Capturing Sunshine Coast small business success

The Sunshine Coast’s Hive Haven is aiming for ‘sweet success’ during next month’s Queensland Small Business Week (2017 QSBW).

The small business, which farms both honey and stingless native bees, has developed an innovative hive assembly technology which provides a sustainable solution to common apiary problems, including temperature control, small hive beetle infestation and spore based diseases.

One of thousands of small business operators participating in 2017 QSBW (May 15 – 20), Hive Haven owner, and managing director, Ann Ross said she hoped the event will take her business to the next level.

“Small businesses need to put themselves out there. The week is a great opportunity to gain support from other small business and also for networking. It can be daunting and lonely in small business, so support is important,” Ms Ross said

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Small business owners need to attend a lot of events. It helps to build your brand and get your name out there.”

Minister for Small Business Leeanne Enoch said company’s like Hive Haven helped make Queensland the nation’s leader for small business success.

“Hive Haven is among more than 414,000 Queensland small businesses injecting $100 billion into the state’s economy,” Ms Enoch said.

“The Palaszczuk Government actively supports the small business sector through grants and other business support services.

“The $22.7 million Advancing Small Business Queensland Strategy 2016-20 supports small businesses to get a better start, survive the tough first four years, increase their digital capabilities and employ Queenslanders.”

In partnership with Vodafone Australia and Australia Post, 2017 QSBW will provide business owners, managers and small business advocates with the opportunity to network, learn new skills and discover support programs to help their businesses thrive.

More than 5000 people are expected to participate in 2017 QSBW, with key events in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Bundaberg already locked in.

Queensland small business owners and operators aged 16 years and above also have the chance to win $10,000 via the 2017 QSBW social media challenge, sponsored by Australia Post.

To enter, small business owners need to film an innovative, unique and efficient idea that details ‘how you can make your business thrive’. Videos should be no longer than one minute in length and no more than 4GB in size.

Entries are to be uploaded to Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, and include two hashtags: #QLDsmallbiz #Time2thriveQLD.

To be eligible for the prize, applicants are also required to follow Business Queensland on either Facebook (@businessqldgov), Instagram (@businessqld) or Twitter (@businessqldgov).

Entries close Friday 5 May, with the winner announced in Brisbane on Friday 19 May. Full details about the competition, including terms and conditions, can be found on the 2017 QSBW web app.

For further information regarding Queensland Small Business Week, or to register your interest in hosting a QSBW event, visit the 2017 QSBW website or download the 2017 QSBW app.

ENDS

MEDIA 0412 393 909