Small businesses go digital!

Small business plays an integral part of any successful economy and with over 96 per cent of businesses on the Sunshine Coast being classified as ‘small’, Sunshine Coast Libraries have developed a specialised small business assistance program.

Economic Development and Council Entrepreneurship Portfolio holder, Councillor Lew Brennan, said this program will show small businesses how to use websites and social networking tools such as Facebook, to increase revenue and their customer base.

“Owning a small business can be very challenging, especially in the current economic climate, so Sunshine Coast Libraries, in conjunction with Piper Digital Marketing have developed a tailored program to provide small business owners with important tools to enhance the everyday running of their business,” he said.

Running throughout September in libraries across the region, these free business improvement workshops will demonstrate innovative ways to reach untapped markets. They will also offer guidance on how to understand, manage and market small businesses online.

Cr Brennan said recent research is showing that Australians do not seek any external advice on their business and 41 per cent are seeking advice only from their accountant.

“With small businesses on the Sunshine Coats not having the time to research and implement online strategies, our focus is to empower small business operators to confidently take advantage of the many opportunities available through using various online technologies.

“Sunshine Coast Libraries are excited at this opportunity to assist small business operators to succeed, prosper and contribute to economic development on the Sunshine Coast. As small businesses prosper, the whole Sunshine Coast benefits. It is worth taking some time away from your business to understand how technology can drastically improve your everyday efforts” he said.

Sessions are free and with places filling fast, bookings are essential. More information is available at www.library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Maroochydore	Saturday 11 September	2.00 – 3.30pm	5475 8900
Maroochydore	Monday 27 September	10 - 11.30am	5475 8900
Caloundra	Monday 6 September	10 - 11:30am	5491 1255
Coolum	Wednesday 15 September	10 - 11.30am	5343 2000
Noosa	Thursday 16 September	10 - 11.30am	5442 4411
Kawana	Friday 17 September	10 - 11.30am	5444 8022
Maleny	Wednesday 29 September	10 - 11.30am	5429 6222
Nambour	Tuesday 21 September	10 – 11.30am	5441 8332
Cooroy	Thursday 9 September	6 - 7:30pm	5454 9000