How can my own business survive/thrive in these tough economic times?
Description
How can your business survive—or even thrive—in today’s challenging economic environment?
Economic uncertainty is placing increasing pressure on businesses of all sizes. Rising costs, housing supply for workers, changing tax conditions, and ongoing financial challenges are testing not only business performance but also the resilience and wellbeing of business owners and leaders.
Join fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders for an engaging and practical discussion on navigating economic pressures, identifying opportunities for growth, and maintaining the confidence and clarity needed to lead successfully through uncertain times.
Our guests will be:
Anthony Ryan, CEO of Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA)
Colin Lee, Founder and CEO of Inspire Realty and the Founder of the Kingdom Entrepreneurs
Caitlin O'Loan, Founder of COCOM
Jess Ndenda, Founder of Olive Louise Social (our MC)
Hear valuable insights into Brisbane’s economic outlook, emerging industries and investment opportunities, while discovering the support, programs and resources available to help your leadership in your business.
This event is designed to be solutions-focused, offering practical strategies and real-world insights that you can apply immediately to strengthen your business and position it for future success.
Why attend?
Connect with local business owners and leaders facing similar challenges and opportunities.
Gain practical insights into current economic conditions and what they may mean for your business over the next 12–24 months.
Participate in a positive, solutions-focused conversation that delivers actionable strategies you can implement straight away.
Discover emerging opportunities for growth, innovation and investment across Brisbane’s economy.
Build resilience, confidence and leadership capacity during challenging market conditions.
Whether you're seeking clarity, practical advice, new connections or renewed confidence, this free event will equip you with the insights and support needed to navigate uncertainty and build a stronger future for your business.
What is Salvos Connex? Salvos Connex brings Brisbane's most influential thinkers and leaders together to boldly discuss core social justice related topics that affect our lives in Brisbane.
TechnologyOne - 540 Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley
We are grateful to the Queensland office TechnologyOne for their generous catering, hosting and support of this Salvos Connex event. Their intentional generosity makes a meaningful difference to work of the Salvation Army in Queensland.
Guest Speaker / Panelists
Anthony Ryan, BEDA's Chief Executive Officer
Anthony Ryan is Brisbane EDA’s Chief Executive Officer. Recognised as a ‘Queensland Great’ in 2013, Anthony is a well-respected and self-confessed sport loving local who is known for the passion and entrepreneurial spirit that he brings to all professional endeavours. An inspiring leader with a proven track record in delivering strategic business outcomes and strong partnerships, Anthony is responsible for leading BEDA to drive sustainable economic growth for the City. As Brisbane’s champion, BEDA works with stakeholders to enhance the City’s reputation globally, drive visitation and attract investment and talent, whilst looking ahead at emerging opportunities for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Previously CEO of Youngcare, Anthony pioneered the transformation of the national not-for-profit organisation into an innovative and entrepreneurial company that provides meaningful solutions and choices for young people with high physical care needs.
Colin Lee, Founder and CEO of Inspire Realty and the Founder of the Kingdom Entrepreneurs
Colin Lee is the Founder and CEO of Inspire Realty and the Founder of the Kingdom Entrepreneurs. An award-winning entrepreneur, Property Advisor and Buyers Advocate, Colin brings more than two decades of experience across business, education, finance and property. After experiencing redundancy in 2019, Colin founded Inspire Realty from a spare bedroom during a period of significant economic uncertainty. Since then, he has grown the company into one of Australia’s most recognised property advisory and advocacy firms. Inspire Realty has now supported more than 420 clients and facilitated over $437 million in property transactions, earning more than 235 five-star Google reviews and 82 industry and business awards. Colin understands firsthand the challenges of building and leading a business through changing markets, increasing costs, uncertainty and rapid technological disruption. He is passionate about helping business owners remain adaptable, make strategic decisions and identify opportunities during challenging economic conditions. Through the Kingdom Entrepreneurs Network, Colin also brings together business owners and leaders who believe business can be a platform for purpose, generosity and positive community impact. Known for his practical, strategic and solutions-focused approach, Colin encourages leaders to adjust, adapt and adopt so they can move beyond simply surviving and position themselves and their businesses to thrive.
Caitlin O'Loan, COCOM, Founder & Owner
Caitlin is the Founder and Managing Director of COCOM, a boutique public relations agency specialising in strategic communications, content and campaigns for the travel, hospitality and retail sectors. Since founding the agency in 2003, she has built COCOM into one of Brisbane’s most respected communications consultancies, delivering results through media relations, stakeholder engagement, events, influencer programs and crisis communications. With more than 20 years’ experience, Caitlin has worked with international, national and Queensland media on projects ranging from major retail and tourism launches to coordinating travel itineraries for members of the British Royal Family. Known for her extensive industry network and collaborative approach, Caitlin has represented global luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Mercedes-Benz, as well as leading Australian names such as David Jones, Hardy Brothers Jewellers and Otto Ristorante. Her Brisbane clients have included the Edward Street Precinct, Emporium Hotel South Bank, Brisbane Quarter and Museum of Brisbane. A passionate community contributor, Caitlin served for many years on the Salvation Army's Brisbane Corporate and Philanthropic Council. She is a member of the Australian Society of Travel Writers and is a recipient of a Women in Business Business Achiever Award, recognising her leadership, business acumen and industry influence.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity