Masterclass to help Townsville small businesses thrive

Townsville will be hosting the first ‘Time to Thrive’ masterclass on Tuesday 16 May during Queensland Small Business Week (2017 QSBW).

Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke, Member for Townsville Scott Stewart and Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the masterclass – to be held at the Townsville Brewery – is a key event in the state-wide Queensland Small Business Week (15 to 20 May).

“Run in partnership with Vodafone Australia, the class will give local small business owners the opportunity to learn new skills and generate new ideas, with the support of technology, to take their business to the next level,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“There is no better time than Small Business Week to hold this great masterclass – a week that is solely dedicated to celebrating small business and giving owners more opportunity. 

“Here in Townsville, we have more than 9000 small business operators who each make a significant contribution to our community and our economy, and it’s important we celebrate and repay their input. Masterclasses like this one are a good place to start.”

Keynote speakers Claire Wilson from The Alternative Board and Brock Fisher from Dropbox will headline Townsville’s Time to Thrive Masterclass.

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.”

The Townsville masterclass will also include Advance Queensland Community Digital Champion Alison Fairleigh, who will host a digital literacy workshop; Dean Deighton from 2D Strategics, who will reveal how to improve business capacity and strength while growing the skills of your workforce; 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 attend 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 Townsville masterclass, there are also key events in Brisbane, Cairns, Bundaberg and Mackay.”

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 Townsville Time to Thrive masterclass, visit business.qld.gov.au/smallbusinessweek

ENDS

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