PRELIMINARY

PROGRAM

To view more information and presentations please click on the individual sessions.

Please note the program is subject to change.

8:00 am
8:30 am
9:00 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
11:30 am
12:00 pm
12:30 pm
1:00 pm
1:30 pm
2:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:00 pm
3:30 pm
4:00 pm
4:30 pm
5:00 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
8:00 pm
8:30 pm
9:00 pm
9:30 pm
10:00 pm
DAY 1 - Wednesday 3 April 2024
DAY 1 - Wednesday 3 April 2024
REGISTRATION
8:00 am - 9:00 am

WELCOME TO NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT & OPENING ADDRESS FROM NSW PREMIER, HON. CHRIS MINNS MP
9:00 am - 9:45 am
Matthew Addison, COSBOA Chair welcomes you to the Summit. The welcome will be followed by an update from Commonwealth Bank, an opening address from NSW Premier, Chris Minns, and finally an update from Bruce Billson, ASBFEO

Matthew Addison, COSBOA Chair welcomes you to the Summit. The welcome will be followed by an update from Commonwealth Bank, an opening address from NSW Premier, Chris Minns, and finally an update from Bruce Billson, ASBFEO

ADDRESS FROM THE HON. PETER DUTTON MP, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Hon. Peter Dutton MP, Leader of the Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party

MORNING TEA
10:05 am - 10:40 am
Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace
 

Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace

GLOBAL TRENDS, STATS AND PREDICTIONS - WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR SMALL BUSINESS?
10:40 am - 11:15 am
Speakers: <ul><li>Robert Tedesco, American Express</li> <li>Bjorn Jarvis, Australian Bureau of Statistics</li></ul> Discover the global and local trends shaping the future of Australian small businesses in this session as panelists explore the impact of global migration flux on workforce levels and strategies to influence these shifts. Uncover statistical insights driving small business dynamics, balancing global and local trends. Focus on the transformative power of digitalisation, including online presence, e-commerce, and remote work, alongside government initiatives supporting small businesses. Our speakers will address challenges like economic uncertainties and evolving consumer behaviour, stressing the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of technological advancements.
 

Speakers:

  • Robert Tedesco, American Express
  • Bjorn Jarvis, Australian Bureau of Statistics
Discover the global and local trends shaping the future of Australian small businesses in this session as panelists explore the impact of global migration flux on workforce levels and strategies to influence these shifts. Uncover statistical insights driving small business dynamics, balancing global and local trends. Focus on the transformative power of digitalisation, including online presence, e-commerce, and remote work, alongside government initiatives supporting small businesses. Our speakers will address challenges like economic uncertainties and evolving consumer behaviour, stressing the need for resilience and adaptability in the face of technological advancements.

THE INNOVATORS: THE NEXT SMALL-BIG THING
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
Speakers:<ul><li>Alex Cannizzaro, Platform Zero</li><li> Gary Strachan, Deadly Hair Dude</li><li> Susan Galvin, Galvin Watch Company</li></ul> Meet Alex Cannizzaro, sustainability maven and founder of Platform Zero, a marketplace to buy and sell excess produce. Alex is renowned for her innovative thinking in sustainability, tackling food waste, and cutting costs. <br/><br/> Gary Strachan, the Deadly Hair Dude is an empowerment advocate on a mission to transform remote indigenous communities through skill building initiatives. <br/><br/> Finally, hear Susan Galvin’s empowering story of pursuing her dreams of entrepreneurship, hand making traditional, affordable luxury watches at Galvin Watch Company. This mother of two is juggling responsibilities and thriving as a single operator in small business. <br/><br/> In this session you’ll learn how small business is making a big impact by bridging gaps and fostering self-reliance in marginalised areas. Listen to the people who live small business every day.
 

Speakers:

  • Alex Cannizzaro, Platform Zero
  • Gary Strachan, Deadly Hair Dude
  • Susan Galvin, Galvin Watch Company
Meet Alex Cannizzaro, sustainability maven and founder of Platform Zero, a marketplace to buy and sell excess produce. Alex is renowned for her innovative thinking in sustainability, tackling food waste, and cutting costs.

Gary Strachan, the Deadly Hair Dude is an empowerment advocate on a mission to transform remote indigenous communities through skill building initiatives.

Finally, hear Susan Galvin’s empowering story of pursuing her dreams of entrepreneurship, hand making traditional, affordable luxury watches at Galvin Watch Company. This mother of two is juggling responsibilities and thriving as a single operator in small business.

In this session you’ll learn how small business is making a big impact by bridging gaps and fostering self-reliance in marginalised areas. Listen to the people who live small business every day.

