From Start-Up to Standout: Practical strategies to build a thriving, future-ready business

Whether you're developing a business idea or looking to strengthen an existing business, this practical webinar will help you make better decisions, reduce risk and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.

You'll learn how to test your ideas before investing time and money, better understand your customers, improve productivity through innovation and digital tools, and build greater confidence in planning for the future.

You'll also discover practical resources, templates and support available through Australian Government programs and Clarence Valley Council to help you take the next step with confidence.

What's in it for you?

Gain clarity and direction
Turn your business idea, goals or growth ambitions into a clear plan with practical next steps.
Make more confident business decisions
Learn how to use customer and market insights to identify opportunities, avoid common pitfalls and focus on what matters most.

Save time and work smarter
Discover practical digital tools and innovation opportunities that can improve efficiency and help your business stay competitive.

Reduce risk and build resilience
Understand how to identify potential business risks, protect your ideas and prepare for unexpected challenges.

Be better prepared for funding and growth opportunities
Learn what investors, lenders and grant programs look for and how to strengthen your business readiness.

Access trusted tools and expert support
Find out where to access free and low-cost resources, templates, guidance and government support programs.

Walk away with practical resources you can use immediately
See real examples, including a project budget and risk register, and access tools that can be adapted to your own business.

Leave with greater confidence
Finish the webinar with a clearer understanding of what to do next and how to move your business forward.

We'll share practical examples, including a project budget and risk register, to help turn the theory into something you can use in your own business.

Who should attend?

This webinar is ideal for anyone in the Clarence Valley who is:

Thinking about starting a business
Preparing to launch a new venture
Running a recently established business or sole trader operation
Looking for practical tips to grow, improve efficiency and build business confidence
Wanting to access trusted advice, tools and support to help make their next move

👉 Join now!

Register for our free webinar, turn your business idea into momentum and build a thriving, future-ready business equipped to grow with confidence.

Event details: From Start-up to Standout

📅 Wednesday 7 October 2026

🕙 11:30am (AEDST)

💻 Online webinar

⏱ 45min

This webinar is offered by Clarence Valley Council in partnership with AusIndustry and NSW Small Business Month

It's free! Bookings are essential. Register Now.

About Your Presenter: Rowena Ryan

AusIndustry Regional Manager

Gold Coast QLD and Northern Rivers NSW

Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources

Rowena Ryan (BBus Acc; GDip Adv.Acc) has almost 30 years of innovation, business growth, trade facilitation, economic and regional development experience across a wide range of industries and disciplines in both Australia and internationally.

In her Regional Manager role with AusIndustry - as part of the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ Future Made in Australia Place-Based Delivery Network - Rowena works at the coalface to cultivate an understanding of business, industry and regional issues and nurture strong stakeholder networks for the benefit of helping build strong, resilient and sustainable regional communities.

Rowena is connected to the region and provides impartial, trusted guidance tailored to local businesses – helping navigate local, state and Commonwealth government support; providing connections; and nurturing partnerships and networks to help businesses be innovative, competitive and grow. Rowena is passionate about assisting the entrepreneurial spirit of regional businesses and communities to soar.

Contact the host of From Start-up to Standout: Small Business Webinar with AusIndustry