Small Biz Bus on the way
The Small Biz Bus is visiting The Hills on March 11 to give small business operators the chance to access personalised advice from experts for free. NSW Small Business Commissioner Robyn Hobbs said speaking to the advisers can help small business owners take the next step. The Small Biz Bus will be at the Small Business Exchange Expo on 3 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills, from 9am to 3pm. Bookings: 1300 134 359 or smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au.
KPMG opens in Parramatta
Global professional services network KPMG opened its first western Sydney branch in Parramatta on February 26. KPMG Australia chief executive Gary Wingrove said the region is tipped to outgrow the rest of the country to be an economic powerhouse. "The region's population is expected to hit 3 million people by 2031 . . . our firm looks forward to assisting with that growth," Mr Wingrove said. Two hundred new jobs are planned to be added by the firm within the next three years in areas such as audit and tax as well as advisory capabilities to assist businesses to adapt to new market conditions.
Cuts will save $750m
The "red tape reduction" program is set to deliver $750 million in savings by June to NSW small businesses and the community. Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said the sector benefited from the program to deliver more than 230 reforms to generate cost savings for the community. "There are around 680,000 small businesses in NSW which clearly shows how integral small business is to the community and the economy," Mr Barilaro said. "These businesses are run by mums and dads, friends and relative and they make a fantastic contribution to local communities by support local schools and charities."
Sales show good growth
The number of businesses with increased sales revenue has reached its highest level in NSW since March 2010, according to the survey conducted by the NSW Business Chamber.
March 3: Meet business owners and promote your business at the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce Networking meeting. From 5.30pm-9.30pm. Cost: $25 (members), $40 (non- members). Details: parramattachamber.com.au.
March 3: Counsellor, speaker and writer Sarah Wayland will explore the elusive work/life balance with top tips on juggling the chaos during a free talk at Hornsby Library. At 6.30pm. Details: aroundyou.com.au.
March 4: Create business relationships and advocate your business at a networking session at the Blacktown Business Network event from 6pm-8.30pm. Where: Blacktown Workers Club, 55 Campbell Street. Details: contact@BlacktownBusiness.net.
March 5: Meet other like-minded business people at a networking business breakfast at Lachlan’s Restaurant at Parramatta Park. From 8am-10am. Cost: $25. Details: 4networking.com.au/events.
March 10: Professional services company Control Your Business has two free coffee meetings today for people to meet with firms Xero and enableHR. At 7.30am and 5.30pm in Penrith. Details: controlyourbusiness.com.au.
March 11: Small Business Exchange Expo at The Hills Council (3 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills) from 8.30am-6pm. Free. Details: sgarrard@thehills.nsw.gov.au.
March 12: Learn about Tax compliance for small business and recordkeeping for taxation purposes at a talk at The Hills Council from 7pm-9pm. Cost: $65. Details: thehills.nsw.gov.au.
March 13: The Success Women’s Network will feature guest speaker Edward Zia talking about creating an ‘‘elevator pitch that sells’’ at its next networking meeting at the Bella Vista Hotel. Cost: $60 (non-members). Details: successwomensnetwork.com.au.
March 18: If you’re thinking of starting a business, learn the basics at a two-hour workshop in Blacktown with small business expert Mike Carlton. From 10am-noon. Cost: $50. Details: enterprisehub.com.
March 19: An online webinar will be on from 10.30am-11.30am with information about NEIS, the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme with presenter David Baumgarten. Free. Details: enterprisehub.com/events.
March 24: Look at ways to protect your intellectual property through registered IP rights with a short course from IP Australia in Parramatta. Free. From 10am-12.30pm. Details: enterprisehub.com/events.
March 26: Learn some social media tricks and its traps and get insights from Julie Delaforce in a talk at The Creative Fringe, Penrith. Cost: $10. From 6pm-7.30pm/ Details: eventbrite.com.au.