SmallBiz Week 2024 Magazine - Relive the highlights
Wed 29 - Thurs 30 May 2024 | Melbourne C i hibi i
ABF Team
CEO/Publisher
Ray Evans ray.evans@abfgroup.com.au
Head of Media & Communications
Alyssa Herr alyssa.herr@abfgroup.com.au
Group Sales Director
George Moraitis george.moraitis@abfgroup.com.au
Client & Partnership Manager
Linh Bui Linh.bui@abfgroup.com.au
Head of Creative & Production
Kevin Le kevin.le@abfgroup.com.au
Creative Marketing Strategist
Thomas McCormack thomas.mccormack@abfgroup.com.au
Marketing Manager
Turaya Avory turaya.avory@abfgroup.com.au
Head of Publicity
Bronny Lane Bronwen@abfgroup.com.au
Social media manager
Lucy Ng Lucy.ng@abfgroup.com.au
Event Manager
Soledad Hassett soledad.hassett@abfgroup.com.au
Account Executive
Sandra Garzon sandra@abfgroup.com.au
To all Sponsors, Exhibitors, Speakers, Supporters, Delegates and most of all Visitors,
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for making CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024 such an outstanding success. This year’s event surpassed all our expectations, and it is all thanks to your unwavering support and participation.
To our exhibitors and sponsors, your commitment and contributions were instrumental in creating a vibrant and engaging expo. You showcased the best of what our industries have to offer, providing invaluable insights and opportunities to our attendees.
To our speakers and workshop hosts, your expertise and passion inspired and educated our audience. Your sessions were the highlight of the event, sparking ideas and driving conversations that will continue to impact small businesses long after the week has ended.
And most importantly, to our visitors, thank you for your enthusiasm and engagement. Your presence and active participation are what make CommBank SmallBiz Week truly special. We are honoured to have been a part of your journey toward business growth and success.
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to bring you an even bigger and better CommBank SmallBiz Week, expanding to both Melbourne and Sydney. We look forward to seeing you there and continuing this journey together.
Smiles all around!
CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024 has successfully concluded, marking our third year of creating valuable connections between small business owners and leaders with suppliers from diverse industries.
This free-to-attend event showcased emerging echnologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, operations, human resources, and marketing. We are grateful for the continued support from our major partners, including Salesforce, Nine Ad Manager, Cisco, and Optus.
The aim of CommBank SmallBiz Week is to support, connect and grow Australia‘s vital SME sector. With a fresh new look and venue, coupled with representation from leadingbrands, SmallBiz Week 2024 attracted record attendances across three days.
Throughout the week, attendees participated in workshops and live stage presentations that introduced the latest products, services, and technologies. Over one hundred thought leaders, business leaders, and industry experts shared their insights on topics crucial to small businesses.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all visitors, sponsors, exhibitors, and speakers for making CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024 a remarkable success. Your participation and supportwere invaluable, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.
Organised
by
Principle Sponsors:
Principle Sponsors:
SmallBiz Week 2024 schedule
Tuesday 28 May:
• CommBank Young Hero Awards
Wednesday 29 & Thursday 30 May:
• CommBank Small Business Expo
• CommBank SmallBiz Sessions
• Salesforce Workshop
• OPTUS FutureFit Workshop
• Nine Ad Manager Workshop
• Cyber Wardens Workshop
• CommBank Networking Function (Wed)
• Business Leaders Breakfast (Thurs)
CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024 was a jam-packed event, featuring a dynamic lineup of workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities.
Attendees had access to an unparralleled schedule of events, with valuable insights and connections.
Below, you’ll find the event schedule, showcasing the range of activities that made this years event truly exceptional.
The Facts
• 4,762 Visitors & Delegates
• 110+ Sponsors & Exhibitors
• 60+ Presenters
• 12 Young HeroWinners
Your business can have it all
Network
Australia’s fastest 5G mobile network for download speeds, as awarded by Opensignal.
Value
Value-packed business products
Experience
Dedicated business specialists
“Simply the best!”
