Leading Gold Coast Small Business Advocate Takes Steps To Fight Economic Crisis

One of the Gold Coast’s most prolific small business advocates believes she has the solution to repair the economy in the wake of the Coronavirus crisis.

Paula Brand, founder and chief executive officer of Small Business Expos, says the way forward is for businesses and the unemployed to reconnect and network.

Ms Brand has spent the past six years connecting 20,0000 businesses to generate $20 million by running expos in partnership with 60 sponsors.

“Once COVID hit in March my industry was decimated and I was upset and angry and under a lot of stress, as were hundreds of small businesses across the Gold Coast,” said Ms Brand.

To that end, Ms Brand is hosting the Recovery Gold Coast Business and Jobs Expo on October 15 at the Carrara Indoor Sports Complex.

Ms Brand is urging the Gold Coast business community to unite and fight the economic crisis together by supporting the COVID-safe event which will feature 175 stands, workshops to help get people off JobKeeper and JobSeeker, and information and training sessions similar to ones offered by council.

“There is a huge demographic on the Gold Coast that is unemployed seeking work. Particularly at risk are micro operations, women over 45, and also the 20-30 age group,” said Ms Brand

“It is time for all of us to reconnect on the Gold Coast, particularly the invisible ones who don’t have a shopfront and rely on networking and face-to-face sales to do trading.

“Business industry groups are working together to put on the expos and our campaign is about connecting with confidence.

“The bottom line is if you need more customers or are looking for employment support and different options for your next career step, this is the place to be.”

The Recovery Gold Coast Business and Jobs Expo is one of four Ms Brand is hosting across southeast Queensland.

“We have never stopped believing in delivering the four upcoming Business and Jobs Expos this year on the Gold Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and Redlands and Logan,” said Ms Brand.

“It was through sheer grit that this expo is going to run as 95% of expos across Australia have been cancelled.

“We have also just launched GC Connected Market every Tuesday in Broadbeach Waters which is a way to connect and network for the sector.

“Businesses are sick of being virtual, particularly the invisible businesses such as home-based, mobile, online, micro which makes up 25 per cent of our small business community.”

The Recovery Gold Coast Business and Jobs Expo will be held at the Carrara Indoor Sports Centre, on Thursday 15 October between 10am and 4pm.

Due to COVID-19, attendees must be registered prior to arrival. There will be no entry tickets available at the events, with the entrance fee being a gold coin donation upon entry: https://goldcoastbusinessandjobsexpo.eventbrite.com.au.

Potential exhibitors are being urged to act quickly with only a handful of part-funded expo stands still available. More information can be found at: www.smallbusinessexpos.com.au.

- ends -

For more information or for interview/photo requests, please contact:

Joanne Rahn
Director
zanthii communications
Phone: 0402 148 334
Email: joanne@zanthii.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/zanthiia

MORE INFORMATION

ARE YOU ON JOB KEEPER or JOB SEEKER?

Do you need more local business sales leads?

This is the Gold Coast’s biggest local business networking event

Let's work together and reconnect businesses and unemployed for networking.

Let’s fight this economic crisis together so that our local businesses keep their doors OPEN.

Connecting with confidence for information - inspiration - employment + more local sales on the Gold Coast

Bring your business cards and let’s fight this economic crisis together

We need more business and people need jobs !

Gold Coast Business and Jobs Expo

Proudly sponsored by Qoin

Thursday 15 October, 10am to 4pm
Carrara Indoor Sports Centre, 10am to 4pm

TICKETS
Gold coin donation on entry
https://goldcoastbusinessandjobsexpo.eventbrite.com.au

EXHIBIT
Only 8 part funded expo stands are now available and then we are FULL.
www.smallbusinessexpos.com.au

✅FREE Voice to Your Business Speaker Program - showcasing local businesses

✅FREE TINAx Talks Panel Sessions - smashing out information + inspiration for Women in Business

✅FREE Jobs Workshops

✅FREE Head Shot Hub Photos for your social media + resume

✅FREE Mentor Hub by the Queensland Office of Small Business

✅Food Trucks and Live Entertainment

✅175 Expo stands to connect and see if and how you can do business together

✅Find out about the hottest way to trade products + services by Qoin

✅ YES COVID SAFE

21 local business industry groups and sponsors are working together to host this event.

