August Is Small Business Festival Month in Victoria

We’re proud to work with small businesses from across Victoria. You can see above how many run Square Point of Sale in Melbourne alone—from The Hot Chicken Project in Geelong, serving mild through “so damn hot” chicken paired with craft beers, to Hutch & Co.’s renowned decor in Lilydale which was recently nominated for 2015’s best cafe design in the Eat Drink Design Awards. Victoria has a thriving small business community which is being celebrated in August with the annual Small Business Festival Victoria.

Owning a small business can offer great opportunities to learn from other entrepreneurs. Getting involved in your local small-to-medium-sized business (SMB) community through events, networking and social opportunities can really pay off. Hosted by the Victorian Government, the Small Business Festival Victoria runs for the entire month of August. It celebrates small businesses while giving entrepreneurs from around the state a chance to learn new skills, network and access new technology.

There are hundreds of interesting and informative events across Melbourne and throughout regional Victoria all month long. Here are some of the events we’re looking forward to:

Faces of Small Business exhibition

This is a stunning outdoor installation and exhibition showcasing small businesses that go the extra mile for their employees, customers, community and the planet. Located in the Geelong Railway Station. Admission is free. Learn more.

Tips, traps & tools

If you’ve started a small business, you know that meeting all the government’s regulations and registration requirements can be a challenge. This seminar will provide information about intellectual property, trademarks, and business regulations and renewals, as well as an overview of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)’s resources for SMBs. Located at the Small Business Victoria Business Centre in Melbourne. Admission is free. Learn more.

Small business, BIG marketing

With world-class presenters, exhibits, practical tips and much more, this is the festival event you won’t want to miss. Exhibitors from around the country will be offering tools to help your business grow, and speakers will include Valerie Khoo from the Australian Writers Centre and Julie Palmer from the Business Networking Academy. Located at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Tickets start at $45. Thursday 27 August, 7.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Learn more.

Meet the Square Australia team

Visit the Square Australia booth at the Small business, BIG marketing event for a chance to ask questions, learn more about Square Point of Sale, pick up a gift bag and go in the draw to win a complete point-of-sale hardware package including an Apple iPad, valued at over $1,000.