Bid to catch the new big ideas for small business

Regional Queensland could prove the inspiration for the next big idea for small business with a series of forums aimed to test these ideas to help them become a reality.

Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said she was looking forward to seeing regional innovation at its peak at 10 New Ideas Forums to be held across the state, with the first in Cairns next Tuesday.

“Coming up with ideas for new products and services is often the easy step in starting a business,” Ms Enoch said.

“Transforming the idea into an income and a business that can employ other Queenslanders is harder.

“The New Ideas Forum is helping and enabling upcoming business intenders to turn innovative ideas into a new business or additional income stream.

“At these free workshops, a team of industry experts will help people test ideas, understand their market, show how to create a business plan, and get people thinking like an entrepreneur.”

The New Ideas Forums are planned in Cairns (4 April and 19 May), Brisbane (6 April), Toowoomba (21 April), Airlie Beach (27 April), Stradbroke Island (15 May), Caloundra (16 May), Burdekin (17 May), Ipswich (17 May) and Emerald (18 May).

The first of two forums in Cairns (April 4) will feature special guest speaker Ms Donna Patane from MacDonnells Law, who will talk about the lessons she’s learned from being in business, how to juggle priorities, and the important role confidence plays.

“Delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in targeted networking, and in Women in Business mentor chats,” Ms Enoch said.

The New Ideas Forum is a deliverable of the Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20, where specific support is available through these forums for the business owners of tomorrow.

To find out more and to register to attend one of the Forums, visit www.business.qld.gov.au

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909