EXHIBITOR SPEED PITCHING

Facilitator:

  • Christine Pope, Director and Treasurer, COSBOA

LUNCH
12:25 pm - 1:25 pm
Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace

Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace

ADDRESS FROM NSW SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONER, CHRIS LAMONT
1:25 pm - 1:50 pm

Speakers:

  • Chris Lamont, NSW Small Business Commissioner

REGIONAL REVIVIAL: OVERCOMING CHALLENGES FOR SMALL BUSINESS
1:50 pm - 2:35 pm
Speakers:Speakers:<ul><li>Mick Keogh, ACCC</li><li> Elizabeth Skirving, Rural Business Tasmania Inc</li></ul> Join us to explore the challenges confronting small businesses in Australian regional communities, addressing crises such as natural disasters, housing shortages, and food security issues. The discussion will focus on crisis management support, pre/post-event planning tools, and the necessary government programs for enhancing regional resilience. Our speakers will delve into key policy-level challenges for regional and rural businesses, particularly in agribusiness, the session will tackle issues like limited funding, infrastructure challenges, and the need for tailored policies to sustain rural business.

Speakers:Speakers:

  • Mick Keogh, ACCC
  • Elizabeth Skirving, Rural Business Tasmania Inc
Join us to explore the challenges confronting small businesses in Australian regional communities, addressing crises such as natural disasters, housing shortages, and food security issues. The discussion will focus on crisis management support, pre/post-event planning tools, and the necessary government programs for enhancing regional resilience. Our speakers will delve into key policy-level challenges for regional and rural businesses, particularly in agribusiness, the session will tackle issues like limited funding, infrastructure challenges, and the need for tailored policies to sustain rural business.

AFTERNOON TEA
2:35 pm - 3:00 pm

Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace

BEYOND THE MAJOR PARTIES: THE ROLE OF INDEPENDENT MPs IN SHAPING POLICY IN CANBERRA
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Speakers:<ul><li>Dai Le MP, Member for Fowler</li><li> Zali Steggall MP, Member for Warringah</li><li> Allegra Spender MP, Member for Wentworth</li><li> Kylea Tink MP, Member for North Sydney</li></ul> Facilitator: <ul><li>Luke Achterstraat, COSBOA</li></ul> The rise of the "Teals" and other independents surprised many political observers and has wrested away 'traditional seats' from major parties. This cataclysm has led to a new phase in Australian politics: no seat is safe. What does this all mean for the distribution of power and future of major parties? What does it mean for small business? Independents like Dai Le (Fowler), Allegra Spender (Wentworth), Kylea Tink (North Sydney) and Zali Steggall (Warringah) have all engaged strongly with COSBOA on behalf of their small business-rich electorates. This interesting session will unpack how the evolving nature of Canberra politics presents opportunities for small business and better policy development into 2024 and beyond.

Speakers:

  • Dai Le MP, Member for Fowler
  • Zali Steggall MP, Member for Warringah
  • Allegra Spender MP, Member for Wentworth
  • Kylea Tink MP, Member for North Sydney
Facilitator:
  • Luke Achterstraat, COSBOA
The rise of the "Teals" and other independents surprised many political observers and has wrested away 'traditional seats' from major parties. This cataclysm has led to a new phase in Australian politics: no seat is safe. What does this all mean for the distribution of power and future of major parties? What does it mean for small business? Independents like Dai Le (Fowler), Allegra Spender (Wentworth), Kylea Tink (North Sydney) and Zali Steggall (Warringah) have all engaged strongly with COSBOA on behalf of their small business-rich electorates. This interesting session will unpack how the evolving nature of Canberra politics presents opportunities for small business and better policy development into 2024 and beyond.

PRE-DINNER DRINKS
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Join us for pre-dinner drinks before the Summit Dinner. <br/><br/>

Join us for pre-dinner drinks before the Summit Dinner.

SUMMIT GALA DINNER & SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONERS OFF THE RECORD
6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
The COSBOA Summit Gala Dinner is a chance to digest the day of discussions and take some quality time to connect with your peers. Build relationships with people of influence, share your stories and experiences, all while you enjoy a three-course dinner. Don't miss the Address from the Minister for Small Business, Hon. Julie Collins MP , the Small Business Commissioners off the record panel and COSBOA's presentation of their National Small Business Champion 2024, awarded to a stand-out professional influencing small business change. See you there for an informative and enjoyable evening. <br/><br/> Hon. Julie Collins MP, Minister for Small Business<br/><br/> <b>SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONERS OFF THE RECORD</b><br/> Speakers: <ul><li>Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioners Office </li><li> Lynda McAlary-Smith, Victorian Small Business Commissioners Office</li><li> David Eaton, Western Australian Small Business Commissioner </li><li> Stuart Clues, Small Business Advocate and Red Tape Reduction Coordinator</li></ul> Facilitator: <ul><li>Bruce Billson, ASBFEO</li></ul> <br/><br/> <div align="center">Sponsored by:<br/> <img src="https://www.cosboansbs.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/amex-1024x1024.png" width="150"></div>

The COSBOA Summit Gala Dinner is a chance to digest the day of discussions and take some quality time to connect with your peers. Build relationships with people of influence, share your stories and experiences, all while you enjoy a three-course dinner. Don't miss the Address from the Minister for Small Business, Hon. Julie Collins MP , the Small Business Commissioners off the record panel and COSBOA's presentation of their National Small Business Champion 2024, awarded to a stand-out professional influencing small business change. See you there for an informative and enjoyable evening.

Hon. Julie Collins MP, Minister for Small Business

SMALL BUSINESS COMMISSIONERS OFF THE RECORD
Speakers:

  • Dominique Lamb, Queensland Small Business Commissioners Office
  • Lynda McAlary-Smith, Victorian Small Business Commissioners Office
  • David Eaton, Western Australian Small Business Commissioner
  • Stuart Clues, Small Business Advocate and Red Tape Reduction Coordinator
Facilitator:
  • Bruce Billson, ASBFEO


Sponsored by:
DAY 2 - Thursday 4 April 2024
DAY 2 - Thursday 4 April 2024
REGISTRATION
8:30 am - 9:00 am

ADDRESS FROM MINISTER
9:00 am - 9:20 am

UNLOCKING REGULATORY SUPPORT AND BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS FOR SMALL BUSINESS
9:20 am - 10:20 am
Speakers: <ul><li>Rob Heferen, Commissioner of Taxation, Australian Taxation Office</li><li>Kate O'Rourke, ASIC Commissioner</li> <li>Gina Cass-Gottlieb, ACCC Chairperson</li> <li>Anna Booth, Fair Work Ombudsman</li> <li>Tim Beresford, Chief Executive AFSA</li></ul> The key regulatory bodies, including the ATO, ASIC, ACCC, AFSA, and Fair Work Ombudsman, will present their perspectives on mitigating challenges faced by small businesses. The panel discussion will take a look at what the regulators are focused on for small business in 2024, providing insights on how to streamline processes, reduce costs, and navigate inflation challenges, concluding with a discussion on understanding each regulatory landscape. Join us to cut through the red tape so you can help lead your small business community in their regulatory compliance.

Speakers:

  • Rob Heferen, Commissioner of Taxation, Australian Taxation Office
  • Kate O'Rourke, ASIC Commissioner
  • Gina Cass-Gottlieb, ACCC Chairperson
  • Anna Booth, Fair Work Ombudsman
  • Tim Beresford, Chief Executive AFSA
The key regulatory bodies, including the ATO, ASIC, ACCC, AFSA, and Fair Work Ombudsman, will present their perspectives on mitigating challenges faced by small businesses. The panel discussion will take a look at what the regulators are focused on for small business in 2024, providing insights on how to streamline processes, reduce costs, and navigate inflation challenges, concluding with a discussion on understanding each regulatory landscape. Join us to cut through the red tape so you can help lead your small business community in their regulatory compliance.

MORNING TEA
10:20 am - 10:50 am
Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace
 

Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace

ADDRESS FROM RESERVE BANK OF AUSTRALIA
10:50 am - 11:10 am

Speakers:

  • Brad Jones, Reserve Bank of Australia

DIGITISATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS
11:10 am - 11:55 am
Speakers: <ul><li> Amanda Hutton, Telstra</li><li> Ryan Black, Tech Council</li><li> John Shepherd, Department of Financ</li><li> Rita Arrigo, CSIRO</li><li> Matthew Prouse, Digital Service Providers ANZ </li></ul> Explore the transformative dynamics that digitisation brings to small businesses, covering key aspects such as technological integration, operational efficiency, productivity and market adaptability. Dive into discussions on the strategies and tools essential for successful digitisation, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that arise in the process. This session aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the digitisation landscape effectively, ensuring your small business community harness the full potential of digital technologies to thrive in today's evolving environment. Join us as we unravel the possibilities and implications of digitisation for small businesses, paving the way for enhanced innovation and sustainable growth.

