Two entrepreneurs are filling the gap left by a decision on the behalf of the NSW Government to cut funding for small business events, launching an initiative called September Small Business Month.
In March, Dynamic Business broke the news that the NSW Government was cutting all its small business events programs, including Small Business September, MicroBiz Week, the Young Entrepreneurs program and the Women in Business mentoring program.
Now, Kate Tribe and Sean Grobbelaar have taken it upon themselves to replace the hugely popular Small Business September program, which had in the past attracted over 20,000 SMBs, start-ups and micro businesses.
The pair believe in the concept and know how to run quality events, and have organised over 40 workshops as part of the September Small Business Month, each to be led by high-profile speakers.
“Tickets sales have been amazing, which is a great sign. We are very excited to see small business owners grow in our new format,” Grobbelaar said.
Tickets cost $20 per workshop or $199 for a 20 coupon pass to any one of the 40 workshops, making it an accessible event for all businesses.
According to the founders, the success of this event will go a long way to proving to the NSW Government that a little bit of entrepreneurial thinking goes a long way in helping local businesses to grow.
When it was announced that the event programs were being canned in March, Dynamic Business Magazine editor Jen Bishop had this to say: “Small Business September is the only events program of its kind specifically for small business in New South Wales. I have seen for myself how popular the events are and it concerns me that these are being cut with no consultation.”
“Small Business September was particularly good at providing small business events out in the regions. It has always been a month of celebration and recognition of the contribution small business makes to the community as well as a great time to educate business owners on the latest topics to help them grow their businesses. It does not seem to send the message that NSW Government supports these people who are the lifeblood of our economy.”
You can read the Small Business Minister’s response to these comments here.