TRC offers workshops, digital marketing support to small business

Small and medium business owners and managers are invited to take advantage of subsidised training courses starting in December that are designed to improve business skills and digital marketing expertise.

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was pleased to partner with TAFE Queensland and DMS Creative to fund the delivery of the Build a Better Business Program and the Digital Marketing Mentoring Program.

“Council is committed to supporting small business operators by offering access to effective programs that are designed to offer tailored advice for their operations,” Mayor Antonio, who also is the Economic Development Committee chair, said.

“Small and medium businesses are significant employers across the region and Council is determined to help business owners and managers improve their business skills and sharpen their marketing techniques to boost their profile and turnover.

“Fine-tuning skills is a smart move at any time, but I’m sure business owners have seen the importance of having a strong digital presence during the recent Coronavirus-enforced shutdown.

“Adaptability and targeted marketing can provide a competitive edge and the courses will step owners through these practical measures.”

The new courses include:

Build a Better Business Program Council has partnered with TAFE Queensland to deliver subsidised training workshops and business mentoring to help small business owners and managers improve their business skills and build their business.

Through the Build a Better Business workshops and mentoring, expert business mentors will guide business owners through critical periods of business development. They will arm owners with the knowledge, skills and confidence that is needed to clarify ideas and move into the next stage of business growth.

As part of this program, participants might be able to undertake a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.

The course will be delivered via Toowoomba-based group mentoring sessions or via one—on-one online sessions.

Expressions of interest for the program close on November 13, with mentoring starting from December to January, ending in late March 2021. Course costs are subsidised by Council, in conjunction with TAFE Queensland.

Digital Marketing Mentoring Program The Digital Marketing Mentoring Program is targeted at established business owners who are looking at ways to use digital marketing to seek and attract new clients and find more efficient service delivery methods.

The course is designed to help business owners who wish to expand and generate more customers from outside the Toowoomba Region.

Council has partnered with DMS Creative to offer fully subsidised expert advice to local businesses.

The program will provide growing small and medium businesses with expert advice to help navigate digital marketing and service technologies, tailored to their industry and specific business needs, and help them build a Digital Business Action Plan.

Mentoring will be delivered in four sessions via video link or alternative arrangements. Times can be arranged to suit business owners.

Expressions of interest for the program close on November 20, with mentoring starting from December to February, ending by June 2021.

To be eligible for either program, prospective participants must live in the Toowoomba Region, have a minimum 12 months’ experience in owning or managing a business (or be prepared to do so), and undergo an interview and review of selection criteria.

Details on these two programs and how businesses can access them can be viewed at www.tr.qld.gov.au/smallbusiness