Speakers:

  • Amanda Hutton, Telstra
  • Ryan Black, Tech Council
  • John Shepherd, Department of Financ
  • Rita Arrigo, CSIRO
  • Matthew Prouse, Digital Service Providers ANZ
Explore the transformative dynamics that digitisation brings to small businesses, covering key aspects such as technological integration, operational efficiency, productivity and market adaptability. Dive into discussions on the strategies and tools essential for successful digitisation, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that arise in the process. This session aims to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the digitisation landscape effectively, ensuring your small business community harness the full potential of digital technologies to thrive in today's evolving environment. Join us as we unravel the possibilities and implications of digitisation for small businesses, paving the way for enhanced innovation and sustainable growth.

VET, SKILLS AND WORKFORCE DYNAMICS IN 2024
11:55 am - 12:45 pm
Speakers: <ul><li>David Turvey, Jobs and Skills Australia</li></ul><br/> In the ever-evolving landscape of the Australian economy, small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges in 2024 when it comes to Vocational Education and Training (VET), skills acquisition, and effective workforce planning. This session aims to understand the critical aspects of these three interconnected elements and shed light on the strategies small businesses can employ to thrive in the face of change.

Speakers:

  • David Turvey, Jobs and Skills Australia

In the ever-evolving landscape of the Australian economy, small businesses are facing unprecedented challenges in 2024 when it comes to Vocational Education and Training (VET), skills acquisition, and effective workforce planning. This session aims to understand the critical aspects of these three interconnected elements and shed light on the strategies small businesses can employ to thrive in the face of change.

LUNCH
12:45 pm - 1:45 pm
Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace

Visit our exhibitors in the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS CHANGES - UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT FOR SMALL BUSINESS
1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
Speakers:<ul><li>Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Association</li><li> Brooke Lord, Head of Policy, RCSA</li><li> Bran Black, CEO of the Business Council of Australia</li><li> Scott Harris, Pharmacy Guild</li><li> Jos de Bruin, COSBOA Director and former CEO of Master Grocers Australia</li></ul> Time to unpack the massive fundamental changes for our IR system in Australia and discuss what the 'Closing the Loopholes Bill' means for small business. What can be done to provide flexibility and increase productivity for small business, and not cause more complexity and impediment to employment? How can we support small businesses implement and manage major policy change in their workplaces.

Speakers:

  • Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Association
  • Brooke Lord, Head of Policy, RCSA
  • Bran Black, CEO of the Business Council of Australia
  • Scott Harris, Pharmacy Guild
  • Jos de Bruin, COSBOA Director and former CEO of Master Grocers Australia
Time to unpack the massive fundamental changes for our IR system in Australia and discuss what the 'Closing the Loopholes Bill' means for small business. What can be done to provide flexibility and increase productivity for small business, and not cause more complexity and impediment to employment? How can we support small businesses implement and manage major policy change in their workplaces.

MEDIA, POLITICS AND THE ECONOMY IN 2024: WHAT ROLE WILL SMALL BUSINESS PLAY?
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Speakers: <ul><li>Ashleigh Raper, Chief Political Correspondent TEN Network</li> <li>James Morrow, Telegraph </li> <li>Patrick Durkin, AFR</li> <li>Jennifer Duke, Economics Correspondent at Capital Brief</li></ul> From tabloids and TV to economic journalism and digital news, the world of media is rapidly evolving and influences key decision makers in Canberra. Who is reading what, and why? How does this present opportunity for effective small business advocacy to ensure the small business voice is heard loud and clear not only in Canberra but in regional communities and marginal seats? This panel will unpack key media and political trends for 2024 including what topics will dominate the year, the political cycle and most importantly how small business can best position itself. Hear from leading media experts on how COSBOA and its members can navigate this landscape into 2024.

Speakers:

  • Ashleigh Raper, Chief Political Correspondent TEN Network
  • James Morrow, Telegraph
  • Patrick Durkin, AFR
  • Jennifer Duke, Economics Correspondent at Capital Brief
From tabloids and TV to economic journalism and digital news, the world of media is rapidly evolving and influences key decision makers in Canberra. Who is reading what, and why? How does this present opportunity for effective small business advocacy to ensure the small business voice is heard loud and clear not only in Canberra but in regional communities and marginal seats? This panel will unpack key media and political trends for 2024 including what topics will dominate the year, the political cycle and most importantly how small business can best position itself. Hear from leading media experts on how COSBOA and its members can navigate this landscape into 2024.

CLOSING KEYNOTE

Speakers:

  • Bruce Billson, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
  • Matthew Addison, COSBOA

NETWORKING DRINKS
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Join us for Networking Drinks in the Foyer and visit the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace as we wrap up the Summit for 2024.

Join us for Networking Drinks in the Foyer and visit the COSBOA NSBS Marketplace as we wrap up the Summit for 2024.