By Angela Norval

With the theme of Love Your Local, Bundaberg and District Chamber of Commerce president Tim Sayre is excited for the wealth of local events happening throughout the month of May celebrating Small Business Month.

Mr Sayre said thanks to generous sponsors and partner organisations such as Regional Development Australia – Wide Bay Burnett, Jobs Bundaberg, Regional Business HQ, Bundaberg Regional Council and the Queensland Government, the Bundaberg Chamber is inviting every business to join in celebrating Small Business Month.

“The celebration of Small Business kicks off at 7am this Friday with the massive launch event in Buss Park, where visitors will find a wide range of Government departments and agencies who are there to help small business owners utilise services offered by government. It might be to help with tender writing, exporting overseas or even applying for grants.”

“Working with government can be a big part of a small business, particularly during that startup phase, but for a great many of our local businesses, the growth opportunities that are available through government tendering is phenomenal, and over such a wide range of industries – not just construction and trades, but services you would never think of in tendering contracts.

“In Wide Bay Burnett, our small business game is strong with over 8200 small businesses representing every industry sector in the region.”

Also, on Friday 5 May from 7am to 8.30am at the Bundaberg Civic Centre, the team from Jobs Bundaberg will be hosting the Love Your Local B.O.S.S. event.

B.O.S.S. stands for Business Owners Sharing Stories, with business owners and leaders in our community sharing their stories with others in informal conversations over a coffee.

“Businesses owners, particularly those starting out, have the opportunity to ask questions of those who have been there before them, as we’ve set up small group areas where you can essentially pick the brains of a wide variety of successful leaders in our business community – some leaders you will know, and others who are extraordinary in their field, yet quiet achievers,” Mr Sayre said.

“Grab a coffee, a bacon and egg roll from Rotary and head inside to chat with those you might not have the chance to chat with.”

Local BOSS speakers ready for a plethora of questions and representing a broad spectrum of business and experience includes Bundaberg Today general manager Ingrid Barham, Bundy Windscreens owner and operator Kerry Greig, AdminPro Solutions Kay Knight, Licensed real estate agent Cheryle Rayson, Queensland Horticultural Council chair and Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Bree Watson, Queensland Computers CEO Geoff Augutis, Greensill Farming CEO Damien Botha and Strategic HR Supports and Strategic Business Management and Training business HR strategist Nathan Atkinson.

Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers CEO Bree Watson said when she was asked to contribute to the B.O.S.S. event, she really started thinking what had she learned as a boss, a leader and community member that she could share.

“Recently I celebrated seven years in the CEO role and 13 years as a staff member of BFVG and clearly, I love what I do otherwise I wouldn’t still be here,” she said.

“I find everyday I’m challenged by different components of the industry, I’m still incredibly passionate about representing our members and I’m dedicated to ensuring everyone I come across knows and values where their food comes from.

“Recruiting talented and dedicated employees is a challenge for any business however as an employer in the not-for-profit sector I face some unique challenges.

“Despite this we have an amazing team here at BFVG, each person brings a unique approach and skill set and together we are a strong highly skilled team dedicated to supporting the horticulture industry; from agricultural technologies to employment solutions, healthy eating campaigns to research and development my team is delivering a wide range of programs and solutions.

“Here at BFVG we have an important and positive impact on the industry and community, and this provides a great sense of fulfillment and job satisfaction.

“I also offer highly flexible work conditions, within our team we have parents and it’s important for me to encourage them to attend school events, sit on committees and be part of the community.

“I also look for and encourage staff to share personal development opportunities such as training, courses, and mentoring programs.

“These opportunities help employees build new skills and advance their careers whether that means they remain with us or not. It is our role as employers to provide leadership, guidance and support our teams to help them achieve their goals and objectives.

“This are the messages I’ll be sharing at the Love Your Local B.O.S.S event.”