Scenic Rim Business Breakfast drives connectivity

Business connectivity, financial support, resilience, mentoring and training were in the spotlight at the 2020 Scenic Rim Business Breakfast. 

Commissioner of Small Business, Maree Adshead, was guest speaker at the event, which the Scenic Rim Regional Council and Department of Small Business and Training hosted on 14 October. 

The Commissioner praised the Scenic Rim business community for its determination and resilience throughout a challenging 12 months, as the region faced devastating bushfires and the impacts of COVID-19. 

She spoke about the benefits of small businesses working together to leverage connectivity, buying power and sharing of resources for the overall growth of business in the Scenic Rim.  

Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen said learning and networking was invaluable for the region's business sector. 

"The small business community accounts for 98.5 per cent of businesses across the Scenic Rim and plays a huge part in our economy," he said. 

"Events like the Scenic Rim Business Breakfast are designed to engage, promote and stimulate ideas to create business confidence within our community and ultimately help create pathways to skills development and employment. 

"Opportunities like this are right on track with the clear direction and roadmap we have set for economic growth and sustainability through the Scenic Rim Regional Prosperity Strategy 2020 - 2025, the Scenic Rim's first ever strategy focused on economic growth." 

Kooralbyn Chamber of Commerce President Wendy Harris said connection was key. 

"All small businesses should belong to a chamber of commerce, have good interlinks with Council and attend events like this, where you find out good information," she said. 

"For a small business, if you're connected to these networks you don't have to go looking for the latest information so much, because you've got your finger on the pulse." 

The Scenic Rim's agriculture, health, tourism, hospitality and education sectors were among those represented at the 2020 Scenic Rim Business Breakfast, along with representation from the region's chambers of commerce, Council officers and elected representatives. 

Hospitality students from Beaudesert State High School and McAuley College served guests food prepared by local family company Scenic Rim Event Catering, featuring local produce. 

For information about participating in business resilience programs supported by Scenic Rim Regional Council, contact Regional Skills Investment Strategy officer Mitch Ryan at mitch.r@scencirim.qld.gov.au  

This Regional Skills Investment Strategy project is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.