Brisbane hosts third Queensland Small Business Month expo

The final Queensland Small Business Month expos is underway in Brisbane today, delivering expert insights, and practical support for small and family businesses from across the State.

The expos are part of a plan to end a decade of decline under the former Labor Government where champagne cork popping, red carpet celebrations failed to deliver the tools small and family businesses needed to grow.

Over 600 small business owners are anticipated to attend the event covering topics such as:

• preparing for unexpected challenges, including business continuity planning and navigating a tough insurance market.
• strengthening cash flow, cyber security, and workforce capability to future-proof businesses.
• practical tools and insights on where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is heading and how to take the next step.
• gaining insights from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and Australian Small and Family Business Ombudsman.
• unlocking opportunities from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• learn how to tender better with expert Top Ten Tendering Tips.
• becoming visible to government buyers and improving tendering success in Queensland’s $35 billion procurement market.

These sessions will be hosted by a range of guest speakers including representatives from Virgin Australia, National Australia Bank, Queensland Small Business Commissioner and QBuild, among others.

The expo will also provide small and family businesses with the opportunity to network and connect with industry experts, government representatives, and like-minded business owners to share ideas and build professional networks.

Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the significance of the Brisbane expo is in empowering the region’s small business community and fostering valuable connections.

“The final expo in Brisbane is an important opportunity for local small and family businesses to gain the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities,” Minister Minnikin said.

“Small and family businesses are the heart of Queensland’s economy. They’re the ones driving innovation, creating jobs, and keeping our communities strong.

“Today’s expo will bring together government, industry leaders, and experts to deliver practical workshops, offer real-world advice, and create opportunities for businesses to connect and grow.”

Sean Madigan, Partner, Public Sector Advisory at KordaMentha, will also join a panel of industry leaders for the "Resilient by Design" session, specifically focusing on strengthening cash flow decision-making, cyber protection, workforce capability, and insurance to help small businesses build resilience and secure their future.

“Attendees will walk away with practical steps they can apply immediately, from improving cash visibility to strengthening cyber protections and building more capable teams,” Mr Madigan said.

Queensland Small Business Month also features a range of webinars and online tools designed to support small businesses in regional and remote areas, as well as those unable to attend the in-person expos.

To get involved, or find out more about what’s on this Queensland Small Business Month, head to business.qld.gov.au/qsbm.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew Berkman – 0429 128 637