Ambitious business leaders and entrepreneurs gathered for an evening of celebration at the Gala dinner for the CommBank Young Hero Awards 2024, held on Wednesday, March 28th, at The Langham in Melbourne. The event, which brought together inspirational young entrepreneurs, was filled with moving stories and celebrations of remarkable achievements. Hosted by Australian actor Tony Nikolakopoulos, who provided entertainment and laughter throughout the evening.
A total of 185 industry professionals, friends, and family members attended the awards ceremony to honor the outstanding successes of the young stars. These entrepreneurs hailed from diverse industries, from Space Tech Innovation to the Health and Fitness Industry.
Looking Ahead
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of this year. As we look forward to Young Heroes 2025, scheduled for Thursday, July 31st, in Sydney, we encourage our network to nominate and raise awareness of these awards. These awards offer a fantastic platform for young entrepreneurs to elevate their businesses.
Stay tuned for more details and join us in celebrating the next generation of business champions! Find out more
We celebrate the winners of this years CommBank Young
Hero Awards:
Entrepreneur of the Year: Michael Ramsey – STRONG Pilates
Rising Star Award: Mia Plecic – SLICKHAIR
Innovator of the Year: Shoaib Iqbal – Esper Satellite Imagery
Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year: Ruby Heard – Alinga Energy Consulting
Sustainable Entrepreneur of the Year: Julia Kay – Great Wrap
Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year: Angelique Wan – Consent Labs
Startup of the Year: Timothy Aquino – THDR Group
Excellence in Marketing: Brandon Efron – Blitz Bar
Best Place to Work: Tamara Haddow – Black Diamond Agency
Outstanding Growth Award: Joe Zhou – Aces Group
“It was such an honour to be in a room filled with young business owners from around the country. Their excitement and passion for what they are building was very inspiring. Running your own business can feel a little lonely at times, so it was nice to meet a community of people who are going through the same process. The recognition from our Young Hero Award win has been a positive reminder that the work we are doing is valuable and admired by the local community. Thank you for recognising Great Wrap!”
- Julia Kay, Great Wrap
CommBank SmallBiz Expo
CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024 was a tremendous success, with our Small Business Expo drawing a record number of attendees. Visitors had the chance to explore a wide array of business opportunities, engaging with over 110 exhibitors from diverse industries such as Banking, Telecommunications, IT, AI Technologies, and Cybersecurity.
The expo floor buzzed with excitement as small business owners and entrepreneurs connected with leading industry players, discovering the latest innovations and solutions tailored to their needs. This year’s expo set a new benchmark, providing unparalleled access to resources and expertise that can drive business growth and success.
We extend our gratitude to all our exhibitors and attendees for making this year’s expo truly exceptional. Your participation and enthusiasm were key to its success, and we look forward to continuing this momentum in 2025!
CommBank Live Stage Sessions
This year, visitors had the unique opportunity to hear from over 100 thought leaders, business leaders, and industry experts who shared their insights on topics directly affecting small businesses. The sessions covered a broad spectrum of areas, offering invaluable guidance on the latest products, services, and technologies designed to drive sustainable growth.
Diverse and Insightful Topics
Each session was crafted to provide small business owners with actionable insights and strategies they could immediately implement. From leveraging AI to streamline operations and improve customer engagement, to innovative marketing techniques and effective human resources management, the stage was a treasure trove of knowledge.
Real-World Solutions for Sustainable Growth
One of the key themes of this year’s CommBank Live Stage Sessions was sustainability. Speakers emphasized the importance of growing businesses in a way that is not only profitable but also environmentally and socially responsible. They shared innovative solutions and best practices that help businesses minimize their ecological footprint while maximizing their impact.
Building Momentum for 2025
The overwhelming success of the CommBank Live Stage Sessions has set a high bar for future events. The positive feedback and active participation from attendees have only fueled our excitement for next year. We are committed to bringing even more high-caliber speakers and relevant topics to the stage in 2025, ensuring that CommBank SmallBiz Week continues to be an unmissable event for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Join Us Next Year!
As we look forward to 2025, we are already planning an even more impactful lineup of sessions to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re looking to adopt the latest AI technologies, enhance your operations, improve your HR strategies, or innovate your marketing efforts, the CommBank Live Stage will provide the insights and tools you need to succeed.
