Something for everyone at the first Canberra Small Business Expo

The idea behind the CBR Small Business Expo started mid last year as part of the ACT Government Small Business Strategy.

Designed to help the Canberra business community connect and expand its networks with industry and government, the event on Thursday 9 May will be hosted by the ACT Government.

ACT Government spokesperson Karen Stewart-Moore says there has been a lot of interest from the Canberra business community.

“We’ve got close to 100 exhibitors which is great to see given it’s the first time we’ve ever done something like this. This interest seems to reflect this is something the Canberra business community wants,” Karen says.

“We’re really pleased we’re providing the platform for businesses to help each other connect and learn about different strategies to start, run and grow their businesses.”

Businesses of all shapes, sizes and across multiple industries have expressed interest in the expo, including accounting firms, consultancies, creative agencies, cyber security firms, bookkeepers, photographers and printers.

Karen says there’ll be a range of presentations, workshops and speakers covering topics such as how to start a business, marketing your business, using social media, creating a cyber safe business and even how to attract a diverse workforce.

The expo will not only give small businesses the opportunity to connect with each other but also with government agencies.

“We’ll have plenty of representation from ACT Government and the Australian Government, including Access Canberra, WorkSafe, ACT TradeStart, Canberra Business Advice and Support Service, IP Australia, the Australian Taxation Office and the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman,” Karen says.

“They’ll all have a presence on the day, ensuring visitors can connect with the right people.”

She says industry organisations will also be present, including Canberra Women in Business, Canberra Business Chamber and Master Builders Association.

“We’ve also got some AI experts coming in to host a session on how to use AI in your business for marketing, which will be exciting to discuss the benefits of this new technology and how it can help businesses move into this new era of tech.

“There will also be a great team from the ACT Government’s Every Day Climate Choices Sustainable Business Program offering a workshop on making your business more sustainable on a day-to-day basis.”

The event, initially scheduled at GIO stadium, has been moved to the Budawang Pavilion at EPIC due to the overwhelming public response.

Karen says all expo attendees will get something out of the event in some way or another.

“Whether you’re confused about the first thing to do when starting a business or have been around for a while and are looking to take the next step, there will be something for everyone.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses can also get support through Coolamon Advisors and the Badji program who’ll run a stall on the day.

Beyond Blue will talk about mental health and wellness for business owners and entrepreneurs from 9 to 10 am.

“We were really pleased to have Beyond Blue offer up their time to help business owners stay as mentally healthy as possible,” Karen says.

The expo runs from 10 am to 4 pm. All registrations can be made through the CBR Small Business Expo.