Big interest in Small Business Fair

The opportunity to engage with Federal Government small business agencies was simply too good to pass up for the raft of Bundaberg Region business operators attending the Small Business Fair at The Waves today.

The fair was officially opened by Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education Senator Michaelia Cash and Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt.

Senator Cash said the fair was a great means of sharing in one venue the multiple avenues of assistance available to business operators.

“The reality is that if small business operators are out there having a go they have every right to expect governments to support that effort,” she said.

Local marine business grows quickly

Donna Bowman, who runs Bowman’s Marine with her husband and Colour Me Happy, said the fair had provided a great insight into programs that may be of assistance in growing her businesses.

“My areas of interest have extended into assistance with additional staff, applying for funding and questions relating to taxation,” she said.

“Our marine business and my entertainment business have both gone ballistic.

“Bowman’s Marine has grown from a home-based business four years ago to a point where we now have commercial premises.

“We were not prepared for the growth we have experienced since October last year.

“We kind of just plodded along at home but the growth has been rather scary – in a good way.”

Donna said the people at the Small Business Fair provided advice and, importantly contacts.

Daniel Reeves was another visitor taking plenty from the staff manning the multiple stalls and displays.

“I work with Port Curtis Coral Coast Trust – the Native Title representative body for Bundaberg, Gladstone and parts of the North Burnett,” he said.

Daniel said the fair had met his expectations.

“The Federal Government is pretty good at sharing its information and promoting its assistance programs,” he said.

“While the communication is great there are some programs and incentives you didn’t know existed unless you came to an event like this. Here you have the opportunity to speak with the people delivering the programs.

“Events such as this certainly allow me to make contacts and to better understand the reach of particular programs and how they may apply to our members and business associates.”

People attending were able to obtain information including:

• Improving your cashflow;
• Government subsidies to hire the right staff;
• Attracting new customers using digital media;
• Simplifying tax;
• How to start your own small business and set a strong foundation in its first year of operation;
• Investing in yourself as an investment in your business.