SmallBiz Week

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SmallBiz Week

Now in its 5th year, Australia's largest small business event is back!

Get ready to grow, learn and connect ⬇️

🚀SmallBiz Expo:
25 - 26 March 2026 | MCEC, Melbourne SmallBiz Expo is Australia's largest B2B event, dedicated to empowering small and medium-sized businesses. Since 2022, we've been connecting entrepreneurs, industry experts, and service providers to foster growth, innovation, and collaboration. With events in Melbourne and Sydney, SmallBiz Expo offers unparalleled networking, industry insights, and opportunities to elevate your business. Check out our upcoming events in the SmallBiz Week 2026 calendar:

🚀MELBOURNE:
25 - 26 March 2026 | MCEC, Melbourne

Find out more on our website - https://www.smallbizweek.com.au/

31/10/2026

Ransomware claims highlight cybersecurity risks for Australian SMEs

Australian accounting firm Poole Group is investigating claims that its systems were targeted by the LockBit ransomware group, raising concerns about the security of sensitive business and client information.

For small businesses, cyberattacks can lead to data breaches, operational disruption, financial losses and damage to customer trust.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, strong security practices, regular backups and clear incident response plans are essential to protecting business data and maintaining customer confidence.

👉 Read the full story on Small Business Connections. https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/australian-accounting-firm-investigates-ransomware-claims-highlighting-cybersecurity-risks-for-small-businesses/

30/10/2026

What can small businesses learn from a fintech rebrand?

Australian fintech Blossom has refreshed its brand identity, highlighting how businesses can use branding to strengthen their market position and connect with their target audience.

A successful rebrand goes beyond a new logo or visual style. It’s about communicating a clear value proposition, creating a consistent customer experience and ensuring a brand reflects the business it represents.

For SMEs, Blossom’s refresh offers a reminder that thoughtful branding can help build recognition, strengthen customer trust and support business growth.

👉 Read the full story on Small Business Connections. https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/australian-fintech-blossom-refreshes-brand-identity-offering-lessons-for-small-business-marketing/

29/10/2026

Fractional leadership gains momentum among Australian SMEs 📈

As small and medium-sized businesses look for cost-effective ways to grow, fractional leadership is emerging as an alternative to hiring full-time executives.

By bringing in experienced leaders on a part-time or project basis, SMEs can access strategic expertise in areas such as finance, marketing and operations without the full cost of a permanent senior executive.

With businesses facing ongoing cost pressures, this flexible approach offers another way to strengthen leadership, build capabilities and support long-term growth.

👉 Read the full story on SBC. https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/fractional-leadership-gains-momentum-as-australian-smes-seek-cost-effective-growth/

23/10/2026

Melbourne startup Dashback is turning lost hotel belongings into a global growth opportunity.

Now working with more than 300 hotels across Australia and handling over 1,000 lost-property returns each month, the business is preparing to expand into New Zealand in 2027. Its journey highlights how solving a common problem, improving customer convenience and building strong partnerships can help small businesses grow.

👉 Read the full story on SBC. https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/.

22/10/2026

Australia is moving towards tougher AI safety standards, with new requirements proposed for developers of advanced AI systems.

The Federal Government plans to introduce national AI standards by the end of 2026, with legislation expected in 2027. For small businesses, the proposals highlight the growing importance of protecting customer data, checking AI-generated content and establishing clear guidelines for responsible AI use.

👉 Read the full story on SBC. https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/.

21/10/2026

AI adoption is growing across Australian businesses, but many are yet to unlock its full potential.

CPA Australia’s 2026 Business Technology Report found that 88% of Australian businesses use AI, yet only 10% have deeply integrated it across their operations. The findings highlight the importance of staff training, clear guidelines and measuring real business outcomes to turn AI adoption into meaningful productivity gains.

👉 Read the full story on SBC. https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/.

20/10/2026

Australian small businesses have several grant opportunities to explore this October, with funding available for regional innovation, w**e tourism, defence industry development and clean-energy startups.

With deadlines approaching - including the nbn Grants Program closing on 12 October - eligible businesses should review the requirements, prepare supporting documents and confirm their eligibility before applying.

👉 Read the full story on SBC. https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/

19/10/2026

Marketing and communications hiring is picking up across Australia’s media and events sector, but not all areas are seeing growth.

Hiring rose 68% for marketing and communications roles in the September quarter, while recruitment in search and social media fell 14%. The shifting landscape highlights the importance of choosing the right marketing skills, managing budgets and deciding when to hire internally or seek external support.

👉 Read the full story on SBC. https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/

16/10/2026

Australian small businesses are pulling back on hiring as economic pressures build.

Rising operating costs and ongoing economic uncertainty are prompting small businesses to take a more cautious approach to recruitment. The trend highlights the challenges SMEs face when balancing staffing needs, business growth and financial sustainability in an increasingly demanding business environment.

👉 Read the full story here: https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/australian-small-businesses-pull-back-on-hiring-as-pressures-build/

15/10/2026

TikTok is expanding advertising opportunities for Australian businesses.

New advertising options are giving Australian businesses more ways to reach audiences, connect with potential customers and strengthen their digital marketing strategies. For small businesses looking to increase brand awareness and generate leads, the changes could create new opportunities to engage with customers on one of the world’s most popular social media platforms.

👉 Read the full story here: https://smallbusinessconnections.com.au/tiktok-expands-advertising-options-for-australian-businesses/

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