Groups unite to focus on city's businesses

Nine business groups have joined forces to launch Collaborate Moreton Bay and unveil its first major event – Future Proofing Your Business.

Speakers, workshops, information sessions and networking will be part of the program at Norths Leagues and Services Club, Kallangur on Thursday May 8, from 9am-4pm.

The keynote speaker is entrepreneur Janine Allis, who started Boost Juice Bars from her kitchen and now has grown it to more than 850 stores across 13 countries.

Deputy Mayor Jodie Shipway will attend to represent City of Moreton Bay as Major Event Sponsor.

It is a bold start for a bold business initiative which follows last year’s ‘Navigate the IR Maze’, hosted by North Lakes, Redcliffe, Pine Rivers and Greater Caboolture Chambers of Commerce.

The Samford, Bribie and The Hills District chambers have also joined, along with Business and Professional Women (BPW) Moreton Bay and the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN).

Together they aim to set a foundation for on-going events that support, build capacity and empower the City of Moreton Bay business community.

Future Proofing Your Business is being held during Queensland Small Business Month, which recognises and celebrates the contribution of small business to local economies.

The May event is designed to provide Moreton Bay’s business owners with tools, strategies, networks and opportunities to “survive and thrive in today’s challenging economic landscape”.

City of Moreton Bay has more than 32,000 businesses and has aspirations to build a business ecosystem which will have supported an additional 16,000 businesses through its Our Cities Economic Strategy 2020-2041, but is still a “high risk” region for business failures.

There are reports up to 60 per cent of all businesses fail in their first three years and companies currently face rising costs, high interest rates, skilled labour shortages and soft consumer demand.

“Given all our organisations have a fundamental responsibility to members to help their businesses, we felt the need for this type of event has never been greater,” Jo Stevens, President of Pine Rivers Chamber of Commerce, said.

“This collective approach underscores a shared commitment to regional economic growth and ensures diverse representation in event planning and delivery.”

Proceeds from Future Proof Your Business will go to a follow-up small business mental wellness event planned for October.

Tickets

Standard (including meals) - $97 members, $127 non-members; VIP - $198 members, $245 non-members.

Trade tables (25 available) - $190 members, $290 non-members

For tickets visit: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/future-proofing-your-business-tickets-1245674980399

Future Proofing Your Business

Speakers:

Keynote - Janine Allis, entrepreneur and founder of Boost Juice Bars, which has grown from a home-based business to 850 outlets in 13 countries. Janine will reveal the top 10 lessons she’s learned such as the importance of continuous learning, adapting to customer needs and taking accountability of one’s actions.

Facilitator - Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioner on the current trends and challenges for this state’s businesses.

Workshops

• Jessica Ricketts (founder JR Digital) on The Power of Social Media and Marketing.

• Jessie Jeffery (Cyberguru) on Cybersecurity for Small Businesses.

• Lucas Helmke (Evergent Accounting) on Financial Foundations for Success.

• Nick Burnett (Nick Burnett Consulting) on Leadership and AI in Business.