A free community day for Canberra small business · with CBR Innovation Network
Entrepreneurshipfor Everyone
A free, full-day program of talks, workshops and help-desks for people starting, running and growing small businesses in Canberra — with dedicated tracks for diverse founders, tradies, and emerging community-service operators.
A full day of practical help, start to finish.
Three things run side by side: hands-on workshops in the Seminar Rooms, drop-in one-to-one advisors in the Glass Foyer Reception all day, and an afternoon of stalls, networking and a candid evening panel in the Conference Room.
Free entry · Thursday 9 July 2026Seminar Rooms workshops
Welcome + housekeeping
A warm welcome and a quick overview of the day.
How to Position Your Business
Presented by What Works.
The Niche and The Offer
Presented by PadNova.
Networking & Pitching
Presented by CBRIN.
Digital & Social Media Marketing
Presented by RD Consulting.
Lunch
Catered lunch, with space to keep talking.
LinkedIn Masterclass
Presented by RD Consulting.
Safe AI
Presented by CyberWardens.
Intro to Getting Your Business Online
Presented by Small Business Digital.
Glass Foyer Reception drop-in advisory
10:00am – 4:00pm
One-to-one help desks with advisors and mentors — getting online, business planning, or general advice. Drop in any time, no booking needed.
Conference Room stalls & panel
- 4:30 – 6:30pm Stalls & networking
- 5:00 – 6:00pm Panel discussion
Hear four award-winning founders — Vanessa Brettell (Stepping Stone), Usman Iftikhar (Catalysr), Tendayi Ganga (Born to Shine) and Shooby Kandel (What Works) — moderated by Waheed Jayhoon (Himayat), on what it really takes to start, build and grow.
Eight ways to be part of the day.
We're bringing partners in across the whole program. If any of the following fits what your organisation does, apply to take part — we read every application and reply within a few business days.
Speaking engagements or workshop presentations
Lead a session in your area of expertise. 30–60 minute slots available across the day.
Panel discussions
Join a short, candid panel — first-time founders, tradies, or community-service operators.
Stallholder / exhibitor participation
Set up a table in the networking area. Bring brochures, demos, and the people behind the brand.
Inclusivity support & community engagement
Help us make the day genuinely accessible — translation, sensory-friendly spaces, advisory input.
Promotion through stakeholder networks
Share the event with your members, clients and database. We'll provide co-branded assets.
Help desk or advisory support
Staff a one-to-one help desk — getting online, business planning, or general advice.
Sponsorship
Underwrite catering, materials, lucky-door prizes, or after-hours drinks. Tiered options available.
Collaborative opportunities
Have an idea we haven't listed? Co-deliver something with us. Get in touch.
Who's already at the table.
Currently involved or invited — and growing. If you don't see your organisation here, that's our cue to send the next invite.
Hosts
Advice, mentoring & funding
Industry, trades & skills
Digital, marketing & creative
Community, multicultural & inclusion
Be there on 9 July.
Entry is free and everyone's welcome — founders, tradies, side-hustlers, and anyone thinking about starting. Grab your free ticket on Eventbrite, and we'll email the final program before the day.
— no spam, no drip sequence. One email when it matters.On the day
- Thursday 9 July 2026, 9:30am – 6:30pm
- Ann Harding Conference Centre · 24 University Drive South, Bruce ACT 2617
- Free entry · all welcome
- Talks, hands-on workshops & one-to-one help desks
- Quiet catch-up area & accessibility support
Write us a line.
We'll write one back.
Not a form funnel. Not a "discovery call". Just a real message to a real person in Canberra who'll read it, think about it, and reply.