A 2023 Small Business Month Event! WE HAVE PIVOTED TO A FREE ONLINE SESSION!!!

In today's marketplace where ethical consumerism continues to trend, standing out from the competition is essential for small business. Just like it is with people, what makes a brand stand out is its personality, i.e. the values it communicates.

Led by industry experts and small business peers, this online session will provide an intimate opportunity for business owners to explore and define their unique values-led brand identity in order to create a distinct impression in the minds of their customers.

Revisit the fundamentals of branding then delve into important contemporary aspects of marketing, sustainability, and community building. This information will equip small food business owners with the tools and knowledge they need to differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace and create lasting relationships with their customers.

An excellent opportunity for small business owners - here's a breakdown of key points and benefits of the session:

Values-Led Brand Identity & Marketing
Customer Loyalty & Community Building
Digital Tools & Automation
Intellectual Property Protection
Collaborations for Profit

Note the session is scheduled for 1 hour, but will be extended for networking and further Q&A if required.

We are proud to be hosting this workshop as part of the 2023 NSW Small Business Month program in partnership with the NSW Government.

Presenters:

(stay tuned as additional speakers are confirmed...)

Alastair Whitely - Seadrift

Alastair Whitely is the co-founder of Australia's first Non-Alcoholic distillery named Seadrift in Brookvale. Alastair and his wife Carolyn set out to create a non-alcoholic spirit that tasted of the natural beauty and ingredients of Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

He also happens to be a world leading designer and branding expert. Having established his own design agency after leaving art college he grew from a one-man band to become one of London’s most creative forces with offices in London, New York and Seattle. He has worked on many of the world largest brands including Virgin Atlantic, Marks and Spencer, Starbucks, Pepsico, Unilever, ASDA and Walmart.

Rowie Dillion - Rowie's by the Sea

Rowie Dillon; cookbook author, baker and entrepreneur, abandoned a career in advertising and created Rowie's Cakes. The gluten-free cake business expanded to cereals, breads and more, supplying Qantas, Tiger Air, Virgin and major retailers.

Her current business is "Rowie's by the Sea" which runs a pop-up dining experience on Sundays at Newport SLSC, catering and supplies local cafes with baked goods.

Rowie is the current President of the Newport Chamber of Commerce

Kay Richardson - The Big Feed

Kay Richardson, a Chartered Accountant, is a small business strategist who has advises food businesses and startups. She is also a food judge for Speciality Products and Professional Bakery for the Royal Show Fine Food Awards.

Kay has developed a number of food-related brands and food products, run market stalls, designed and built a food truck, delivered major events as part of Tasting Australia, Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and Gastronomy Symposia.

She is the Founder and Executive Director of Food Education Australia based in Avalon.

Sheilah Hogan - BX Collective

Sheilah Hogan spent 6 years running a Customer Experience agency here in Australia, working with the likes of Ogilvy on the Nestle account, Guzman Y Gomez, and many more familiar brands to ensure they didn't miss a trick when it came to understanding, engaging and delighting their customers.

Sheilah now spends her time helping small to medium size business owners get what they want out of their business by implementing an operating framework that is fit for scale & simplicity. Because she knows first hand that running a business is complex enough!

Sadly Chelsea cannot make our rescheduled event, but she has a great podcast!

Chelsea Ford - Females in Food / Foodpreneurs Festival

Chelsea Ford is a highly regarded and award winning collaboration and business growth expert, coach and consultant.

In 2017 Chelsea was recognised for her entrepreneurial success by being named as a Top 50 Small Business Leader by Inside Small Business Magazine. She advocates for purpose-based business objectives and a key attribute to Chelsea’s counsel is her encouragement of entrepreneurs to put more money in their pockets for every food and drink product they sell.

Prior to this, Chelsea had over 20 years of senior executive experience, leading teams for some of the world’s most prominent food, beverage and consumer goods organisations including Kellogg, Nestle, Spotless, Douwe Egberts (Sara Lee Coffee & Tea), Dyson and Staples.