How to grow your small business will be one of many insights on offer at the next Business 101 Seminar featuring the innovative owners of Little Flowers, Work-Shop and Sew Make Create who have turned the idea of a traditional small business on its head.
Not your average small business is the third event for this year’s free City of Sydney Business 101 Seminar series designed to help small businesses develop into successful, thriving industries.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City’s Business 101 seminars offer practical information, creative solutions and original advice for operating a business in Sydney.
“We’re focussed on developing the new and emerging economies for Sydney’s future – and that means tapping into advice from entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries now,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This is a unique chance to network with business innovators who will have invaluable advice and inspiring stories to share.”
Keynote speakers will be offering advice and insights on unique online business concepts, staff mentoring, brand building and transforming traditional business ventures into unique customer experiences.
Little Flowers is a thriving online business with a simple concept – each day they offer one seasonal floral bouquet of $30, including delivery, until sold out.
The firm’s co-founders, Sarah Regan and Chris Berents, are dedicated to breaking new ground with their online flower shop.
“The hardest part of starting your own business is actually the starting part, where you have to step into the unknown and leave everything familiar behind,” Ms Regan said.
“As an online business without a shopfront, customer service and social media are your most important tools when it comes to building your brand personality and your community. That, and ensuring that your product is as good as it can possibly be every single day”.
Accompanying the small business owners will be a spokesperson from the Clearly Business resource centre, to discuss how their organisation can support you in growing and creating a productive business.
Work-shop’s out-of-the-box thinker Matt Branagan will share his story of how his business concept came about and what steps he and his partner took to start their journey. Work-shop offers fun and affordable short courses, including life skills, creative concepts and alternative art.
Accessory designer Melissa Tan-Lu, owner and creator of Sew Make Create, will share her experience of establishing a collaborative community workspace.
Her philosophy is that anyone can be a creator or designer, and she shares tricks and tips in her Sew Make Create workshop.
“Now the focus is on building on aspects of the business that are the most successful, which is creating that unique learning experience and creating new products for my customers,” Melissa said.
“Having your own business takes a lot of hard work, so make sure you are passionate about it – then your work will not be a job because you will love doing what you do everyday.”
The City’s free seminars run from June to November, covering everything from the basics of setting up a small business, practical advice on common issues new businesses face, and tips on how to market a business online. Each seminar also features Q and A sessions with industry experts and City staff.
All Business 101 seminars are held at Customs House from 6.30pm–8.30pm. The sessions are:
- Not your average small business – 15 June
- Cult following – your brand, your business – 12 July
- Bringing in the music – 10 August
- Growing pains – avoiding the pitfalls of your own success – 7 September
- The rocky road less travelled – new takes on traditional businesses – 5 October
- Going against the grain – new business concepts – 2 November
- Late starters – keeping the doors open for night-time trade – 30 November
For more information visit What’s On
For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Advisor Claire Thompson on 0408 414 376 or cthompson1@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Matt Levinson on 0499 319 385 or mlevinson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au