Small Business Festival Victoria
Event Program
1–31 August 2016
Table of Contents
Ministerial Message...... 4
Major partners...... 5
Supporting partners...... 6
How tofindevents...... 8
What is Small Business Festival Victoria...... 8
How to find events...... 8
Topics and areas of interest...... 9
How to book...... 9
Ticket prices...... 9
Featureevents...... 10
Festival Roadshow...... 10
Meet the Experts...... 11
Small Business BIG Marketing...... 12
Festival Hub...... 14
Victoria’s DigitalInnovationWeek...... 17
Webinars...... 19
Small Business Bus...... 23
Spotlight Events...... 25
Events calendar...... 27
Melbourne CBD...... 27
Accessing the Indonesian market for small business...... 27
Women leading businesses to success...... 27
Franchising and business opportunities expo...... 27
EasternMetropolitan...... 26
Women in business expo and luncheon...... 34
Learning from entrepreneurs...... 34
Capitalise on the digital world without compromising security...... 34
NorthernMetropolitan...... 37
The art of storytelling in business...... 37
Women in front with guest speaker Clare Bowditch...... 37
Nothern Multicultural Small Business Awards...... 37
WesternMetropolitan...... 41
The role of collaboration in innovative enterprises...... 41
Success outside of home office walls – mastering the transition...... 41
Marketing muckups and how to avoid them...... 41
SouthEasternMetropolitan...... 44
Business grants and assistance for manufacturers...... 44
Frankston and Mornington Peninsula (FMP) business breakfast...... 44
Casey Cardinia Women’s Business Lunch: power of persistence...... 44
Mornington Peninsula...... 47
Ballarat...... 48
BisNet breakfast: Margot Spalding...... 48
How marketing contributes to financial performance...... 48
Young professionals networking evening...... 48
Bendigo...... 51
Ride the digital wave: Dinner with Chris Riddell...... 51
HR advice on fitness for duty (FFD)...... 51
Bendigo Small Business Festival launch: Network like a pro...... 51
Geelongsurrounds...... 41
Russel Howcroft: When it’s right to be wrong...... 54
What’s next? Creating new products for customers...... 54
Beyond management: Three essential keys to business leadership...... 54
Gippsland...... 58
What makes us buy and buy in with Dan Gregory...... 58
Sheppartonsurrounds...... 61
Working successfully across the generations...... 61
Shepparton stories of inspiration and innovation...... 61
Chamber of Commerce & GV Health: Healthy workplaces...... 61
Mildurasurrounds...... 64
What’s inside the box? Breakfast fun with Tim Gentle...... 64
ANZ Bank presents: women empowering women...... 64
Business luncheon with Arron Wood...... 64
North East Victoria...... 67
Leverage from major events...... 67
Business in the online / social media environment...... 67
Online sales strategy...... 68
GreatSouthCoast...... 71
BizFest...... 71
Trading into China...... 71
Club Wednesday: Business Festival Launch...... 71
Western &CentralVictoria...... 74
Ministerial Message
The small business sector remains the backbone of Victoria’s rapidly evolving economy and the Andrews Labor Government is committed to helping small business thrive.
More than 541,000 Victorian small businesses provide nearly half of the state’s private sector jobs and contribute a third of the state’s output in goods and services – making up 97 per cent of the state’s businesses.
Rural and Regional Victoria is home to around 28 per cent of small businesses. They are the heart and soul of many communities.
This is why we are committed to ensuring that small businesses are able to access the information and support they need to help them innovate, connect with new markets, invest and create jobs.
The Victorian Small Business Festival is one of the ways the Government is working with Victorian small business owners and entrepreneurs to ensure they have the knowledge and resources required to achieve great things.
Now in its 11th year, the 2016 Victorian Small Business Festival is this state’s premier event for small business.
Last year’s festival was attended by more than 39,000 participants, 79% of which were new to the festival itself and 64% of which were females, excellent statistics in their own right, but one’s we are hoping to build on again this year.
The 2016 festival will host its biggest program yet with more than 400 free or low cost events – throughout metropolitan Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Great South Coast, Gippsland, North Eastern Victoria, Mildura and Shepparton – covering more than 20 topics ranging from marketing and export potential to financial management and technology.
