What is BSSB? A Program Overview...

Building Sustainable Small Business is an innovative and popular program for small business in the Scenic Rim Region.

More than 80 small business people participated in the 2008 program and highlighted the opportunity to learn about sustainability and how to apply it to their business, combined with networking, lively discussion and collaboration as the major benefits and outcomes.

BSSB includes:

Free workshops
Comprehensive mentoring, training and leadership program (at the subsidised fee of $619)
Networking opportunities
Sustainable Business Directory

The program is all about improving small business skills, small business prosperity and local economic resilience in the Scenic Rim Region.

Core business planning skills linked with developing common-sense sustainability planning are at the heart of this program.

BSSB will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges that are extremely relevant to small business in the Scenic Rim Region and help you to prepare your business to ride the waves of change that are upon us.

What does BSSB offer your business?

The world is changing and in many ways it’s changing in favour of small business.

There are exciting opportunities emerging for small business in the Scenic Rim including:
A focus on clean, green business and industry particularly in food, farming, agriculture, tourism and cottage/home-based business;
Cost savings, cost stabilisation and incentives for more efficient resource use including water and energy;
New and loyal customers who are linking their personal values with their wallets;
Opportunities for new product development in alternative technologies, organics, healthy food, ecotourism and much more;
Opportunities to benefit from networking together to create and revitalise the local living economy of our region and learn from each other.

The Building Sustainable Small Business program (BSSB) includes free workshops, mentoring, training and leadership, and networking resources specifically for small business. It will introduce you to opportunities and challenges that are extremely relevant to small businesses in the Scenic Rim Region. BSSB will help you understand what these opportunities and challenges mean to your business and how to prepare your business to ride the wave of change that is upon us.

BSSB 2009 includes:

Free Workshops at Beaudesert, Tamborine Mountain and Boonah

For small business owners, operators and key staff that want a comprehensive introduction to sustainability and the opportunity for collaboration:

A series of 3 free consecutive 2-hour morning workshops at Beaudesert, Tamborine Mountain and Boonah during 2009;
Facilitated by experienced sustainability educator, Dr Sally MacKinnon;
Including specialist guest speakers;
Whole-of-region strategic planning workshop in November 2009;
Inclusive of all business categories - including a spotlight on tourism, agriculture, farming, food, development and home-based businesses;
Practical, interactive, common sense and hands-on;
Free for small business owners, operators and key staff;
Links essential business skills with environmental challenges, changing consumer values and needs, and shifting government regulations;
Focused on small business opportunities and benefits that can increase your business success and prosperity;
Supporting networking and the development of a stronger local living economy.

Mentoring, Training and Leadership Program

For small business owners, operators and managers that want to implement a comprehensive journey toward sustainability with their business:

A comprehensive sustainability learning program for small business owners, operators and managers;
Spread over several months and personalised to fit into the time needs of your business commitments and lifestyle;
Practical, hands-on, highly relevant, effective;
3 x half-day one-on-one mentoring sessions with a business or industry leader related to your industry sector, at your premises;
Accredited progress via on-line learning and group sessions towards Certificate 4 studies in sustainable business and post-carbon professions with leading sustainability educator The Permaforest Trust (www.permaforesttrust.org.au);
Self directed business project relevant to your business;
Ongoing facilitation, support and guidance relevant to your business;
Website resources and networking;
Showcase your business at the 2009 Beaudesert Eco Expo;
Subsidised fee.

Region wide Networking

Running a small business can be lonely and challenging at times – BSSB Networking offers:
Participation in BSSB networking activities and special events;
Access to BSSB website resources;
Join the BSSB website networking hub;
Collaboration and synergy between local, small businesses to create a clean, green region;
Involvement in events such as the Beaudesert Eco Expo and others;
Build relationships with local government leaders and help grow sustainable local enterprise in the region.

Sustainable Business Directory: www.sustainablescenicrim.com.au

An opportunity for local businesses to apply for listing in this new resource:

A new directory for businesses embarking on sustainability in the Scenic Rim Region;
BSSB participants can apply for listing in the directory;
Encouraging local residents and other businesses to support local businesses that have embarked on the journey to sustainability.

How do i get involved?

Decide if you would like to:

Attend the free workshops at Beaudesert or Tamborine Mountain or Boonah
Participate in the mentoring and training program (cost per business is $619 for everything)
List your business in the region-wide sustainable business directory
Participate in the region-wide sustainable business network
Participate in the annual Beaudesert Eco-Expo

Register your interest and obtain more detailed information about each aspect of the program here.

Enrol here in the program area of your choice - free workshops; mentoring, training & leadership program ($619 for everything); shire-wide networking.