This week, ViewPro went along to the GBEN Small Business Solutions Forum in the Moonee Valley City Council offices, Moonee Ponds, Melbourne.
The Small Business Solutions Forum is run to provide businesses with free information about the vast range of government support available to new and young businesses.
On the night there were representatives from each of the following organisations:
The meeting was very capably chaired by John Jenkins from IP Australia. First up was a 15 minute presentation from a small local business. The innovative business owner gave us a terrific insight into how he converted an old car into a barbecue. He now successfully works at festivals all around Victoria with his novelty CAR-becue, attracting hordes of enthusiastic customers with his fun setup and gourmet BBQ foods. A great business success story!
Next up we heard from each of the representatives from the organisations present, the purpose being to inform attendees about their important roles in helping businesses grow. Some of the many services discussed were: getting started, grants, intellectual property, mediation, networking, mentorship, marketing, regulations, tax, innovation and a lot more!
The floor was then opened to questions. Numerous queries were fielded by various attendees, providing the rest of us with interesting windows into other business’s ongoing issues and challenges. John MacDonald of AusIndustry even managed to ask then answer a question about franchising, then managed to squeeze a clever plug in for the new busines.gov.au website! Nice work John!
Formalities ended, now it was time mingle and approach the organisations directly for a one-to-one chat. This was a great chance to ask specific questions relating to your business and find out more info. ViewPro found these interactions the most valuable of all, gaining some great contacts and leads relating to our industry which we will certainly be following up on.
We highly recommend that small businesses jump at the chance to attend one of these seminars the next time they are arranged. Currently there are 3 planned for 2015 around Melbourne. Make sure to keep an eye out on the Small Business Victoria Events Website for future dates and locations.