Mega expo will help local businesses thrive

Sunshine Coast business owners and operators are invited to listen, learn, connect and grow at a major expo in Bokarina on August 23 which will help move their business into their next growth phase.

Sunshine Coast Council, the Qld Government Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) and the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance are inviting all 33,000 businesses from across the region to participate in the second annual Thriving Through Change Business Expo.

This half-day free event features a business exhibition offering direct access to more than 35 local, state and federal government support agencies, plus all of the region's thriving Chambers of Commerce and industry groups.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said this year’s expo was a time to look forward and think business growth.

“If you’re looking for help to grow your support network, this is a fantastic event which will connect you with the region’s best and brightest business minds and support agencies,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“This year’s program will be very insightful and practical for businesses.

“Exhibitors and presenters will outline their five key takeaways to give businesses real strategies, tools and resources they can implement.”

Acting Minister for Employment and Small Business Leanne Linard said the Queensland Government was proud to partner with Sunshine Coast Council and the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance to help deliver this year’s Business Expo.

“Events like this are vital to help small business to thrive and I urge businesses in the local area to register and attend. Tapping into other experienced business minds can provide a fresh outlook, form valuable connections, and open the door to new opportunities,” Minister Linard said.

“In this year’s Budget the Queensland Government is investing more than $39 million over the next four years to help businesses reach their goals and keep improving.

“Our investment is about helping small businesses start, grow and prosper and making it easy to do business in Queensland, because without small business our local communities and our economy wouldn’t thrive.”

Among the speakers is Jetts Fitness Australia CEO Elaine Jobson, who will provide an inspirational and practical keynote address.

Elaine Jobson

Dante St James

Tara Jacobsen

Elaine has spent 23 years in executive positions in the fitness industry, working with renowned entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson, Fitness First Founder Mike Balfour OBE, and Brendon Levenson.

Small business owners will learn the five lessons large businesses use to survive, thrive and grow.

Meta (Facebook/Instagram) Community Trainer Dante St James will deliver a Facebook, Instagram and Messenger masterclass to help businesses adapt to change and continue to grow online.

A business growth masterclass will be presented by Groei Founder Tara Jacobsen, who will share tools to help businesses make strategic decisions, forward plan the next 90 days, take advantage of opportunities, reduce stress and stay in control in uncertain times.

Exhibitors will include the Department of Small Business and Training (DESBT), the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, AusIndustry, Visit Sunshine Coast, Mentoring for Growth, TAFE Queensland, UniSC and many more, plus our region’s many thriving Chambers of Commerce and Industry Groups.  

The event will conclude with a networking event offering businesses the opportunity to connect with other local businesses and many support agencies.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Economic Development team will also be on hand to provide a concierge service to guide participants to tailored support and connect them to relevant exhibitors.

The free event will be held from 3-7.30pm on Tuesday, August 23, at Venue 114, Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina.

To register at events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au