Stay tuned for updates and get ready to join us for another year of inspiration, learning, and growth at CommBank SmallBiz Week. Together, we can continue to build a thriving small business community equipped to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow.
Speak at CommBank Live Stage 2025
Are you a thought leader or industry expert with insights that can inspire and empower small business owners? Join us at CommBank SmallBiz Week 2025 as a speaker on the Live Stage.
This is your chance to connect with a passionate audience, showcase your knowledge, and contribute to the growth of the small business community.
Celebrating the success of SmallBiz Week Workshops
For the first time, our sponsors — Salesforce, Optus, Nine Ads Manager, and Cyber Wardens— hosted an array of in-depth workshops over the expo, designed to empower Australia’s small business community with essential knowledge and tools to elevate their businesses successfully.
Guided by some of the industry’s leading experts, including Merlin Luck (Regional Vice President, Small Business, at Salesforce), Jessica Irvine (Personal Finance Expert at CommBank), Cat Prestipino (Marketing Director), Tegan Gilchrist (Project Director at Cyber Wardens), Gayan Benedict (CTO at Salesforce), and Todd Fisher (Head of Nine Ad Manager) to name a few.
Their perspectives and experiences offered practical strategies to help small businesses thrive in a competitive landscape while ensuring they operate in a cyber-safe environment. The success of these workshops underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the business world. CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024 not only offered valuable educational sessions but also created a platform for small businesses to connect, collaborate, and celebrate their achievements.
Whether you’re a seasoned business leader or just starting out, there’s value for everyone at these workshops.
Salesforce Workshop
The Salesforce workshops were a key highlight, drawing significant attention from attendees eager to leverage CRM technology to boost their sales productivity. Participants learned to transition from spreadsheets to a comprehensive CRM system, discovering how automation and AI can save time and enhance decision-making processes. The sessions were packed with actionable strategies to find new leads, win more deals, and build customer satisfaction.
Optus Workshop
The Optus workshops were equally enlightening, offering a space for small business owners to explore the latest in telecommunications solutions to streamline their operations and enhance connectivity. This workshop provided essential knowledge on optimising business communications, crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage in today’s digital age.
Nine Ad Manager Workshop
Nine Ad Manager Workshop offered attendees a deep dive into advertising strategies. Participants learned how to effectively utilise the Nine Ad Manager platform to create impactful ad campaigns, targeting the right audience to maximise ROI. This workshop was instrumental in equipping small businesses with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of digital advertising.
Cyber Wardens Workshop
Cyber Wardens Workshop provided essential cyber safety skills, with practical tips and tricks to protect against cyber criminals. It covered major cybersecurity risks for small businesses, red flags indicating vulnerabilities, everyday habits that increase risk, the importance of cybersecurity teamwork, and four effective ways to enhance a business’s cyber posture. These workshops not only provided crucial information for small businesses, but for all businesses to safeguard themselves against cybercrime.
Expo Highlights
Showcasing innovation through exhibitors, live stage sessions and workshops
CommBank SmallBiz Week’s Expo was a resounding success, attracting 5,000 visitors and showcasing the support of over 110 speakers and exhibitors. The bustling expo floor was a vibrant hub of activity, where attendees explored the latest innovations, products, and services tailored to the needs of small businesses.
In this issue, we feature insightful interviews with some of our exhibitors. They share their experiences, the unique value they bring to the small business community, and their thoughts on the future of their industries.
These interviews offer a behind-the-scenes look at the dynamic interactions that made this year’s expo truly exceptional.
Optus Business: Embracing Digital Transformation with Ed Chambers
Director Small Business Marketing
In an ever-evolving digital landscape, small businesses must harness the power of technology to stay competitive. During CommBank SmallBiz Week, Optus, in partnership with du.today, hosted a series of insightful workshops aimed at helping business owners unlock their digital potential. Through the FutureFit program, delegates learned what ‘digital’ truly means for their business, customers, and partners. They defined their current digital capabilities and mapped out opportunities for growth. By creating tailored digital strategies and learning practical tools for immediate implementation, attendees left equipped to drive their businesses forward in the digital age. Watch our exclusive interview with Optus Business to learn more about these transformative sessions.
