Business LEAP Newsletter July 2021
Welcome to our July newsletter packed with information to help you grow and develop your business.
With the 2021-2022 financial year underway, there is a plethora of upcoming workshops and events, as well as grants and funding to help you on your business journey.
This month is an ideal time to focus on and review your purpose in business, your customers needs and refresh and revisit your “WHY?”.
Wishing you a warm and productive August!
– The Business LEAP Team
What’s in this issue?
- Client testimonial – Kay Knight from Admin Pro Solutions
- Upcoming Business LEAP Workshops
- Other Upcoming Events and Workshops
- Small business grants and funding opportunities
- Articles
- New Blog Post on the Business LEAP website!
- Changes to consumer guarantees
- Helpful links
Business LEAP Client Testimonial
“It’s really scary going into business by yourself… Having someone there that has been in business for 40 years and has probably come across every problem that you can imagine, it really takes a load off your stress levels.”
– Kay Knight, Principal Owner, Admin Pro Solutions
Hear from Business LEAP client and Principal Owner of Admin Pro Solutions, Kay Knight, about how the Business LEAP team were able to help guide her when starting her own business.
Upcoming Business LEAP Workshops
Business LEAP’s upcoming FREE events
Preparing your Business for Sale
Webinar | 4 August | 1:00 pm | Register
Join Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Vicki Leeson, and CEO of BIEDO, Prue Leng, in this pre-recorded webinar where you will find out information about ‘Preparing your business for sale’ you’ll learn valuable insights.
In this webinar you’ll learn valuable insights such as:
- What you need to present your business for sale
- What to look for in a sale agent
- Some of the costs that can be incurred when selling your business
Register for this session: Preparing your Business for Sale
How to Read your Financial Reports
Workshop | 18 August | 9:30am – 12:30pm | Regional Business HQ, Stewart Room | Register
Join Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Vicki Leeson along with Kay Knight, Principal Owner from Admin Pro Solutions, in a workshop learning how to read your financial report. This is a really comprehensive workshop, it not only explains how to read the reports, but why it is important to have a deep understanding of the business reports, and how they can help with the success with business planning in the future. The workshop will detail content on topics including:
- Profit and Loss statement
- Balance Sheet
- Cash Flow
- Budget
- Planning
Each topic will include exercises to complete during the workshop, as well as tasks to do afterwards.
There are limited spots available, register to secure your spot: How to Read your Financial Reports Workshop
Taking Care of Business (Mundubbera)
Workshop | 25 August | 9:00am – 12:00pm | Mundubbera Town Shire Hall | Register
Got a story to tell about yourself, your business, or your community but not sure where to begin?
Join Entrepreneurship Facilitator, Vicki Leeson, CEO of BIEDO, Prue Leng, former ABC reporter and producer, Pete Lewis, and award-winning photographer, John Elliott, in this interactive storytelling and social media workshop.
In this workshop, presenters will run through the basics of creating interesting stories and standout photos & videos, including how to publish and broadcast them from your smart phone or tablet on your website or social media platforms.
The three-hour interactive session is aimed at being both informative and entertaining. Come along with a good yarn, and see where it can go!
Please make sure to bring along your phone or your camera.
A light morning tea will be provided. Please detail if there are any allergy requirements in the additional comments when submitting an RSVP.
Visit the Business LEAP website to view our upcoming business events and workshops or like our Facebook page to keep up to date with future workshops!
Other Upcoming Events and Workshops
See more local upcoming workshops and programs in the local community.
Doing Business at Warp Speed Series
You are invited to a free workshop series hosted by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Entrepreneurs’ Programme, Deloitte, Your Digital Solutions, Integration Kings and ONGC Systems.
This interactive online workshop series designed to provide businesses with the information and services they need to confidently take on the new wave of digital technologies that are transforming how business is being done in 2021.
The workshop series will be conducted live online over 3 consecutive Thursdays in July and August.
Workshop 1: Take your business to the cloud
22 July | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Register
High speed internet is here. Moving your business to the cloud can dramatically reduce costs, improve efficiency and security.
This workshop will focus on:
- A plain English explanation of cloud computing, the benefits it delivers and how your business can make the move.
- Information from your local NBN Business Lead for Wide Bay/Central on what the new services will deliver and NBN’s business offerings.
