesses are being invited to join industry leaders in an online expo to access content, training and resources that will assist in post-COVID recovery and stimulate growth.
Titled 'Small Business - Big Impact', the virtual event will be conducted on Tuesday, October 27, and feature representatives from Port Stephens Council, Tomaree Business Chamber, Port Stephens Women in Business, Destination Port Stephens and Spark CoWork.
Organisers said the aim of the event, which is supported by the NSW Government, was to provide a platform for the Port's small business community to get together for a day of inspiration and information during these challenging times.
"Putting safety first and conscious of the fact that many people cannot leave their small business to attend the event, we have chosen to make it a virtual event," said Spark CoWork's Beck Morley.
The expo has the approval of Tomaree Business Chamber president Leah Anderson, who was full of admiration for the many small business organisations working together for a common goal.
"This collaboration means that all of our local businesses will benefit from the resources and content available on the day to assist with COVID-19 recovery and help reignite the Port Stephens economy," Ms Anderson said.
The sessions, designed to deliver a real benefit and strategies that attendees can put into action, would feature speakers Stephen Griffiths (presenting 'Developing Resilience in Difficult Times') and mayor Ryan Palmer (providing an update on how council is supporting post-COVID recovery).
The program includes five breakout rooms to access specific speakers, content and training of interest; a celebration of Port Stephens success stories through the delivery of case studies; virtual networking with an online meeting hub with engagement in business development opportunities; and one-on-one appointments for participants to speak personally to business advisers.
Event coordinator Sheree Mullen said that the expo aimed to reignite the Port's small business community and to publicly celebrate the impact that small business makes on the community.
"Through this event, we will be able to provide solutions that our small businesses are asking for and deliver these in an online, safe way. Through the program of motivational speakers, the hope is that our small business community will feel buoyed, connected and positive about their future."
Small businesses are being encouraged to register before October 19 to allow participants time to check out the software and update their profiles before receiving a unique link to join the event on October 27.
For more information and to register visit www.smallbusinessbigimpact.com.au.