Cyber Wardens: Safeguarding Small Businesses with Tegan Gilchrist
CommBank SmallBiz Week, Cyber Wardens offered vital workshop addressing small business cyber risks and providing simple strategies to enhance cyber safety.
With a mission to ensure all Australian small businesses operate in a cyber-safe environment, Cyber Wardens focused on bolstering the cyber capabilities of employees to help businesses increase their cyber posture and resilience.
In their free 30-minute workshop, attendees learned to identify the biggest cyber security risks targeting small businesses, recognize red flags, and understand the everyday habits that increase vulnerability to cyber crime. Emphasizing that cyber security is a team effort, Cyber Wardens highlighted how trained Cyber Wardens can make cyber safety straightforward and effective.
Discover the four simple ways to boost your business’s cyber defenses in our exclusive interview with Cyber Wardens.
Salesforce: Growing your business with CRM with Merlin Luck
Salesforce presented a series of deep dive workshops and fireside chats focused on helping small businesses find, win, and keep customers using their all-in-one CRM platform.
Attendees explored how Salesforce’s easy-to-use automation, built-in AI, and scalable solutions can drive business growth. By leveraging these tools, small business owners learned how to discover new leads, close more deals, and ensure customer satisfaction.
Watch our exclusive interview with Regional Vice President of Small Business at Salesforce. Merlin Luck, to uncover how their innovative CRM platform can transform your business operations and growth strategy.
Nine Ad Manager: Unlocking the Power of TV
Advertising with Ben Campbell
CommBank SmallBiz Week featured Nine Ad Manager, offering small businesses an innovative way to grow through TV advertising for as little as $550. This groundbreaking platform allows SMBs to access TV advertising on Australia’s number one BVOD, 9Now. By placing ads within Australia’s top TV shows and targeting local postcodes, businesses can enhance awareness, consideration, and drive sales.
During a series of complimentary workshops, attendees gained the expertise and tools needed to launch successful campaigns on Nine Ad Manager. Watch our exclusive interview with Ben Campbell, the Digital Adverting and Data Product Director Nine Ad Manager to learn how TV adverting can elevate your business.
EuropCar: Simplifying Car and Van Hire for Small Businesses with Benoit Garel
Europcar showcased their extensive range of cars, vans, and UTEs available for hire, tailored to meet the needs of small businesses. With a reputation for friendly service, new vehicles, and competitive prices, Europcar makes car and van hire in Australia effortless.
Whether for business or pleasure, Europcar ensures the right vehicle is always available. Additionally, Europcar’s commitment to sustainability shines through their Green Programme, making them the first car hire company in Australia with certified environmental commitments. In our exclusive interview with Benoit Garel, General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, learn how Europcar’s services can support your business needs.
Bark.com: Connecting You with New Customers
Bark.com helps small businesses find new customers in minutes. We sat down with Nicola Godfrey, SME Sales Manager at Bark.com, about how customers come to Bark.com with specific needs, seeking a wide range of services for both individuals and businesses. Bark.com collects detailed information to match customers with relevant, profesional service providers.
Asuria: Empowering Small Businesses for over 20 years
Asuria shared their extensive experience in helping people find meaningful, long-term employment and supporting small business growth. For over 20 years, Asuria has been instrumental in transforming business ideas into thriving enterprises. Through their Self-Employment Assistance program, Asuria provides expert training, 12 months of support, and mentoring from local professionals. This program has already helped over 1,000 individuals turn their passions into successful businesses or grow their existing ventures. Discover how Asuria’s flexible services can lay the groundwork for your business success in our exclusive interview.
Demystify Growth, Elevate Your Business
EMPOWERING OWNERS AND LEADERS TO CREATE INCREDIBLE COMPANIES EVERYWHERE.
Running a business of any size is challenging. Trying to grow it adds another dimension of complexity that most fail to overcome. Growing a business doesn’t need to be that hard.
