Last Wednesday the Brisbane Southside Chamber of Commerce held another successful Mini Business Expo. Unfortunately because of the sitting week I wasn’t able to be there, but my wonderful team was able to represent me there.

The Expo gave the Chamber’s members the opportunity to meet and network with other business owners as well as local organisations and government representatives. It’s yet another event from Southside Chamber of Commerce helping support and grow businesses in Brisbane’s southside.

The Chamber committee is made up of amazing volunteers. I have to commend them for the great work they do helping small businesses in the area grow. In particular I have to commend their President Kathleen Lewis and Vice President Kim Peries who are such strong advocates for the Chamber’s members.

I’m glad to support the business events the Chamber holds throughout the year. I’d encourage local southside businesses to sign up to become a member for the support and network opportunities they provide.

I’m a proud member of Southside Chamber of Commerce myself. And I’m proud to be part of a government that has passed legislation delivering company tax relief for over 15,000 businesses in Bonner, five years sooner, as well as extended the $20,000 instant asset write off for another year.

The Brisbane Small Business Expo held in Mt Gravatt today was a huge success, with over 1000 people attending, and over 230 exhibitors showcasing small businesses from across the Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Logan regions.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, who attended with Minister for Small Business the Hon Craig Laundy, said he was proud to have helped bring the Expo to Brisbane for the first time in its seven year history.

“It’s great to have an event like this in Bonner that recognises the outstanding contribution small businesses make to our community, and gives them the opportunity to network and learn other ways to bolster their business,” Mr Vasta said.

“I’m glad to have the Small Business Minister here with me to chat with hard-working small business owners and hear their thoughts on the recent Budget.”

Organiser Paula Brand from Small Business Expos said the event wouldn’t have been possible without Mr Vasta and thanked him for his help.

“The Expo is amazing for businesses and it’s great to have it all happening right in our own backyard,” Mrs Brand said.

Mrs Brand said she hoped to bring the Expo back to the Brisbane region next year, and thanked local businesses for their support.

More information on the Expo can be found here.

The highly successful Small Business Expo is coming to Upper Mt Gravatt in 2018 and local small businesses are encouraged to enquire now, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

“This is a great opportunity for small businesses, particularly those without physical stores, to book a trade table where they can showcase their products and services,” Mr Vasta said.

“It’s also a great opportunity for business owners to learn the latest business tips and industry insight to help bolster their business, as well as connect with other business owners in the community. Over 600 small business owners are expected to attend.”

The Brisbane Expo will include:

• 200+ trade tables featuring small businesses from across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Logan;

• Five speaker presentations from some of Australia’s leading business experts including Local Success story, Phillip Di Bella from Di Bella Coffee and Glen Richards from Network Ten’s popular Shark Tank Show;

• Food trucks and live music.

Small business owners will be able to attend a How To Sell From a Trade Table workshop prior to the Expo and is included in the trade table fee.

Organiser Paula Brand from Small Business Expos said it would be a fun event that would recognise and celebrate the hard work that small business owners do every single day.

“The Expo is now in its seventh year and has never been held in Brisbane before. I’d like to thank Mr Vasta for helping bring the Expo to Upper Mt Gravatt this year,” Mrs Brand said.

Date: Friday 4th May 2018
Time: Open from 10am to 4pm (Official Media and VIP Launch is at 9.45am)
Address: Hibiscus Sports Complex, 90 Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt
Price: Free entry

To showcase your business and receive an info pack please email paula.brand@livingwithit.com.au.