B31 Ballarat Business Month is part of the Small Business Festival (Victoria) and is now in its fourteenth year. Offering a number of great events for local businesses, and just a half hour’s drive (or less) from many of the Shire’s northern communities, Ballarat’s B31 could be a fantastic learning opportunity for you.
Whether you are a business owner, manager or employee, you’re encouraged to make some time to get involved in the fantastic opportunities on offer, including networking, lunches, seminars, workshops, breakfasts, mentoring and much more.
See our top picks below or head over the Festival website to find out more.
1. Young Professionals Network: Musical Bingo Night
Thursday 2 August
Get together with other young professionals in a relaxed environment to build networks and strengthen relationships, while enjoying musical bingo. This fun and informative event includes finger food and a complimentary drink on arrival, with $10 from every ticket donated to the chosen charity on the night – what a great event!
2. BisNet Breakfast: Gerry Ryan OAM
Tuesday 7 August
Power-start your day with a BisNet Breakfast while hearing from guest speaker and chairman of Jayco Corporation Gerry Ryan OAM. Gerry is a businessman and entrepreneur with diverse interests in manufacturing, entertainment, wine, hospitality, property and sport in Australia and overseas. As well as founding Australasia’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, Gerry is also chairman of the Creature Technology Company, Global Creatures and Gumbuya World. Gerry is also director and part owner of NRL Club, Melbourne Storm and has an interest in the thoroughbred industry as a race horse owner and breeder, including winning the 2010 and 2017 Melbourne Cup. It’s sure to be an interesting event!
3. Social Media Q&A
Thursday 9 August
Starting with an initial presentation by Jordan McPhan, JRM Social, the session moves quickly on to a dedicated Q&A so your real questions and issues can be addressed. Get relevant-to-you advice that you can take home and apply to your businesses marketing straight away – an opportunity not to be missed.
4. Secrets of our Success
Wednesday 15 August
Hear from Jamie Sleep of Sleep’s Plumbing, Ange Connor of Inspire HQ and Rachel Sheehan from Studio g.a.s Ballarat as they share the secrets of their success and leave you with insights that you can take back to your own business. The session will also be a great chance to network with other business owners and operators over lunch.