- The benefits of integrated communications where voice and video are all online.
- The ability to work remotely and operate a ‘virtual business’ where your business follows you.
- Cybersecurity and how to protect your data and IP.
- How to maximise Office 365 in your workplace.
The workshop will be hosted by Steve Dawson from ONGC Systems and will include case studies and 30 minutes of interactive Q&A.
Workshop 2: Introducing the digital business
29 July | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Register
Apps and software are transforming how businesses market, sell, service and operate in an online world. But how do you know what’s right for your business and where and how do you start?
This workshop is split into two sessions.
- Back of House Operations – which will will be hosted by Rob King from Integration Kings and will include case studies and 30 mins of interactive Q&A.
- Front of House Operations – which will be hosted by Mark Jones from Your Digital Solutions and will include case studies and 30 minutes of interactive Q&A.
Workshop 3: Transforming your business model with digital innovation
6 August | 10:00am – 12:00pm | Register
Presented by Rowan Lamont (Business Models Inc)
For the past 20 years a global tribe of start-ups have radically disrupted industries and created a new generation high growth companies. What can we learn from these companies? How can your business innovate and create new products, services, and business models using technologies.
This session will be hosted by Rob Olver from the Entrepreneurs Programme – Business Model Transformation Team and will include case studies and 30 minutes of interactive Q&A.
For detailed information on the series, and to register for these sessions, visit: Doing Business at Warp Speed Online Workshop Series
The Entrepreneurs’ Programme provides quality advice and support to assist businesses to innovate and grow. For further information on what services may be available to you, visit: Entrepreneurs’ Programme
USC Business Planning Course
Gympie| 19 August – 23 September | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | Register
Fraser Coast | 20 August – 24 September | 9:00am – 11:00am | Register
Tiaro | 20 August – 24 September | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | Register
Join us in August and September for our Business Planning Course and grow your small business.
This short course is being delivered in collaboration with the Fraser Coast Regional Council, Tiaro & District Chamber of Commerce, RDA Wide Bay Burnett and Regional Business HQ.
If you are a small business owner based in the Fraser Coast, Gympie or Tiaro & District regions, this free business development course is your opportunity to gain new skills and knowledge to strengthen and future-proof your business.
In six weeks, you will develop a customised business plan with the option of pitching your plan to a panel of experts. Business owners can develop a long-term plan, and may also gain credit towards a USC Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.
For more information or to register, visit: USC Business Planning Course
The Generator Founders Course offering
The Generator has partnered with Startup Onramp and Split Spaces to deliver the Founders course.
If you have been sitting on an idea for some time or have a startup that needs a bit of a boost, we highly recommend you join our 2021 Generator Founders Program. The Founders Course is a practical, video-based online course to show you how to start a startup and maximise its chances of success. For startup founders with global ambitions, and anyone with an idea for a startup.
Inclusions:
- Access to the Startup Onramp online Founders Course – Startup Onramp Founders Course website
- 7 weeks online course with weekly group sessions for the duration of the program, hosted at The Generator in Bundaberg or online, joining in with the Mackay cohort for greater networking.
- Access to The Generator coworking and innovation hub for the duration of the Program.
- Graduation and Pitch event – at The Generator in Bundaberg with streaming of the Split Spaces pitches.
Applications are NOW OPEN for The Generator Founders Course, visit: The Generator Founders Course
Small Business Grants and Funding Opportunities
There are an array of funding and grant opportunities available to small businesses that are opening and closing soon. Contact your facilitator about options that are available for your business.
Business Boost
Business Boost grants of up to $15,000 will help small businesses to improve their efficiency and productivity through organisational development and upgrades through automated software and CRM systems. Grants can be used for website development and upgrades, strategic marketing, training and coaching, advisory services and planning for business continuity and succession.
Applications are will open 30 July 2021 at 9:00am.
We are expecting these grants to be very popular, so make sure you don’t miss out!