It also offers small businesses an introduction to the range of government services available year-round and an opportunity to be inspired by successful business leaders.
I encourage all small business owners, and those interested in starting their own business journey, to take part in this excellent month of events and networking.
The Hon. Philip Dalidakis, MP
Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade.
Major Partners
Australia Post
Australia Post has supported small businesses for over 200 years in every townand community in Australia.
We see advocating for small business – to help them go online, grow and export – as central to our role as a leading eCommerce provider.
Australia Post is proud to support this commitment as the Major Partner of the 2016 Small Business Festival Victoria.
We look forward to meeting inspiring Victorian entrepreneurs at our free festival events, or at one of ourGo & Grow Online seminars helping regional small businesses get online and grow their operation with expert advice and networking.
auspost.com.au/smallbusiness
Salesforce
Salesforce is proud to be Australia’s #1 CRM solution for small businesses and a major sponsor of the2016 Small Business Festival ofVictoria.
Customerrelationshipmanagement (CRM) is often the secretsaucethat transforms a small business into a strong, vibrant and rapidly growing one.
You may think CRM is just for big corporations, but the truth is that you don’t have to be big to benefit from CRM.
Thousands of small businesses across Australia have grown their revenues 37% sinceusingSalesforce to help them find, win, and keep more customers. See how the world’s leading cloud-based CRM solution can give your business#theunfairadvantage.
salesforce.com/vic
Supporting Partners
SmartCompany
SmartCompany is the leading online publication in Australia forfreenews, information and resources catering to Australia’s entrepreneurs, small and medium business owners and business managers.
Monday to Friday, SmartCompany publishes news, businesstrendsand ideas, profiles and features, as well as all the latest business, tax, legal, marketing, politics and innovation developments occurringaroundthe country.
smartcompany.com.au
Sensis
As Australia’s #1 marketing services company, we’re here to engage consumers with Australian businesses. We make this happen through a number of leading brands – Yellow Pages, White Pages, True Local, Whereis and Skip and our expert digital know-how. Our digital expertise is what sets us apart – we give businesses a competitive edge through websites,searchengine marketing and optimisation, data, and through our digital advertising agency, Found.
sensis.com.au
Flying Solo
The Flying Solo community provides inspiration and support to 85,000+ Australian small businesses. Guides and tips are published daily, our forums and Facebook page are the liveliest and friendliest around and our podcast brings life lessons from others going it alone.
Membership is free and comes with many benefits: flyingsolo.com.au
Powershop
Powershop is the smarter and cheaper way to power your business. With online usage tools to help your business’ energy efficiency, personalised account management with stellar customer service, and 100% carbon neutral power as standard, at no additional cost to your business, Powershop is a better power company for your business.
powershop.com.au/business
Web Central
For small business owners who need to achieve resultsquickly, WebCentral offers a comprehensive suite of ‘hassle-free’ online marketing solutions. Affordable options to create an online presence, attract more customers and reach a new audience make WebCentral a trusted partner providing a cost-effective ‘3rd option’ between DIY solutions and a full-service agency.
webcentral.com.au
HerBusiness
HerBusiness (formerly Australian Businesswomen’s Network) is a membership communitythatprovides education, training, resources, mentoring and support for women who want to:
- Grow their businesses
- Connectwith other business owners and expand their network
- Learnfrom world-leading role models and experts
- Be inspiredand encouraged through every stage of their growth, from the startup phase to established business and beyond
- Createthe business and life they love
herbusiness.com
Media Partners
3AW
Melbourne’s own 3AW 693offers hard hitting,honest,entertaining radio that empowers listeners. We strive to deliver content as diverse as the city we broadcast to, and proudly call ourown. Openline 96 900 693.
3aw.com.au
Official Supplier
Federation Square
It’s increasingly hard to imagine Melbourne without Federation Square. Home to cultural attractions, events, tourism experiences, restaurants and specialty stores, this modern piazza has become the heart and soul of Melbourne.
fedsquare.com
How To Find Events
What is SmallBusiness FestivalVictoria?
Small Business Festival Victoria provides ideas and information to people who are starting or growing a business.
The festival takes place annually during the month of August and comprises over 400 events, workshops and seminars across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
The Victorian Government coordinates the festival, through Small Business Victoria, and collaborates with industry groups, private organisations and agencies across three levels of government to deliver the events.
