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.

 A new financial benchmarking tool is available to help your clients identify areas for improving their business performance and profit.

The tool will allow your clients to compare their business' financials against competitors in related industry sectors and can help them to plan for future improvements.

It includes a free comprehensive financial profile that outlines key profit drivers and recent trends in their industry, helping  to assess opportunities for growth. The financial benchmarking tool costs $99 (incl GST*) for two months access.
 
Introductory offer

The first 100 users to try the new financial benchmarking tool will have the opportunity to purchase the Think. Plan. Grow. CD at a discounted rate of $20 (incl. GST*) (RRP $38.50) plus postage and handling.
Think. Plan. Grow. is a comprehensive business planning and monitoring tool that contains a sample business plan and template.

Find out more about the Think. Plan. Grow. CD.

To take advantage of this offer or for more information visit the website or contact the department on 1300 363 711.
 
*GST is a Commonwealth Government Tax     ABN 24 830 236 406
 
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation
PO Box 974
SPRING HILL
QLD 4004
 Tel: 1300 363 711 (Queensland callers)
+61 7 3001 6359 (outside Queensland callers)
www.business.qld.gov.au

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. 

Embracing Business Online program

http://www.aiemnet.net/dev/Template.php?name=BUSINESS_ONLINE

This is an Australian Government funded initiative under the Small Business Online program.
‘Embracing Business Online’ will assist businesses in regional Queensland to grow online and embrace the digital economy through skills development, personal mentoring and support, particularly in the uptake and use of web enabled technologies.

 Highly experienced Business, IT and web skills trainers will deliver a series of informative seminars and provide one-on-one mentoring opportunities plus online workshops to get you started on the road to further business success.  Learn how to properly build your internet and web strategy to support your business goals

Here’s what others have had to say on about the program so far:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh0QkPpg2T4

Other comments:
‘Fantastic, thank you. The workshop was wonderful. I feel so lucky to be there. It is a fantastic opportunity and I can't believe it is so affordable and close to home.’
'Enjoyed picking the brains of the experts.’
‘Enjoyed ALL of it.’
‘Good content.’
‘Well presented; all very well explained.’
‘LEARNT LOTS!’
‘Very well developed and presented.’

Let us help you unfold the power of the internet for your business and develop a web strategy to support your business goals:

 - Grow your web presence.
- Personal mentoring.
- Online workshops.
- Unfold the power of the internet for your business.

The Australian Industry Engineering and Manufacturing Network Cooperative Limited (AIEMnet) is facilitating the delivery of this exciting program for businesses.

This program will allow you to improve your skills to build your online presence; increase web usage and engage in e-commerce.  All of these will be of great benefit to your business. 

 Program Overview:
- Learn about website setups that attract customers to YOUR site.
- Learn to identify suppliers, competitors and pricing strategies.
- Analyse YOUR business needs and how you can benefit from technology.
- Learn about banking and secure payment facilities for your business.
- Advice about current and future web opportunities to help your business.
- Learn how to understand security and privacy requirements.
- CRMs (Customer Relationship Management).
- Turn existing clients into great repeat business.
- Webinars and other online programs, and how to use them for your business.
- VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and its role in small business.
- Learn about hardware and software requirements.
- Learn about the power of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).
- How to use links to web directories.
- e-commerce and creating your own online store.
- Accessing EFTPOS and credit card facilities.

The program will be delivered in the following regions:
Gympie, starting the 20th April
Sunshine Coast, starting the 28th April
Moreton Bay (North Lakes), starting 5th May
Maryborough/Hervey Bay, starting the 26th of May
Other areas include Emerald, Kingaroy, Monto and Mundubberra.
Cost: $33.00 Inc. GST

This is an Australian Government funded initiative under the Small Business Online program.

For more information and to register visit:

http://www.aiemnet.net/dev/Template.php?name=BUSINESS_ONLINE
Visit: www.aiemnet.com, or email projects@aiemnet.com

Phone (07) 4121 7856.
Please feel free to contact Geoff Moller as well on 0411 351 110 or Geoff.Moller@vestra.net.au

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

Click to Download Brochure

The results of the AGM held on the 8th June, 2010 are listed below:

President - Sue Willis

Vice President - Lianne Dickson

Treasurer - Sharee Webster

Secretary - Clare Sherwood

Marketing Chair - Genine Howard

PD Chair - Bronwyn Armstrong

Awards Chair - Chelsea Hunter

Independent Members - Colleen Lucas, Sharon Hall

Click to Download Brochure