An Expo For Small Business By Small Business

Brisbane business man Kevin Gammie has a vision – to bring small businesses out from behind their computers and working together face-to-face.

The Brisbane Small Business Expo's, 16-17 October at Eagle Farm Racecourse, primary goal is to give small businesses an opportunity to showcase their wares and hear from the cream of Australian marketing and PR influencers.

Kevin, a business coach and mentor from Growth Mentors, said home-based and micro businesses are growing and there are not a lot of opportunities to come together in an environment where they are understood. “There is so much focus on small business but there is a huge difference between the needs of one earning up to $5million and one run by a solopreneur earning $100,000,” he said.

“Most expos are organised by big business who have very little understanding of the challenges of this group.

“The Brisbane Small Business Expo is aimed at the person sitting in their home office, isolated and doing their best to get ahead. We want to give them a platform to network with others in the same boat and to learn vital skills to help grow their business.”

Over 97% of business in Queensland is considered small, and 61% are run by one person or employ less than four people.

Kevin said the theme of the expo is Communicate, Connect and Collaborate. “It is so easy to get stuck into the day-to-day; it feels like you are getting somewhere but if you are not focusing on marketing, how does your business grow?” he asked.

“And if you feel like you are constantly struggling, you get worn out and quit. I believe this is why so many small businesses shut up shop -  the isolation, next to no support, no budget to get help, and lack of understanding about marketing.

“People go into small business because they are really good at what they do. They just do not realise they have to get good at a lot more than just their skillset.”

Sandra Price of Price Bookkeeping Solutions, runs a home-based bookkeeping business at Forest Lake. “Most of my work comes from word of mouth and learning how to market my business has been a long process,” she said.

“Half the time I get bogged down in the doing. The great thing about small business these days is the increasing number of networking and meetup groups I can attend. I get to connect with likeminded businesses and create valuable relationships.

“The expo is going to be a gold mine for connecting and hearing from speakers who know their stuff about marketing.”

Kevin acknowledges the Queensland Government for their support of home-based business. “For the first time, a government is making available money to help these type of businesses grow by providing access to funds to secure mentors, coaches and marketing professionals,” he said.

“The expo also acknowledges the incredible contribution to the economy by small business. Our speakers – Nick Bowditch, Robert Coorey, Cat Matson and Bec Derrington are all giants in their field. For under $300, a small business can come and learn from these experts.”

http://brisbanesmallbusiness.com.au/event/brisbane-small-business-expo-2015/

ENDS