For updates, guidelines, eligibility criteria and FAQs, visit: Business Queensland – Business Boost
Round 2: Small business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program
Between $2,000 and $10,000 is available for small or micro businesses to:
- Prepare for safe resumption of trading in the post COVID-19 recovery
- Introduce digital technologies to improve business operations, transition into a new way of doing business or to up-skill and re-skill business owners alongside staff to ultimately benefit the business
- Create and sustain employment to maintain potential long-term growth and continue to meet operating costs
Applicants have a maximum of 6 months from the date of approval to complete the project
For more information, visit: Small Business COVID-19 Adaption Grant Program
Back to Work Initiative – Employee Support Payment
The Back to Work program is designed to give businesses the confidence to employ Queenslanders who have experienced a period of unemployment. Support payments are available to eligible employers who hire a previously unemployed Queenslander who has experienced a minimum period of unemployment directly prior to commencing work with them.
The program is available throughout regional Queensland and in some areas of South East Queensland (SEQ).
Employers can make an online application through QGrants after the eligible employee completes four weeks of continuous paid employment. Initial applications must be received within eight weeks of the employee completing four weeks of continuous employment.
For more information, visit: Back to Work Initiative – Employer Support Payment
Export Market Development Grant
Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) is designed to bring benefits to Australia by encouraging the creation, development and expansion of foreign markets for Australian products.
Eligible small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are able to apply for grants up to $770,000 per applicant over 8 financial years for promotional activities to market eligible products in foreign countries, or training activities to develop skills in such marketing.
This grant opportunity opens at 9:00am on 16 August 2021 and closes at 5:00pm on 30 November 2021.
For more information on eligibility, visit: Export Market Development Grant
Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program
The Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program supports the recovery efforts of communities in eligible Local Government Areas (LGAs) affected by the 2019–20 bushfires. The program will support a range of projects in eligible LGAs affected by the 2019-20 bushfires to address community recovery and resilience needs.
Eligible Local Government Areas:
- Bundaberg
- Fraser Coast
- Gympie & Noosa
- North & South Burnett
- Sunshine Coast
The program opens for applications on 22 July and closes on 2 September.
For a full overview on the Black Summer Grants Program, including guidelines, eligibility criteria, and project deadlines, visit: Business Queensland – Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program
Articles
Breakeven point webinar is now LIVE on the website!
To view this webinar, please visit: Business LEAP workshops
New Blog Post on the Business LEAP website!
8 questions to ask yourself if starting a business is right for you!
written by Lynne Wilbraham
Starting a business is a time when you can begin to put your hopes and dreams into action.
Success in business is highly individual. For some it is wealth and prestige, for others it is fulfilling a personal desire or need and others may have entirely different and highly individual definitions.
However, there are some underpinning questions which can help you tell if starting a business is going to be a positive step in your life and whether you are ready to begin this journey.
To read more of this blog post, visit: Blog Post: 8 questions to ask yourself if starting a business is right for you!
To view other posts, visit: Business LEAP – Blog
Changes to consumer guarantees
On 1 July 2021, the value of goods covered by the definition of ‘consumer’ under the Australian Consumer Law increased from $40,000 to $100,000. This means that the consumer guarantees will apply to more transactions, including when businesses sell to other business.
What is covered in the new changes
Businesses must guarantee products and services they sell, hire or lease that are:
- under $100,000
- over $100,000 if they are normally bought for personal or household use
- business vehicles and trailers, provided they are used mainly to transport goods.
There are some exceptions. For example, products purchased to be resold, or to be transformed into a product that is sold, are not covered.
To find out more about consumer guarantees and other rules businesses need to follow when treating customers fairly, visit: Australian Competition & Consumer Commission: Treating Customers Fairly
Helpful Links for Businesses
Has your business been impacted by Covid-19? For more information on helpful links for Covid-19, visit: Helpful Links for Businesses affected by Covid-19
For information on other helpful business links, visit: Helpful Links for Business
Reach out to one of our Business LEAP facilitators
Business LEAP provides practical assistance and support to help you develop business plans and gather information about what is required to start or grow a small business. Business LEAP can help understand aspects of business operation, including legal requirements, licenses, permits and registrations, marketing, financial management, taxation requirements and more. They can also provide referrals to services to help you start and run your own business, and provide tailored mentoring.
If you are looking to book a session with an Entrepreneurship Facilitator or looking for more information on Business LEAP’s Entrepreneurship Services, check out www.businessleap.org.au, phone 1300 249 482 or email a facilitator:
- Vicki Leeson: vleeson@businessleap.org.au
- Lynne Wilbraham: lwilbraham@businessleap.org.au
- Jason Virtue: jvirtue@businessleap.org.au