We hope you gain valuable knowledge and learn new skills to help your business prosper. Enjoy the festival!
How To Find Events
Find events by selecting your location.
Each region has a calendar listing the event titles, dates, event IDs, presenting organisations and ticket prices.
Webinars...... 19
Melbourne CBD...... 27
Eastern Metropolitan...... 34
Northern Metropolitan...... 37
Western Metropolitan...... 41
South EasternMetropolitan...... 44
Mornington Peninsula...... 47
Ballarat...... 48
Bendigo...... 51
Geelong surrounds ...... 54
Gippsland...... 58
Shepparton surrounds ...... 61
Mildura & surrounds...... 64
NorthEast Victoria ...... 67
Great South Coast...... 71
Western & Central Victoria...... 74
Topics and areas ofinterest
Festival events fall into the broad topics listed below.
There may be additionaleventslisted on the festival website, so besure to check online as well. You can also filter online by topic, which makes it easy to find events matchingyour area ofinterest.
- Business development
- Business planning
- Employing and managing people
- Exporting and importing
- Digital business and technology
- Financial management
- Franchising
- Sustainable practices
- Innovation
- Managing risk
- Marketing and social media
- Networking
- Sales
- Starting a business
- Workplace health and safety
- Home-based business
- Grants and assistance
- Customer service
How to book
Booking is easy. You can:
- Book through the FestivalOnline Calendar –business.vic.gov.au/festival
- Phone 13 22 15
Ticket prices
Adult pricing is shown in this program. Member, concession and early bird offers may also be available, so please check our website for details.
Feature Events
Ride the digital wave: Dinner with Chris Riddell
An online trailblazer and progressive thought-leader, Chris Riddell takes you on an inspiring journey through the world of digital, showing how innovation and new technologies are transforming the way we do business.
A regular on Channel 7’s The Morning Show and The Daily Edition, Chris Riddell is Australia’s best-known futurist.
Living in regional Victoria for five years, Chris developed strong connections with local small businesses. He has a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and exciting opportunities that exist for rural and regional small business owners looking to elevate their onlinepresence.
With experience developing digital strategies for big brands like Wrigley, Snickers, and Masterfoods, combined with his close knowledge of the needs of small businesses, Chris delivers an energetic event series exploring the impact that technology is having on consumer behaviour, as well as the new insights it is providing to business owners about customers’ needs.
He’ll share the success stories of small regional businesses he has consulted with, and show you how you can make the most of digital technology – including social media – to tap into new markets.
Chris’ dynamic presentation will be both inspirational and practical, arming you with useful tips that you can put into practice right away.
The digital age is here – get on board! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the best in the digital business.
Visit each booking website for special offers and to book your place today.
Event ID: E17239
When: 4 August 6.00pm – 8.45pm
Where: Mercure Ballarat Hotel and Convention Centre, 613 Main Road, Ballarat
Cost: Early bird $45, full price $60 (includes two course dinner)
Bookings: business.vic.gov.au/ridethedigitalwave
Event ID: E17614
When:5 August 6.00pm – 8.45pm
Where:Ulumbarra Theatre, Gaol Road, Bendigo
Cost:Early bird $45, full price $60 (includes two course dinner)
Bookings:business.vic.gov.au/ridethedigitalwave
Event ID: E17617
When: 10 August 6.00pm – 8.45pm
Where: Traralgon Vineyard, 140 Burnets Road, Traralgon
Cost: Early bird $45, full price $60 (includes two course dinner)
Bookings:business.vic.gov.au/ridethedigitalwave
Event ID: E17618
When: 23 August 6.00pm – 8.45pm
Where: Quality Suites Deep Blue Hotel and Spa, Worm Bay Road, Warrnambool
Cost: Early bird $45, full price $60 (includes two course dinner)
Bookings: business.vic.gov.au/ridethedigitalwave
Event ID: E17619
When: 24 August 6.00pm – 8.45pm
Where: The Pier Geelong, Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Beach Foreshore Road, Geelong
Cost: Early bird $45, full price $60 (includes two course dinner)
Bookings: business.vic.gov.au/ridethedigitalwave
Event ID: E17620
When: 25 August 6.00pm – 8.45pm
Where: Quality Hotel Wangaratta Gateway, 29-37 Ryley Street, Wangaratta
Cost: Early bird $45, full price $60 (includes two course dinner)
Bookings: business.vic.gov.au/ridethedigitalwave
Meet the experts
Federation Square
Meet the Experts is a small business information centre in the heart of Melbourne at Federation Square.
