Small businesses across the Upper Yarra are invited to come to connect, network and share their expertise with one another at the free Warburton Valley Community Economic Development Association (WVCEDA) Business Expo from 1pm to 7pm on Wednesday 17 May at the Arts Centre in Warburton.
The theme of the event is ‘Embracing Change’ with a keynote speaker, business workshops and social media health checks all part of the opportunity to enhance your business ventures.
President of WVCEDA Cleo Silva said they want to connect, promote, develop and strengthen local businesses.
“Warburton Valley CEDA is really trying to bring local businesses together because we can be a little isolated just working on our businesses all the time, and we all have a lot of similar and different experiences so it’s a great chance to connect,” she said.
“We’re really trying to get the message out there that we’re working towards creating a vibrant business community.”
At 4.30pm Strategic Futurist Marcus Barber will be presenting his ‘What do you want to achieve, and by when?’ speech, aimed to help you identify the goals you want to set your sights on and create a streamlined and efficient timeline for you to achieve them.
Prior to the speech, a series of workshops will be underway:
At 1.35pm, Stephen Dowling will lead the first workshop on successful grant writing, a fantastic opportunity to learn how you can apply for and access grants that can bolster your business and unlock potential opportunities and growth,
This is followed by a 2.30pm workshop on purposeful wellbeing processes to help your staff flourish with Peter Maguire from Ridgeline HR, as a happy workplace environment goes a long way to ensuring a sustainable and successful business,
After a break for afternoon tea, a Content Marketing, Email Marketing and Video Marketing workshop at 3.30pm will commence with Clarissa Harris from True Tribe to help show the world your business, what you offer and why they should want it.
WVCEDA members will have the privilege of booking a 20-minute social media and online ‘health check’, where you can speak with an expert about practical ways to improve your online presence. These must be booked in advance and are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attendance options are flexible, attendees can come and go as they please and the event is designed so you can access the workshops, opportunities and information most relevant to you, although for maximum benefit, it is encouraged to stay the whole afternoon.
Most of all networking with other local businesses, forming bonds or partnerships, and fostering ideas or collaborations is thoroughly encouraged throughout the day and at a post-event “Cheese and Chat’ drinks catch-up, all to find out more about the people behind the businesses in your region, make new connections and enjoy the buzz of a thriving business community.
All businesses, traders and service providers are welcome and should bring along a business card to enter the door prize for an hour-long one-on-one session with Ms Harris.
While free, booking your attendance is required and can be done at www.trybooking.com/CHJEC. For any enquiries email info@warburtonvalley.org.
