Local businesses in Southern Downs and Granite Belt now have an exceptional opportunity to boost their business skills with the launch of the Small Business Knowledge Program. Running from mid-September to mid-November, this free program—generously supported by the Queensland Government and Southern Downs Regional Council—offers a series of expert-led masterclasses designed to empower local businesses in critical areas like Planning and Finance, Marketing, Ecommerce, and Canva/AI.
With in-person sessions in both Stanthorpe and Warwick, the program is tailored to businesses at all stages of their journey, offering hands-on learning and practical tools that can be implemented immediately. Participants will also have access to an online support group, offering ongoing Q&A and peer connections to support their growth and success.
Key masterclasses include:
Empower Digital – Ecommerce This session caters to businesses at any stage of their ecommerce journey. It will cover ecommerce best practices, from creating successful online stores to optimising product pages, shipping, and search engine optimisation (SEO). This hands-on workshop encourages participants to work on their own business strategies and get the answers they need.
Skye Consultancy Studio – Digital Marketing Cut through the noise of hacks, tricks, and algorithm fear with a masterclass on building an authentic online presence. You’ll learn how to understand your ideal customer, effectively use social media, and create content that engages. This hands-on session covers essential digital marketing strategies, ensuring your phone and laptop are put to good use—minus the cringey TikTok dances!
Trice Consultancy – Planning & Finance Grow your business strategically with a masterclass dedicated to planning and financial management. Topics will include strategic and business continuity planning, risk management, budgeting, and exploring additional income streams to future-proof your business.
The Digital Guide – Canva & AI Discover how to transform your brand and streamline your workflow using Canva and AI. This workshop offers hands-on guidance on setting up a brand kit, automating tasks, and making your marketing more consistent and efficient. By the end of the session, you’ll have actionable skills to start implementing immediately—even if you’ve never used Canva before.
For those attending the Canva & AI workshop, it is recommended to register for a paid Canva trial the day before and have a free ChatGPT account to fully benefit from the session.
Registration is now open, and businesses are encouraged to sign up quickly to secure their spot. This program is free of charge thanks to the support of the Queensland Government and Southern Downs Regional Council. The programs are being managed by the Warwick & Stanthorpe & Granite Belt Chamber of Commerce Inc.
For more information or assistance, contact Teilah at secretary@warwickqld.com.au or Rikki-Lee at secretary@stanthorpecoc.com.au.
