When I was growing up, the community considered our family of four kids on the small side. In 2015 having three children is a large family. I grew up watching the Waltons on TV – they had six or seven children (I used to know all their names too!). Now two of my siblings and many of my friends have one child and that seems to be just enough. My point is that, like so many concepts, ‘small’ is relative. And often, not even a relevant measurement or qualifier.

The month of August is The Small Business Festival in Victoria. This year there are over 300 events across the month in Melbourne and the regions, with regional festivals in Mildura and Shepparton. FBA is running twice a session on the Family Business Sector. This is a terrific introduction to the community, the challenges and the advantages. Why not pass this link onto a business that you deal with; someone in your supply chain or customer base that may be a family business.  This is a low-cost way for businesspeople to ‘see’ the sector and understand how they may fit into it. Because it’s nearly impossible to find an effective solution to an issue if those involved don’t understand the competing dynamics, culture and needs in play. Find out how FBA is involved on our website.   

Also, check out the full Small Business Festival Program.

There is an amazing range of events, learning and training on offer. In past festivals I have attended workshops on topics I am weak in and found the whole experience to be incredibly useful and productive. You don’t have to be a teeny tiny business to participate and engage with this festival. I always try to do a couple of sessions on social media and digital tools. Many of the events, especially those run by councils, are free and run by specialists from the private sector – making them the ultimate in learning opportunities.

Seriously – there is something for everyone! Crowe Howarth is running sessions on cloud accounting and financial literacy. Heaps of marketing, social media and PR gurus sharing their knowledge, our state partner, the Bank of Melbourne, is offering an afternoon with three incredible local businesswomen  discussing the business of retail, the good oil on franchising and exporting and IT and best practices… the list goes on!

I cannot urge you too strongly to check out what’s on and participate in the festival.

And don’t forget to let your network know about the FBA sessions – let us do the heavy lifting of explaining the wonderful community you’re part of.

Willing to Work – National Inquiry into Employment Discrimination Against Older Australians and Australians with Disability

This team is seeking information from employers – through submissions and also consultation meetings.

If you would like to attend a consultation Geelong you can register at this link. 

They will be accepting written submissions from early July. Information on how to submit will be emailed to everyone who has registered their interest in the Inquiry, or you can find more information on the website. 

You may wish to read one or both of the Issues Papers, which are designed to help guide those contributing to the Inquiry. The Issues Papers are online here.

Gov4U – Advice, Support & Grants for Small Businesses – Free Information Session

Find out what advice, support and grants are available from the three tiers of government for businesses in Hume and how it can be accessed. The seminar will provide information on advice, support and grants available from the three tiers of government for entrepreneurs, new business start-ups and SMEs.

This seminar for small business operators will be jointly delivered by the Federal Department of Industry and Science, the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) and a representative from Hume City Council.

Date: Wednesday 19^th August
Time: 8.30am – 10.00am
Location: Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, VIC 3047

Light refreshments will be provided for attendees. If you have dietary requirements, please advise when making your booking. Book here.