The City is getting behind two Stirling Business Association (SBA) programs that support local small business in today’s challenging economic environment.
For more than 40 years, the SBA has offered a mix of services to its members that focus on helping local small businesses grow professionally and personally.
To enable more businesses to benefit from a SBA membership, the City will be covering 50 per cent of the cost of all new and existing memberships during the next 12 months. Annual SBA memberships link small businesses with skills training, networking events, online forums, discounted meeting room hire and more.
Part of the City’s Economic Stimulus and Community Recovery Package, the membership subsidy is available to small businesses (less than 20 staff) based in the City of Stirling.
City of Stirling Deputy Mayor Bianca Sandri said with small business accounting for 98 per cent of the 22,000 local businesses, it was crucial that City backed programs that could support them during unprecedented times.
“From cafes to construction, we have such a diverse range of local businesses that contribute to the local economy, and we are always looking for ways we can help them bounce back and work towards a more profitable future.”
As a second way of supporting the SBA, the City is subsidising its Business Mastermind online program that provides advice to small business owners about preparing, adapting and evolving their business in a COVID-19 marketplace.
Starting on Tuesday 4 August, a series of six fortnightly sessions offers groups (of up to 10 participants) practical coaching on how to connect with ideal customers, expand a customer audience and learn about marketing strategies that support business growth.
Stirling Business Association Chief Executive Officer Yvonne Atkinson said the City’s funding was a great motivator for more local businesses to join the SBA and find out how the Mastermind program could help them.
“Right now businesses need the help and support from others who understand what they're currently going through, and there’s a vast network of resources that they can tap into as well as business owners learning from each other,” Ms Atkinson said.
“The Mastermind program is tailored to each business and guides participants on how they can build on their current strengths, gain clarity and be confident in decision making so they can identify the right opportunities available to grow their business.”
Phone the SBA on (08) 9240 1288 or visit www.stirlingbusiness.asn.au for more information.
Caption: SBA CEO Yvonne Atkinson with Deputy Mayor Bianca Sandri and Eyeconik Optometrists owners Dr Andrew Young and Lee Young, who are participating in the Business Mastermind program.
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