At Visage Growth Partners, we provide broad, everlasting, and impactful coaching and mentorship for CEOs and their Leadership Teams. We aim to help you build a truly differentiated strategy and authentic leadership capabilities across your organisation that will position you and your team to overcome the challenges and complexities of growing your business. As your business growth advisors
and strategic business partners, we work with care to provide expert guidance in the pragmatic application of high cut-through tools, educating our clients through the process. Our executive coaching services are tailored to your individual needs and focused on developing leadership capabilities to create a genuine impact within your business.
Providing the right tools, accompanied by the right advice, meeting you where you’re at.
Tailored To You
All businesses are unique. Our services and advice are adaptable to your individual needs.
Genuine Care
We create an extraordinary depth of understanding with our client. We’re intimately engaged in the process of improving your business.
Visage Growth Academy
Solutions Focused
Our objective is to help you create impact. We do this by diligently guiding you towards business growth and sustained success.
Discover the power of collaborative growth at Visage Growth Academy, where leaders come together to thrive. This isn’t just another training course—it’s a platform where you and your team can evolve alongside like-minded, non-competitive businesses. Immerse yourself in a dynamic ecosystem rich with idea-sharing and strategic innovation, designed to elevate your leadership and business.
Through the Visage Growth Academy you’ll engage in:
● Strategic planning with your leadership team
● Growth mindset and focus
● Best-in-class execution disciplines
● Exclusive CEO roundtables for deeper insights
Unleashing the Power of People and Cultivating Winning Cultures
Join Adam Siegel, CEO & Growth Advisor, as he will provide some high cut-through tools and principles that will help you optimise the most critical asset in your business – your talent. Not at all a HR presentation, he will highlight some alternative views on how you and your team can attract and retain top talent better than your competitors, and in-turn help your business drive sustainable growth and success. Thursday 30th May, 2.55 PM
CommBank Business Leaders Breakfast
Kicking off the third day of CommBank SmallBiz Week, our inaugural Business Leaders Breakfast took place on Thursday, May 30th, drawing a total of 156 delegates. This event invited small business owners and key decision-makers to gain insights from industry experts from CommBank, Salesforce, the National Office of Cyber Security, and Optus. The focus was on how small businesses can best navigate the tech revolution, with discussions covering vital topics such as business protection and growth strategies.
Held on Thursday, May 30th, this breakfast event was designed for forward-thinking small business owners and decision-makers eager to stay ahead of the curve. Attendees had the unique opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and network with industry peers. Whether grappling with uncertainties about AI, concerns about cyberattacks, or confusion over digital transformation, participants found expert guidance on leveraging technology for growth and protection.
YOUR FLEXIBLE CAR SUBSCRIPTION
Subscription offers from 1 month+, insurance, maintenance and roadsideassistance included.
Europcar is redefining transportation with myEuropcar. Offering a flexible, inclusive, and cost-effective vehicle subscription service, Europcar makes it easy to enjoy the convenience of driving without the hassles of ownership. Whether you seek a short-term solution or a long-term commitment to flexibility, myEuropcar has you covered. Experience the future of transportation today!
$
TO 15% OFF for a limited time with code SMALLBIZ15
How to book:
* Select vehicle and minimum subscription term
* Fill in contact details and choose location for vehicle pickup
* Select “I have a promotional code”
* Enter promotional code - SMALLBIZ15
* Proceed to payment.
Prioritising cyber safety while small businesses cyber attacks surge
A cyber incident is reported every six minutes by businesses in Australia. An increase of 23% from the previous year according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), with more than 94,000 cyber incidents reported and over 33,000 calls made to the Australian Cyber Security Hotline. We saw the likes of Optus, Medibank and TicketMaster in the media for their high-profile cyber incidents, but 92.6% of all reported business breaches were experienced by Australian small businesses.
These attacks have the potential to devastate and ruin small businesses, with the average attack costing $46,000 and affecting operations, reputation and customer retention.
The top three cybercrimes reported by businesses:
1. Email compromise: cyber criminals hack into your email address and pretend to be you.
2. Business email compromise fraud: cyber criminals send phishing emails to trick you into sending money or company information.
