The innovative Building Sustainable Small Business free workshops series is coming to Boonah starting Wednesday morning 27 August.

Small business owners, operators and key staff from the Boonah and surrounding region are invited to enroll and gain a hands-on, common sense introduction to the benefits of sustainability planning.

The program includes three two-hour sessions from 10am to 12noon spread over three months from August to October, designed to suit the needs of busy small business people. It is especially suited to small businesses and industries involved in tourism, food, farming development, technology, cottage and home-based businesses.

The workshops are presented by well-known sustainability educator, Dr Sally MacKinnon, who brings her in-depth experience and passion for sustainability to the workshops.

“We have now completed the Beaudesert and Tamborine series of these workshops and have had a great response from businesses recognising that embarking on the sustainability journey can bring real benefits to their business,” said Jan McGregor, program co-coordinator.

“Small businesses face many practical challenges such as water scarcity, climate change, energy costs, government regulations and changing customer expectations. However, there are also emerging opportunities including cost savings through efficient energy use; responding to new customer demands for innovative and environmentally-friendly products; and accessing government support for new clean green businesses,” said Ms McGregor.

The three workshop topics include:

Wednesday, August 27:     “Mid-course Correction: Introducing Sustainability to Small Business” – a detailed overview of what sustainability is and why it is important; emerging issues and threats; benefits of business sustainability; and strategies and methods for implementing sustainability.

Wednesday, September 24: “Bringing Local Business and Economy Home” – looking at the local business and economic landscape; globalisation and localisation (including greening the global economy, the rise of localisation, sufficiency – how much is enough); relationships and collaboration – beyond marketing to meaningful relationships.

Wednesday, October 29: “Creating your Own Sustainability Story” – local inspirations – real life case studies; Creating a sustainability plan for your business or enterprise; and planning your next steps in the sustainability journey.

The Building Sustainable Small Business program is an Australian Government funded initiative under the Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program and is jointly hosted by the Ethos Foundation and the Scenic Rim Regional Council.

The program also includes the development of a sustainable business network and directory for the Scenic Rim Region and a comprehensive Mentoring, Training and Leadership program.

For more information, download the workshop flyer, and to enroll visit www.bssb.org.au, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone the Program Co-ordinator, Jan McGregor, on 07 55333144 or the Scenic Rim Regional Council Economic Development Department on 07 55405281.

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Photo caption:
Dr Sally MacKinnon, workshop presenter for the Building Sustainable Small Business program free workshops

For more information contact:

Jan McGregor
Ethos Foundation
Building Sustainable Small Business program co-coordinator
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
07 55333144
0418 792-161

Dr Sally MacKinnon
Ethos Foundation
Building Sustainable Small Business program presenter
07 55333646
Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 Media Release Boonah Free Workshops Starting 27 August (29.22 kB)