COSBOA TASK FORCE

The Council of Small Business of Australia (COSBOA) has announced the formation of eight new Task Forces to reinforce the importance of Small Business to the economy.
COSBOA represents 30 member organisations, and between them represent approximately 200,000 members. Through these networks COSBOA reaches more than 500,000 Small Business people across the country.
The specialist Task Forces will tap into the experience, skills and knowledge of COSBOA members. Currently in place are Task Forces representing: B2B Contracts, Competition Policy, Workplace Relations, Compliance and Legislation, Urban Planning, Regional Development and Infrastructure, Taxation, Finance and Payments, and the Personal Health of the Self Employed.
Teresa Mitchell, Managing Director of a business support centre and coworking space in Warragul is a representative of the small business sector on the newly formed Task Forces. Teresa’s expertise in Human Resource has gained her a position on the COSBOA Workplace Relations Task Force.

“I have operated small businesses in Gippsland for over 30 years and involved as Executive member on many Business organisations.”
“I feel very privileged and excited to be invited to represent the Small Business sector as a voice for the business community and look forward to the challenges and debate this position will afford.” said Ms Mitchell.
Each task force will be led by a person from one of the COSBOA member organisations and will bring together key industry representatives to provide information and support to Small Business Minister, Mr Bruce Billson.
“The Task Force representatives that I will be working with are Marian Whalan, Policy Manager at The Pharmacy Guild of Australia; Sandy Chong, President of the National Hairdressers Federation; Lyn Goodyear, CEO of Australian Human Resources Institute and Peter Strong, Executive Director of COSBOA.” said Ms Mitchell.
Peter Strong, Executive Director of COSBOA said, “The Task Forces will allow for Government agencies, the media and other interested parties to seek comment and information from people who really understand Small Business - rather than representatives from the big end of town who are well intentioned but lack the dedicated experience or knowledge.”

The Hon. Bill Shorten, Leader of the Opposition with COBOA Board and fellow MP's

“Small Business Minister, Bruce Billson has the respect of the sector, he will act as a supportive spokesperson and he will not shy away from debates that need to happen. We know, however, that others will try to deter Mr Billson and we will be there to support and fortify his efforts.”

“COSBOA are putting in practical measures to make sure Small Business people get the support they need.  When the Small Business sector is healthy the economy will be healthy.  It’s that simple.” said Mr Strong.

Pop-up Shops and Market in Warragul

What is a pop-up shop?

A pop-up shop is a pop-up retail space in a venue only temporary — the space could be a sample sale one day and office space the next day. The trend involves “popping-up” one day, then disappearing anywhere from one day to several weeks later. These shops, while small and temporary, can build up interest by consumer exposure. Pop-up retail allows a company to create a unique environment that engages their customers, as well as generates a feeling of relevance and interactivity. They are often used by marketers starting out in the retail business but do not have the finance to commit to an individual shop with a long term lease.

Why are we supporting this?

In Gippsland to buy locally made or grown produce you most likely need to visit a weekend market to purchase such items. These markets are usually only held during the finer months and on a monthly bases. So if you wanted to buy a local gift for a special occasion you would have to plan up to a month beforehand to make the purchase.

In Warragul there are limited places where you can buy locally made or grown produce, so Teresa Mitchell of the Business Support Centre thought the idea of offering space within the Business Support Centre for Gippsland products would not only support the local artisans and farmers but would also support the buy local campaign.

“I had read an article about pop-up shops being developed in old warehouses to support designers wanting to display their wares to the wholesale market and thought this could work for local market stallholders looking for space to sell their products during the week,” said Teresa.

“The Business Support Centre was set up with coworking office space but coworking retail would also fit within the Centre. There is indoor and undercover space available and also a large outdoor space in the private carpark.”

What we offer:
Pop-up shops will feature a diverse mix of exhibitors invited to display and sell their wares for one action-packed day per week. Space holders will be hand-picked to represent the best home-grown, handmade and home-baked products that Gippsland has to offer.
We will advertise and promote the Pop-up Market Days extensively throughout Gippsland and include the promotion of local artisans, innovators and business owners to the general public.

Space holders will require becoming a member of Coworx the coworking space in Business Support Centre Warragul. This will give them public liability coverage and use of the facilities.

Ring (03) 5623 3332 for further details or to make an appointment to visit us at 34 Mason Street Warragul.

Government Grant to support innovation & productivity

There is new Victorian Government grant available for small/medium business owners, designed to drive innovation & productivity. The Innovation Voucher Program grant is worth up to $25K and is designed to explore or test new ideas. Go to http://www.business.vic.gov.au/grants-and-assistance/innovation-voucher-program

Innovation Voucher program - Grants & Assistance - Business Victoria

The Innovation Voucher Program is a new initiative of the Victorian Government that supports businesses wanting to explore ways of improving their competitiveness and productivity. It provides responsive and nimble funding to help companies access the know-how needed to innovate. The program includes two vouchers: the Business Research and Development (R&D) Voucher and the Innovation Skills Voucher. 

Business Support Centre - 34 Mason Street Warragul 3820

The story of The ROQUE Model Talk by Joseph D'Souza to Warragul Business Group

The Business Support Centre sponsored and hosted Joseph D'Souza, a TEDxMelbourne 2011 participant at a Warragul Business Group networking night. 

"I heard Joseph speak at TEDxMelbourne 2011 and was so moved by his talk. I then meet up with him a couple months later at a TEDxMelbourne forum, and I asked him if he would come to Warragul to give his talk and he accepted." Teresa Mitchell, WBG Executive member. "This is what networking and recognising opportunities is all about".

Joseph asks, "Where are you going in your life? Who are you - really? What are you actually doing with your life - really? Where would you really like to be in your life? ..."

Go to http://youtu.be/u7x8fjc7bz0 to find out more.