The expo is a managed business event and we are using the safevisit.com.au track and trace and following the Covid 19 under 500 event plan.

Gold Coast -15 October
Moreton Bay Region - 29 October
Brisbane - 11 November
Redlands and Logan - 19 November

TICKETS are now OPEN
https://www.facebook.com/smallbusinessexpoaustralia/videos/602755880427925/

If you need more customers or are looking for employment support and different options for your next career step, this is the place to be:

Reach 700 exhibitors and 6000 local business professionals
3 Speaker programs at each expo
Get a new head shot photo for FREE
Live entertainment and Food Trucks
Grab a FREE massage to nurture yourself
Support local businesses which is so critical to do so now.

Reconnecting + Regenerating NEW sales leads with local businesses and new employment opportunities.

The only Business and Jobs Expo program to run this year.

These are indoor retail marketplaces as per Qld Health guidelines.

Please note due to COVID-19, you must be registered to attend the expos - before you arrive. There will be no entry tickets available at the events.

These are COVID Safe events, so please remember to keep yourself and others safe by maintaining social distance and following the instructions of our expo team.

Over 550 businesses have booked stands already EXHIBIT WITH US

PART FUNDED EXPO STANDS - be quick to book www.smallbusinessexpos.com.au

REGISTER TODAY - https://www.smallbusinessexpos.com.au/ticketing

Recovery Gold Coast Business and Jobs Expo
WORKSHOP PROGRAM 

In the Speaker Area - 10.30am to 12noon

Topic: Why Your Business Should Employ a Trainee
Lena Southwood - Sponsored by Blue Print Career Development

What is on the job training and how does it work?

How to fill a Traineeship vacancy?

What are School-based Traineeships?

Commonwealth incentives and funded training

How to equip staff with employability skills for the future

Topic: Employment Strategies with Co-VID-19 Lens
Lesh Prasad - Sponsored by HELP Employment and Training

Co-VID 19 impact towards the Employment market

What is the Employment market like today?

What does job-keeper & Job-seeker mean for you?

How do I attract good staff?

Topic: Supporting Small Business Through Recovery 
Brett Haagsma - Sponsored by Queensland Office of Small Business

Support for workers and jobseekers in COVID-19

Queensland Government support for your small business

Advice, support and training for businesses during COVID-19

Topic: “Get that Job”
Alec Betham Sponsored by ETC Ltd 

“How to get your name above everyone else

Preparing for the interview, taking away the nerves.

A good understanding of the job description and matching current and transferable skills.

Making sure you are memorable

Following Up

Topic : “Getting Hired in 2020”
Sally Watson - Sponsored by Sally Watson, Career Coach

Tips on standing out from the crowd

Job search strategies

New world vs old world hiring

The importance of crafting your value statement

Handling setbacks & rejection

Topic: Employment Solutions for Small Businesses
Sue Burns & Danny Delaney - Sponsored by EPIC Assist 

People with disability and mental health conditions are willing and able to work. They usually only want part time hours, suitable for small businesses.

There are many benefits a person with disability/mental health condition can bring to the workplace. Unique perspectives, loyalty and increasing your business’ reputation are some of the few.

Inclusive workplaces are beneficial for all- employee, employer and the community.

EPIC Assist walks beside businesses/employers every step of the recruitment journey, from presenting job ready candidates, to regular visits once employment has commenced.

Wage subsidies and ongoing support are some of the benefits of hiring a person with disability/mental health condition.

Recovery Gold Coast Business and Jobs Expo
VOICE TO YOUR BUSINESS WORKSHOP PROGRAM

In the Speaker’s Area – 12.30 to 2pm

Topic : Team Building and Development Boosts Recovery
Dawn Jarvis - Sponsored by People & OD Partners

The greatest business asset you have to ensure your recovery and sustainability is you and your team.

People make a business, and great customer experience is based on how valued and engaged your employees feel.

Understand the 7 essentials for team and business health and recovery.

Take our 28 question health check and discover the areas to celebrate and the areas to work on.

Find out how to plan your own development as a business leader and the development of a strong STELLAR TEAM to escalate recovery.

Hear about the power of coaching and mentoring and why it is essential to focus on your development as a business leader.

Time spent refuelling, time spent on you provides reflection, focus and clarity to drive your business to recovery and beyond.

