NSW Small Business Month commences on Tuesday 1 November 2022, providing an opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of the copious resources that the program offers. If you are a small business in New South Wales (NSW), there are plenty of useful complementary activities available for you to attend - from webinars to workshops, podcasts and panel discussions.
We recommend taking the time to explore which of these activities and events will be beneficial for you and your business!
What is NSW Small Business Month?
Small Business Month is an NSW Government initiative designed to provide businesses with skills, new ideas and networking opportunities to support their business success and longevity. The program will provide a myriad of resources for small businesses in NSW to make the most of.
The theme for this Small Business Month is "Connect for Success", reflecting the importance of collaboration in recovering from economic challenges, and looking towards a more promising future.
Given the economic uncertainty that businesses continue to face, and have been navigating in recent years, this program will be valuable in providing relevant and timely information addressing some of the prominent issues affecting Australian small businesses.
There are many activities to choose from - here are Azure Group’s top picks!
Our Top Picks
1. Strategies for Improving your Cash Flow
Date: 1st November
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location: Online
Cash Flow Management is critical to the success and longevity of any business, particularly when considering the economic downturn that is being experienced on a global scale. Effective Cash Flow Management will ensure that your business has the capability to survive amidst increasing economic pressures, by confirming that your business is generating enough cash to meet liabilities and payment obligations when they fall due.
Cash Flow Management enables businesses to understand the sustainability of the source of cash inflows, meaning businesses can be better prepared for the future, and have a more accurate understanding of their financial position.
This session will explore seven key strategies that may improve Cash Flow Management. The event is brought to you by Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Related: Why Managing Cash Flow is key to Business Success
2. Budgeting for your Commitments
Date: 7th November
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Online
This event is brought to you by the ATO. It's designed as a 60-minute session to learn a straightforward five-step process to stay on top of your regular financial commitments.
You will learn how to identify business activities that bear financial responsibility and will be provided with practical tools to plan for and meet future commitments. 
3. Innovate from within – Reimagining Workplace Productivity
Date: 8th November, 10th November, 15th November & 17th November
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Online
This event is brought to you by the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE) and it will be delivered online through four one-hour live workshops.
People are the most important resource to a business. Fostering a workplace where innovation and productivity can thrive, is essential to success. This is particularly important given that optimising our resources is paramount to business longevity, as we as businesses continue to operate in an environment where external volatility is prevalent.
This event aims to equip small businesses with confidence, skills and techniques to improve their team's innovation capability and productivity, which is incredibly relevant in today's climate! 
4. Employer: Single Touch Payroll
Date: 14th November
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Online
Single Touch Payroll (STP) is the way you report your employees' tax and super information to the ATO. Recently, Azure Group has noted that the ATO is taking a much tougher line in relation to the issuance of DPNs (Director Penalty Notices) - whereby the ATO is entitled to personally claim payment obligations that a business has failed to comply with, from the director or former director of a company. Such obligations could refer to superannuation requirements, PAYGW and GST.
As a result, we urge businesses to avoid hefty fines by familiarising themselves with how Single Touch Payroll works, and what your obligations are as an employer - both of which will be covered in this 60-minute session. 
Related: 3 Most common mistakes Employers make as they move to STP Phase 2 Reporting
Related: ATO Cracking Down On Director Penalty Notices For Late Payment Of Employer Obligations
5. Starting a Small Business
Date: 15th November
Time: 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: Online
In some cases, starting a small business stems from a hobby, however often the requirements and responsibilities that are required when transitioning from a hobby to a business can be complex.
If you're considering starting a business, this event outlines the difference between a hobby and a business, what to do if your hobby turns into a business, and the most common business structures and the registrations that you may need to be in business. Getting the steps right when establishing a business is important, so this event will be very valuable in helping you understand these steps.
Related: Most CEOs miss these 3 Things when Scaling their Business
6. CSIRO SME Connect: A facilitated pathway to Research and Development
Date: 15th November
Time: 11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Online
Whether you're a start-up or a small to medium-sized business (SMB), there are always R&D opportunities that your business can take advantage of.
This event will discuss CSIRO kick-start opportunities designed for start-ups, ways to build a pool of STEM-capable professionals and networking opportunities, free training for SMBs looking to explore research and development(R&D) opportunities, and assistance with establishing research priorities, locating researchers and providing access to funding to fast-track R&D projects.
Our R&D team at Azure Group provide strategic planning, preparation and lodgement of R&D Tax Incentive applications. Our Grant specialists are available to evaluate R&D potential and guide your company through the application process while minimising business interruptions so you and your team can focus on what you do best. Get in touch to learn more.
7. Strategise your Business Growth
Date: 22nd November
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: The Hills Shire Council Administration Building 3 Columbia Court, Norwest, New South Wales 2153 Australia
With business growth, comes inevitable risk and a subsequent need to plan. Sometimes businesses grow at a rate that they mightn't have anticipated, resulting in inefficiencies, overwhelming stress, uncontrolled outcomes and a lack of resources to meet business demands. Hence, strategising business growth to eliminate the risk of this, is essential.
This event will discuss how businesses can plan for growth by covering growth-minded planning and strategies, market analysis indicators for growth, the creation of growth plans and culture and systems that support growth.
Related: 4 Signs your Business needs a Virtual CFO
8. Managing for Team Wellbeing
Date: 24th November
Time: 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Online
Whilst much progress has been made surrounding de-stigmatising mental health, and proactively engaging in mental well-being activities, it is essential that this feeds into the workplace. Not only is it important to support the well-being of your employees from an ethical point-of-view, but this will also indirectly improve workplace culture and productivity.
This free workshop is tailored for managers, leaders and supervisors within small businesses, providing practical strategies to lead change, manage risks, and provide support to boost mental health in your workplace. You will learn skills associated with communication around mental health, preventative measures, establishing healthier workplaces, legal responsibilities and support resources.
9. Emerging Tech and Fintech Showcase and Networking
Date: 30th November
Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Sydney Masonic Centre 66 Goulburn St, Sydney, New South Wales 2000 Australia
This showcase is brought to you by Fintech22 and it provides visitors with the chance to meet innovative technology companies, organisations and start-ups, enabling you to build upon industry knowledge and your networks. The Forum will include a keynote delivered by Investment NSW about exporting for NSW-based tech startups/companies. 
10 . Closing your Business
Date: 30th November
Time: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Location: Online
Many businesses have needed to close given the unfortunate and uncontrollable events that have taken place in recent years. If you have decided to close your business this session is for you as there are many complexities involved in this time-consuming process.
This session will outline the steps that you need to take when closing your business.
Related: A Checklist for Business Exit and Sales
Additional Resources
There are several small business resources available to you through Small Business Month 2022. To find out more about these, visit the Small Business Month website via the link below! .png?width=300&height=100&name=Visit%20(9).png)
Have you noticed our #FridayExpertTips... here's one that relates to #Small Business
“Small Businesses need to ensure their Accounting and Tax Lodgments are correct and up-to-date. Seeking professional Accounting & Tax advice is a smart approach, especially in areas where more complex Tax issues arise."
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