NOVEMBER was NSW Small Business Month, allowing an opportunity to highlight the contributions of small businesses to the local economy.

About 80 percent of business activity in Australia is small business.

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This year’s theme for Small Business Month was ‘Connect for Success’, and many activities were held across the state to assist small business owners.

One such event was held at the Manning Entertainment Centre, and all businesses from the MidCoast Council Local Government Area were invited to attend.

It was a packed house, with the 100 small business owners in attendance eager to learn more.

The theme was ‘Leading your team and developing your leadership skills and inspiring your team to achieve your business goals’.

Speaking at the event, Mid Coast Business Chamber President Anna Godfrey said, “Leadership is the core of businesses learning together.”

The event’s keynote speaker was Catorina Noble, who started off at almost fifteen years old flipping hamburgers before rising to become CEO of McDonald’s Australia.

She has worked with ANZ Bank as a senior manager and is currently General Manager Retail at Australia Post where she is responsible for 4300 branches.

In her presentation she emphasised the need to adapt to changing business conditions.

“When I was at McDonalds we introduced items such as salads, as at the time fast foods were viewed as contributing to obesity,” said Ms Noble.

“We ended up with a tick from the Heart Foundation and this meant much to us.”

Ms Noble’s address was followed by a small business panel where local businesses could ask questions that were relevant to them.

A light luncheon followed which allowed for further networking opportunities between small business owners.

This event was a joint effort of Mid Coast Business Chamber and MidCoast Council, supported by a grant from the NSW Government.

By John SAHYOUN