Masterclass to help Mackay small businesses thrive

Mackay will be hosting a ‘Time to Thrive’ masterclass on Wednesday 17 May during Queensland Small Business Week (2017 QSBW).

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the masterclass – to be held at the Mackay Turf Club – was a key event in the 2017 QSBW calendar (15 – 20 May).

“In partnership with Vodafone Australia, the Time to Thrive masterclass will champion the importance of technology, promote a culture of entrepreneurship, and reinforce to small business owners it’s their time to thrive,” Ms Gilbert said.

“There are more than 414,000 passionate small business operators scattered throughout the state, with over 3700 businesses operating and employing Queenslanders in the Mackay region.

“Queensland Small Business Week is aimed at helping these small businesses start, grow and employ.”

Keynote speakers Claire Wilson from The Alternative Board and Brock Fisher from Dropbox will headline the masterclass event.

Claire Wilson, who has worked with more than 1000 small business owners throughout her career, said her presentation will help small business owners to get the basics right.

“One of the most difficult challenges small business owners face is finding a balance between life and work,” Ms Wilson said.

“I’ll provide a masterclass with practical, real-world, tried-and-tested solutions, so they can find that balance, while at the same time achieving their business objectives.

“I’ll also focus on innovation and success through collaboration, how to develop company culture and drive performance, and the best ways to maximise return on investment.”

Also at the Mackay masterclass will be Advance Queensland Community Digital Champion Geoff Fleming who will host a digital literacy workshop; Joy Deguara of Moorvale Earthmoving; and Australia Post Social Media Marketing Specialist Travis Longmore, who will recommend content strategies that lead to action.

Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch – who will be attending the masterclass – said 2017 QSBW celebrates the sector’s $100 billion economic contribution to Queensland.

“Thousands of people are expected to attend Queensland Small Business Week events throughout the state. In addition to the Mackay masterclass, there are also key events in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and Bundaberg.”

Ms Enoch encouraged small business owners to enter the $10,000 social media challenge – sponsored by Australia Post.

For more information on the competition visit business.qld.gov.au or download the Queensland Small Business Week app. Entries close Monday 15 May.

To guarantee your seat at the Mackay Time to Thrive masterclass, visit business.qld.gov.au/smallbusinessweek.

ENDS

MEDIA: 0412 393 909