Each day the centre will be staffed with business experts on trade, technology, innovation, grants, retail and regulation.
Don’t miss your opportunity to meet our experts and ask your burning business questions!
The Small Business Bus will also be on site with free mentoring sessions on how to take your business to the next level. Get in quick as places are limited.
To find out more visit business.vic.gov.au/festival
When:26 July – 2 August
Opening Hours:10:00am – 4:00pm
Where:Federation Square, Swanston Street Forecourt, Melbourne
Cost:Access is free. You must register to attend a mentoring session as spaces are limited.
Small Business BIG Marketing
Are you a small business that wants to be a bigger business?
The Small Business Festival Victoria’s premier event – Small Business BIG Marketing – is your ticket to helping your business grow.
Join this year’s event and:
- Learn from world-class presenters. Share in what they’ve seen, heard and done in the marketing space
- Get the lowdown on the latest marketing trends and techniques
- Learn more about changes in the way we work, and discover how small business can take advantage of these changes
- Get out there and meet people. You’ll pick up contacts and great tips at the dedicated networking session
- Pick the brains of marketing experts. By appointment on the day, the Small Business Mentoring Service and the Australian Marketing Institute are happy to chat with you about your business
Whether you want to kickstart a basicmarketing plan, or set the world on fire, sign up now!
Date:Thursday 11 August 2016
Time:7.45am to 1.00pm
Where:The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Plenary 3 (Doors 9 and 10), 1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf
Cost:Early bird $45, full price $60
Booking:business.vic.gov.au/bigmarketing
Keynote speakers
Holy Ransom
Emergent
Holly Ransom is a passionate and talented businesswoman with an amazing ability to turn challenges into opportunities. She has helped develop innovative marketing and business solutions to solve complex problems for corporations, governments and non-profits. Holly coaches and professionally mentors leaders of all generationsaroundthe world and was the youngest person ever to be named one of Australia’s ‘100 Most InfluentialWomen’.
Toby Travanner
The Learning Company
Australia’s leading businessMC,Toby has a unique ability to engage and motivate audiences. His primary area of expertise is coaching individuals and teams to realise their business and personal goals, especially in the areas of sales and marketing.
Craig Davis
Brandkarma.com
Craig Davis is one of Australia’s most accomplished advertising gurus having spent the last 20 years developing memorable creative campaigns for global and local businesses. He will share his experience on how advertising – both traditional and digital – can work for your small business.
Dr Jason Fox
Bestselling author of The Game Changer
In a rapidly changing business environment, Dr Jason Fox provides the motivation and advice you need to get the best out of your business. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, PepsiCo, and McDonalds and is the bestselling author of The Game Changer. His fresh and relevant approach will change theway you think about the future ofwork.
Yvonne Adele
Business consultant and speaker
Yvonne Adele is an accomplished speaker, business consultant and author who helped thousands of Australians to embrace technology as the Today Show’s IT Reporter – Ms Megabyte. A columnist for Woman’s Day, Women’s Weekly and author of Conquer your Computer and PCs for Dummies, Yvonne now works with small businesses on brainstorming and social media marketing. She will share her creative thinking skills to ensure you get the most possible value out of the connections you make at the event.
Festival Hub
Donkey Wheel House
Maximise your festival experience by joining us at our Festival Hub where you will find expert advice on all things small business.
Featuring 30 workshops and networking sessions, the Festival Hub is open across three weeks at the innovative Donkey Wheel House and is conveniently located opposite Southern Cross Station.
Get in quick as places are limited.
To find more events and activities visit business.vic.gov.au/hub
When:2 – 19 August (closed weekends)
Where:Donkey Wheel House Level 2 – The Depot and Platform 673 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Cost:Access is free with the exception of events. You must register to attend an event as spaces are limited.
Bookings:business.vic.gov.au/hub