Commonwealth Bank is pleased to partner with the Australian Business Forum (ABF) to present the inaugural SmallBiz-Week - a major business event which will bring together thousands of business owners, government agencies and industry leaders in Melbourne from 17-19 May 2022.
As face-to-face networking returns, new industry data* shows small business owners are planning ahead, with 40 per cent concentrating on growth over the next twelve months. Those industries most focused on growth are Retail (52 per cent), Manufacturing and Agriculture (50 per cent), Transport, Wholesale and Utilities (46 per cent) and Professional Services (40 per cent).
There is renewed optimism in the sector with more than a third of SMEs (35 per cent) believing economic conditions will continue to improve. Over the next three months, nearly half of all SMEs (47 per cent) plan to purchase new office equipment and invest in their businesses more broadly, spending on number of staff employed (24 per cent), capital investment (22 per cent) and marketing (22 per cent).
CBA Group Executive, Business Banking, Mike Vacy-Lyle said it's pleasing to see renewed confidence in the sector, as small businesses play an important role in the ongoing strength of their local communities and the broader Australian economy.
"CBA is excited to be the Naming Sponsor of this year's SmallBiz-Week, which will be a significant and meaningful event on the small business calendar. We are looking forward to the energy that comes from having thousands of business owners come together to connect, engage and learn face-to-face.
"The small business community has demonstrated, and continues to show, great resilience in the face of ongoing challenges in the sector. SmallBiz-Week is another way we are working to help businesses adapt to rapidly changing market demand and innovation updates. We want to support small businesses, by providing them with the opportunity to learn about the latest trends, solutions and opportunities for their sector," said Mr Vacy-Lyle.
SmallBiz-Week will feature six high profile events across all industry sectors, including a SME conference with presentations from top leaders and decisions makers at Australia's most influential companies and government organisations such as the ACCC, ASBFEO and ATO.
It also offers the opportunity for young business leaders, entrepreneurs and small businesses to network and learn about a range of topics including funding solutions, scaling a business, cybersecurity and maximising tax incentives for small businesses, such as the tax breaks relating to new technology and skills as announced in this week's budget.
SmallBiz-Week is hosted by ABF Events, a premier business platform dedicated to showcasing and advancing entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals in the Small & Medium Enterprise (SME) sector.
ABF Events CEO, Ray Evans said: "SmallBiz-Week's slogan 'We are in business to support small businesses to Learn, Engage and Grow' is more relevant than ever. It's fantastic to see the budget support for businesses that invest in either new technology or employee training and skills development. We are all about supporting small businesses to maximise their potential.
"The partnership with Commonwealth Bank, Australia's largest bank and a major supporter and innovator for small business, is well placed to benefit thousands of business owners and senior management, at a critical time for the business sector, post-COVID. With the continued re-engagement of the small business sector and a return of b2b events, we are looking forward to welcoming an anticipated 3,000 visitors and 1,000 delegates to attend SmallBiz-Week."
The event includes free access to Australia's largest Small Business Expo, Fintech 21 Showcase and Business Essentials Seminar Series which will address critical small business topics. The Small Business Expo will see cutting-edge businesses showcase their products and services to the SME market.
SmallBiz-Week's Featured Events:
- Young Heroes Awards (17 MAY I Delegate Ticket): celebrating the champions of business entrepreneurs and business leaders under thirty-five. Nominations now open.
- SmallBiz Forum (18 MAY I Delegate Ticket): Sessions focus on the critical issues for small business in 2022 and beyond, with presentations, panel discussions and case studies from business leaders', entrepreneurs and industry associations.
- SmallBiz Business Leaders Luncheon (18 MAY I Delegate Ticket): join Australia's business leaders for an in-depth panel and keynote presentations.
- Fintech 21 (18-19 MAY Free Ticket): exhibitor showcase of Australia's leading and cutting edge fintech companies, start-ups, services and products. Delegate tickets for Fintech 21 Forum.
- Small Business Expo (18-19 MAY I Free Registration): Australia's largest small business expo showcasing the latest trends solutions products and services. Attend both the Expo and Small Business Essentials Seminar series.
