Marketing with No Money
More than 96% of businesses on the Sunshine Coast are classed as "small business" and are vital to the local economy. Feedback indicates that small business owners are struggling with issues of time, money and marketing.
What: Marketing with No Money
Where: Various Sunshine Coast Libraries
When: From 17 May to 22 June
Cost: Free – Bookings Essential
More than 96% of businesses on the Sunshine Coast are classed as "small business" and are vital to the local economy. Feedback indicates that small business owners are struggling with issues of time, money and marketing.
Following the success of the Let’s Get Digital sessions, Sunshine Coast Libraries are continuing to assist small business owners build their knowledge and skill base about new innovative business techniques, with free sessions about Marketing with No Money.
The presenter, Leah Squire, is the founder of a multi-million dollar internet based business that was started just over two years ago with $1,000 and a marketing budget of zilch.
Economic Development and Council Entrepreneurship Portfolio Councillor Lew Brennan said Sunshine Coast Libraries are looking to run information sessions tailored specifically to small business owners, providing them with simple, practical tips and hints they can take away and put into practice to benefit their own business.
"In small business there is often nothing left in the bank for expensive marketing campaigns," Cr Brennan said.
"In the Marketing with No Money sessions, Leah will provide simple free or cheap marketing strategies small business owners can implement to build their brand and improve their sales and image."
Due to popular demand the first round of sessions scheduled have already been booked to capacity, and Sunshine Coast Libraries have rushed to arrange extra sessions.
Cr Brennan said Sunshine Coast Libraries recognised the value these sessions would provide local small business operators, but still the level of demand came as something of a surprise.
"These Marketing with No Money sessions have been so popular we have not only added extra seating to the current nine sessions across the region, but still needed to schedule a number of extra sessions," he said.
"Goes to show Sunshine Coast Libraries have their finger on the pulse. Looks like the small business community have cottoned on that libraries are more than just a place to go to borrow books