Bizness Babes here on the Sunshine Coast. (www.biznessbabes.com.au)  is are a company partnered by The Body Shop, Wise Foundation and The American Express Foundation where  they offer free business training to women with children who would like to start up their own micro-business, but who find they either don’t know where to start, or who fine it hard to overcome the barriers that are placed in their way, eg cost, what to do with their children, know they want to do something, but can’t decide on what exactly.  

They offer a free course, in school hours and even provide childcare and meals for the participants.  Where  their course differs from others is that  they then mentor them throughout the course and again afterwards.   They also try to network with mentors and other business people in the community. 
 

The first Sunshine Coast programme is starting in September at the Sunshine Coast University  

The Professional Development Committee host a mentoring program each year. The dates for 2010 program for Small Start Up Businesses has commenced.

The 2010 Corporate Business Program will be announced later in the year.

Following extensive consultation, a new website www.businesseasy.net.au has been created to help business operators understand local Council requirements on their new or existing business and ensure that they have the appropriate approvals, licences and permits in place.

Through Business Easy, existing and potential businesses owners can finally access simple, easy-to-understand information about key regulatory requirements. Business Easy is funded by AusIndustry and is a united Council initiative by SunROC on behalf of all 3 Sunshine Coast Councils: Maroochy, Caloundra and Noosa. On this website the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network has been referenced as a key regional network. 

Speechcraft is a short course in public speaking, designed to involve participants in a “learn by doing” educational experience.

Participants deliver three prepared speeches each and evaluate each other’s presentations during the six-week course. The evaluation process is an integral component of the program.

In addition, participants give impromptu talks on assigned topics, conduct meetings, serve as officers in various leadership roles and learn meeting procedures.

These skills are learned in a friendly, supportive environment. The course is presented by experienced Toastmasters members drawn from several clubs in the area.

Proposed Speechcraft course:
Duration:  One 2-hour session over six weeks
Time:  Evening, eg 6-8pm or 7-9pm. Day/time TBD
Numbers:  Minimum six, maximum 8 participants
Venue:  TBD
Investment: $300 per person (includes course materials).
This fee is a discount on the standard corporate fee of $350.00 per person.

Proposed Speechcraft course outline:

Session 1: 
Importance of good public speaking skills
Evaluation of present speaking skills
Introduction to impromptu speaking
Educational presentation: Selecting a speech topic

Session 2: 
Impromptu speeches
Educational presentation: Introducing a speaker
Ice Breaker speeches
Speech evaluations by advisors
Discussion: Speaking with conviction
General evaluation

Session 3: 
Impromptu speeches
Prepared speeches
Speech evaluations
Educational presentation: Speech organisation
General evaluation

Session 4: 
Impromptu speeches
Prepared speeches
Speech evaluations
Educational presentation: gestures
Discussion: How to evaluate
General evaluation

Session 5: 
Impromptu speeches
Prepared speeches
Speech evaluations by participants
Educational presentation: Vocal variety
General evaluation

Session 6: 
Impromptu speeches
Prepared speeches
Speech evaluations
General evaluation

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