Gunnedah businesses invited to connect and grow

Gunnedah’s small business owners are being offered a free run of workshops and networking events next month, as Gunnedah Shire Council and the Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry team up for NSW Small Business Month.

Council’s Engagement and Growth Lead Hannah Taylor said the events were designed to support networking, resilience and growth for local businesses.

“Small Business Month provides an opportunity to pause, recognise and celebrate the crucial role local businesses play in our economy and community, while also giving business owners the chance to connect, learn and explore new opportunities for growth,” she said.

“It’s fantastic to work alongside the Chamber to offer a range of free workshops and events funded by Council to further future-proof our business community in our Shire.”

Small Business Month kicks off with a breakfast event from 7am to 9am on Thursday, 8 October at The Railway Hotel, aimed at showing appreciation for the businesses that keep the Shire ticking over. A second event on Thursday, 15 October celebrates International Rural Women’s Day, with networking, food and a panel Q&A featuring Georgia Campbell, Penny Haire and Trudy Davies, running from 11am to 2.30pm at the Gunnedah Shire Band Hall.

Three free workshops round out the month. CommBank’s Gunnedah branch is running Learn How to Bank Safely and Manage Money on Wednesday, 21 October, while Council has partnered with the Australian Government’s Digital Solutions program for two hands-on sessions on Tuesday, 27 October, Exploring AI: Content, Images and Video, and Build Your Brand in Canva.

Chamber president Michael Broekman said the Chamber was glad to partner with Council on the initiatives.

“Small Business Month is a great opportunity to celebrate what we do as small businesses, what we achieve, the people we employ, and the economic wealth we bring to our communities,” he said.

“I encourage business owners and their teams to RSVP and come along to these events. One, they are an educational tool to improve our businesses, and two, they are an opportunity to network and strengthen relationships within this great Shire’s small business community.”

Bookings are essential for all events: