Small Business and Mental Health Conference 2023
28 October 2023, 9:30am - 2:30pm AEDT
Multipurpose Room, Community Hub at The Dock
Level 1, 912 Collins St
Docklands VIC 3008

The Mental Health Foundation Australia (MHFA) is excited to announce our Small Business and Mental Health Conference, held this year during our National Multicultural Mental Health Month 2023 campaign on Saturday 28 October in Docklands, Melbourne. This event is designed to address and raise awareness of the unique mental health challenges faced by Australian small business owners, aiming to foster an inclusive and supportive environment where entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds can come together to learn, share, and grow.

Running a small business can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its own set of stressors and pressures. For multicultural entrepreneurs, these challenges can be even more complex due to the intersection of business operations and cultural dynamics. The Small Business and Mental Health Conference is your opportunity to gain valuable insights, strategies, and connections to ensure your business thrives while prioritising your mental well-being. Hear from guest speakers with expertise in the areas of business and entrepreneurship, organisational psychology, mental health, and well-being. Interact and connect with like-minded individuals, and participate in open discussions about shared experiences in a safe and empathetic environment.

Preliminary Agenda:

9:30 Registration & Refreshments
10:00 Welcome All & Acknowledgement of Country (5 min) – Mark Cochrane-Holley, MC
10:05 MHFA Journey Video (5 min) – National Multicultural Mental Health Month 2023
10:10 Welcome Address (5 min) – Huss Mustafa OAM, Secretary MHFA
10:15 Opening Address (5 min) – Cr Roshena Campbell, City of Melbourne
10:20 Formal Address (5 min) - Viv Nguyen AM, Chairperson, Victorian Multicultural Commission
10:25 Introduction: Trends, Market Analysis (15 min) – Peter Armstrong, CEO, Invest Melbourne
10:40 Keynote Presentation (30 min), Q&A (15 min) – Dr Alberto Veloso, General Paediatrician, Child and Family Psychiatrist, Relational Minds Child and Family Mental Health Clinic
11:25 Fireside Chat (30 min) - moderated by Ashok Mysore, Head of Delivery & Operations, Infosys
Panellists:
• Peter Armstrong, CEO, Invest Melbourne
• Mark Cochrane-Holley, Deputy CEO, Invest Melbourne
• Huss Mustafa, Secretary MHFA & Chairperson AUS-Turkish Assistance Foundation
12:00 Lunch Break, Networking (60 min)
13:00 Roundtable Discussions (60 min)
14:00 Closing Remarks (15 min) - Summary, resources, call to action
14:15 Vote of thanks (5 min) – MC
14:20 End of Formalities, Networking
14:30 CLOSE

The insights, discussions, and strategies shared during this conference will be compiled into a comprehensive whitepaper. This whitepaper will serve as a valuable resource for both participants and the broader business community, offering actionable advice and research-driven solutions for fostering mental health within the multicultural entrepreneurship landscape.

Seize this opportunity to invest in both your business and your mental well-being. Join us at the Small Business and Mental Health Conference this October as we celebrate diversity, resilience, and the spirit of entrepreneurship. Together, we will equip ourselves with the tools to build successful businesses while prioritising our mental health. Let's create a future where business growth goes hand in hand with personal well-being.

Limited spots available, so secure your spot today!

This event is developed in partnership with the City of Melbourne and Verity Business Hub.

For further inquiries, please email aura.goh@mhfa.org.au or call 03 8825 3500.