From fashion designers to accountants, small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs turned out to the Mandurah-Peel Convention Centre on Thursday for the federal government’s Small Business Fair.
The event focused on helping businesses tap into initiatives, benefits and tools.
The fair forms part of a range of incentives, funding and support programs hosted by the Coalition Government to help small businesses nation-wide.
Canning MP Andrew Hastie was on the ground, meeting business owners at the event and said it was a useful way for local businesses to find out what options were available to them.
“There are around 9500 small businesses in Canning. They’re so important to our communities, our industry and our economy,” Mr Hastie said.
“They’re made up of local families, entrepreneurs and risk takers, striking out to create their own job. They deserve our patronage and support.
“[It’s] an excellent opportunity for business owners –or those looking to start a small business– to find out what support and initiatives are out there.”
Mandurah-based creative Amangul Stevenson was attended the event to gain advice from the main experts on hand.
A dressmaker by trade, Ms Stevenson said she was in the process of launching a fashion label with her daughter and jumped at the opportunity to obtain guidance from the various business coaches available at the fair.
There are around 9500 small businesses in Canning. They’re so important to our communities, our industry and our economy.
- Canning MP Andrew Hastie
A&T Products owners Arinda and Werner Kruger were at the fair to find advice on expanding their digital presence.
Operating out of Mandurah since 2012, the couple have been importing and supplying products from as south as Albany to as north as Perth.
The duo said it was great to know there was a range of support available to them.
Among the specialist services on hand, was federally appointed Mandurah-Murray Employment Facilitator Maryanne Baker and Peel Entrepreneurship Facilitator Stephen McVey.
The facilitator positions were created by the federal Department of Jobs and Small Business to help job-creation in regions that were identified as in need.
Peel Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s general manager Andrew McKerrell was also on hand to provide assistance and expertise to attendees.
The federal minister for small and family business Senator Michaelia Cash launched the first event on February 5 in Perth.
“We also understand the daily challenges of running a small business, so the government has a number of programs to make it easier for Australian small business owners to get on with the job,” Senator Cash said.
There are about 20 events planned nationally throughout February and March.
To keep up to date or for more information on their activities, visit the federal Department of Jobs and Small Business website at www.jobs.gov.au.
Follow Caitlyn Rintoul on Twitter via @caitlynrintoul or email her at caitlyn.rintoul@fairfaxmedia.com.au.