3. Online banking fraud: cyber criminals gain access to your online banking and illegally transfer funds.
Australia continues to be a cybercrime target according to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), which is due to our relative wealth, increasing online connectivity and services, and general cyber behaviour and awareness.
An easy and effective thing you can do to avoid falling victim is to improve your cyber skills and be aware of reported issues and recommended updates for your devices, programs and apps. Hacks can happen within 48 hours of a vulnerability being reported to your device, and protecting yourself can be as simple as turning on automatic updates.
What you can do to protect yourself
The Victorian Chamber has partnered with global cyber security leaders Mimecast and Fortinet to make cyber security and awareness simple and affordable for every business.
Together, we launched CyberSimple – a suite of self-paced cyber training programs designed to arm businesses of all sizes against attacks, threats and scams. With 95% of cyber attacks being due to human error such as clicking malicious links, one simple thing you can do is upskill your employees’ cyber skills and awareness.
About our CyberSimple programs:
1. CyberSimple Boot Camp
For when you want to upskill your team and build a culture of cyber awareness. Delivered collaboratively with Fortinet, CyberSimple Boot Camp is perfect for training new starters, refreshing staff knowledge, or for addressing recent incidents. Across 20 modules over five weeks, employees will learn the key concepts of cyber security and their role in practicing cyber safety. Find out more.
2. CyberSimple Essentials
For when you want to regularly remind your team about cyber safety and best practices. Delivered in partnership with Mimecast, CyberSimple Essentials is designed to fit any business. The fortnightly episodes will create cyber awareness and remind employees how to keep a business and themselves safe. The entertaining and easy to watch series can be viewed on any device and covers topics from password protection to fraud. Find out more.
For more information about CyberSimple and how the Victorian Chamber can help your business, visit our website or contact our friendly team on 03 8662 5333 today.
Looking ahead
After the resounding success of CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024, we are thrilled to announce that we’re coming back even bigger and better next year! In 2025, we’re expanding CommBank SmallBiz Week to both Melbourne and Sydney, and we’re excited to bring the CommBank Young Hero Awards to Sydney for the first time.
Mark your calendars for these key dates:
In 2025, we aim to surpass this success by offering even more opportunities for learning, networking, and business growth. Whether you want to exhibit, speak, or sponsor, we invite you to get involved and be part of next year’s events. Scan the QR code or visit smallbizweek.com. au/Contact-us/
Together, we can create another unforgettable experience for small businesses across Australia.
Business Forward with Tailored SME Solutions
In the fast-paced world of business, having a reliable and efficient transportation partner is crucial. Hertz Australia recognises this need and is dedicated to providing tailored car rental solutions that cater to the unique demands of SMEs.At the upcoming CommBank SmallBiz Week 2024, Hertz is excited to showcase its innovative “Hertz Business Partner” program, designed specifically with the needs of SMEs in mind.
The Hertz Business Partner program eliminates the usual stresses associated with business travel. With no joining fee and a dedicated sales team, SMEs can enjoy competitive rate options and access to a modern, extensive fleet. This fleet includes standard passenger vehicles, the Prestige Collection for those important business impressions, cargo vans and trucks for logistical needs, minibuses for team travel and more. Additionally, SMEs benefit from discounted rates across multiple international destinations and a host of renter protection options.
Understanding that time is a precious commodity, Hertz ensures that the rental process is as smooth as possible. From easy online booking to streamlined pickup and drop-off procedures, every step is optimised for convenience. Hertz also offers priority access at rental locations and flexible options for last-minute changes or extensions on vehicle bookings. Quality and reliability form the cornerstone of the Hertz service promise.
With a fleet that undergoes regular maintenance checks and adheres to high-quality standards, businesses can trust that they will have a dependable vehicle at their disposal. This commitment extends to ensuring that there are no disruptions in operations, allowing businesses to focus on their core activities without worry.
For SMEs looking to integrate sustainability into their operations, Hertz offers over 800 electric vehicles (EVs) across Australia. This not only helps businesses meet their carbon reduction goals but also aligns with broader environmental objectives.