Topic: COVID-19 Crisis & Recovery: Key Website Tactics to Focus On
Peter Baldwin - Sponsored by Small Business Solutions - TAFE

What your key customer’s need changes are with Covid-19

How to deliver better web offers, services and packages

The exact steps how to provide good website content

Learn the Future for Voice Search, Artificial Intelligence and Chatbots

How to pull it together so you have clarity & are in absolute management control of your website

Topic: Teaching English as a Second Language. 
Heather Wright – Sponsored by AIT Tesol

Living the Dream

How to teach English online from Australia to ESL students overseas.

How to teach English in the ESL classroom in Australia or overseas.

How to integrate activity-based methodology while teaching the essential English skills.

How to create a fun learning environment

Topic: Energy Aligned Woman - Align yourself + attract more opportunities in 2020
Heidi Goodman - Sponsored by Minds Connect

How to Find your Flow and stop struggling

The secret to increased sales in 2020

Effective tools to align your Energy in your business

Ways to become a magnet to your clients

How to make 2020 your best year in business

Topic: Why Policies & Procedures are Critical for your Business Cuccess
Greg Arnold - Sponsored by Team Accelerate 

Why policies and procedures are an essential part of your business

How policies and procedures affect your businesses compliance with laws, guidance for decision-making, and streamlining internal processes

What your staff need to know about your businesses policies and procedures and the importance of following them.

When implementation is more than just a matter of arbitrarily forcing employees to do things they don’t want to do.

Recovery Gold Coast Business and Jobs Expo
TINA X TALKS

In the Speaker’s Area - 2.30pm

How to make sales when under pressure?

How to convert from conversation to sale?

What sales system works now?

Sharon Davies, Founder and CEO of Sales 2 Success Pty Ltd

Sharon is an expert in the field of sales, sales management and training sales team. Sharon has over 28 years selling experiences covering all areas of new business, business development and strategic selling.

What part of business should I focus on first to systemise?

What are some time saving tools?

Where are businesses really lacking?

Pip Meecham, Founder of ProjectBox

Pip is excited to lead a company that uses innovative systems to achieve big goals, and limitless dreams. A systems consultant who is fuelled with ambition, She is on a dedicated mission to bring a systemised approach to your business operations while reducing costs, improving efficiencies, and achieving your business goals in less time than you can say ‘coffee fix’.

What is the best strategy for business now?

What are most businesses doing wrong with their marketing?

Where should business be investing time and money with marketing?

Leanne Cohens, Owner of Marketing Leap

A passionate and knowledgeable speaker on Marketing, Digital Strategies and all things Google, she comes armed with over 25 years of Marketing experience. Leanne teaches that while the Business platforms we use in this digital and social age rapidly change, the basic tenets of marketing don’t. If people don’t know what you do or how you add value to their lives, they simply won’t do business with you. Now, as a certified Google Specialist, she teaches and mentors business owners on Google and Digital success Post-COVID. Take advantage of her 25+ years of marketing and let’s talk Google & Digital Success!

How do I deal with money stress?

What are the best opportunities for finance right now?

What should I be doing now as a business owner to ensure the financial stability of my business?

Natasha Neary, Financial Wellbeing Group

Natasha was the Head of Sales for one of Australia’s largest mortgage lenders where she managed a sales team and built referral relationships to help and grow other small/med business. She now has her own finance brokerage with a team of brokers who specialise in helping small business be financially sustainable.

Events? Marketing attendance and engagement, Zoom vs Real?

Leigh Moana

Leigh Moana is a Sales Strategist, Coach and Trainer. She specialises in helping established Queensland business owners increase their sales, improve their processes and increase their profits.

Leigh is a Sales and Marketing professional with over 20 years experience. During her time in business, Leigh has observed that most businesses are not reaching their sales potential. They are lacking a Sales Strategy and missing opportunities, their conversion rates are lower than they should be, and their lack of processes are costing them sales.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

Qoin

Bartercard South Gold Coast

Red Energy Promotions

SplitChek

Outsource Safety Australia

4Business Group

Help Employment and Training

Griffith University

Optus Business Centre Gold Coast

Grow Advisory Group

Bendigo Bank Paradise Point

ETC Ltd

BforB Networking

AdMarketing Australia

BNI Gold Coast and Tweed Shire Region

Rotary

Outsourced HR Solution

Female Entrepreneurs

The Audacious Agency

Southport Chamber of Commerce

The Gold Coast Innovation Hub