Central Coast BEC Christmas Party
26 October 2011
BRING THE WHOLE TEAM! Are you going to a restaurant because you don't have enough employees to book a private Christmas Party. Or have you not yet decided where to go? Why not join the BEC Christmas Party. With lots of fun and good food, entertainment and dancing with Frogs on Toast, giveaways and prizes, this is the place to be. See below for details of this fantastic night on Friday 2 December.
Contact us on 02 4355 4885 to book or email us on info@ccbec.org.au.
Growth in online selling and marketing is strengthening small business business opportunities on the Central Coast
PRESS RELEASE: Thursday, 16 June 2011
“Growth in online marketing and selling is strengthening small business opportunities on the Coast,” said Mr Wayne Gates CEO of the Central Coast Business Enterprise Centre.
A recent report – the Sensis Social Media Report - found that blogs and reviews were found to have a big impact on buying decisions, with 63 per cent of social media users reading online reviews before making a buying decision.
Social media users are also interested in what businesses can give them in the form of discounts (57%), giveaways (45%) invitations to events (41%) and product information (41%). At present, the survey found 12 per cent of Social media users actively use social media to buy products. From this group one third of hits result in a purchase.
Clothing and fashion, electrical goods and furniture were the most popular three items sold online.
The survey found there are increasingly more opportunities for brands and businesses to use social media to successfully promote and sell their products and services. “Businesses need to be aware of the increasing opportunities of engaging with consumers and customers online,” Mr Gates said.
"At the CCBEC we offer a range of up-to-the-minute business online marketing workshops and program, presented by leading business professionals, that educate and support small business owners."
Naomi Simson, the CEO of the very successful online gifting business, Red Balloon, spoke at the recent MicroBiz Week lunch sharing her key business points learnt from starting and growing her internet business.
This July, the CCBEC are offering two more online workshops –
· Secrets to Getting Your Business Online (July 19), and
· Understanding Online Marketing (July 19)
Both these courses are run by leading online expert Sam Shetty of Nett Registry. Other workshops available in July include:
· ‘Are you Interested in Importing for Your Business’ presented by import/export expert, Corinne Campbell.
· ‘You Can Have a Business and a Life’ presented by small business trainer, Samantha McDonald.
· Sales and Marketing by the Central Coast’s own small business authority, Simone Preston.
CCBEC members enjoy free access to all basic workshops, and discounted members only pricing for advanced workshops and special events.
For more information about workshops and memberships or services contact the office direct on 4355 4885.
Small Business Online "Learn & Win" competition
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Belinda Trevenar, MD of RawLight Designs Tuggerah was the lucky winner of the Laptop and prepaid WIFI pack
in our recent Small Business Online 'Learn & Win' competition, pictured below with Debbie Carroll, Client Manager.
MicroBiz Week event with Naomi Simson, Red Balloon
Thursday, 2 June 2011
One of Australia's most outstanding female entrepreneurs, Naomi Simson, founder and Chief Experiences Officer
of Red Balloon, was the Guest Speaker at yesterday’s special lunch event on the Central Coast celebrating
MicroBiz Week.
As the CEO of the fast growing online gifting retailer spoke about her business’ journey from “Success to Significance”.
She is a passionate leader steering her business to realise her vision to change gifting in Australia. Naomi shared
valuable advice and her “how to” tips learnt from start-up, and as her business continues to grow and succeed.
A lunch time event that ran for 3 hours with a 2-course meal at Diggers Function Centre at The Entrance was well
received by the Coast’s small business owners. Feedback has been very positive and encouraging.
The CCBEC would like to express our sincere appreciation to 2GOFM for their on-air media support of this event, and
their generous prize donation for the event. The winner of the Lucky Door Prize random draw was Kristy-Lee Johnston
from Footprint Recruitment. Erica Hellams from 2GO presented the winner with a $2,000 radio advertising package.
Sue Henry from Hentie Designs, generously donated two beautiful leather business card holders for door prizes also.
These were won by Adele Johns of Community Compass, and Martin McKenzie of AusIndustry. Congratulations to all
the winners and thanks to everyone who made the day successful.
Now in its sixth year, the NSW MicroBiz Week is a week of dedicated workshops and events for solo operators,
home-based entrepreneurs and micro business people.
Photos from the event can be viewed on our Facebook page > click here to view
'From Success to Significance' with Naomi Simson lunch
Tuesday, 20 May 2011
RedBalloon is passionate about changing the way people feel about giving gifts and the experience of receiving them.
Gifts should be amazing, reflecting the uniqueness of the individual. And above all, no other gift comes close to
a RedBalloon experience.
Imagine watching the sun rise from a hot air balloon, learning to sail or feeling the adrenalin rush of a race
car driver. With these and thousands of other unique experiences, RedBalloon provides the chance to give
someone exactly that.
With just an idea and persistence Naomi Simson launched RedBalloon in 2001 in the early days of the internet
redballoon.com.au has now been listed in the BRW fast lists for 6 years and also named as the #1 website by
Hitwise for half a decade.
Naomi Simson has a long career as a corporate marketer with companies such as IBM, KPMG, Ansett and Apple,
before she tossed it all in to start her own show. Her first business Bright Marketing was a freelance marketing
group, however the internet seemed to offer a way to create a truly scalable business. Naomi wondered if she
could build a brand online based on listening to customers and responding.
You may have watched the series, The Secret Millionaire on TV recently. Naomi Simson, founder of RedBalloon
touched hearts when she went undercover to live and give to those less fortunate than most of us. If you
would like the opportunity to get a little closer to Naomi, learn from her business accumen and hear her story,
don't miss the opportunity when she comes to Diggers @ The Entrance. Join us at 11.00am for lunch,
information and fun.
You'll learn how to build a company with a great culture and how to manage your team for peak performance.
You'll hear how Naomi has built an iconic brand as she shares all the mistakes she's made along the way. You
will be left thinking, "I want what she is on."
Book online to secure your place. Want to bring a group, book a table. Contact us for your special pricing on
4345 4885 ... without delay. Places filling fast.
Implementing Social Media as a Marketing Strategy
Wednesday, 18May 2011
The popular ISMAAMS program presented by the Central Coast's Social Media guy, Nick Bowditch, concluded with
a Graduation night at Diggers @ The Entrance last week. Places were limited and filled very quickly proving this
to be HOT topic. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are currently scheduling another course for later
this year.
Photos from the Graduation Night have been loaded onto our Facebook page. Check them out!
Learn Online & Win competition
Friday, 13 May 2011
Go into the draw to win a laptop and a prepaid mobile WIFI! How?
Simply go online at www.ccbec.org.au/portal.php and register your details to access Bringing Small
Business Online portal. Your competition entry details will be compiled from signing-in and using our
educational videos.
Competition is open from 13 May 2011 to 31 May 2011. The winning entry will be drawn 1 June 2011
at our MicroBiz special event - the Ultimate Inspirational "How To" presentation with Naomi Simson.
Competition Terms and Conditions can viewed here. Good Luck everyone!
Taxation Statistics Highlights - 2008/2009
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Taxation statistics 2008-09 is a collection of data in relation to Australia’s tax and superannuation systems, compiled
from information provided to the ATO in tax returns from the 2008-09 income year and other financial information
provided in activity statements and other FBT, GST and excise forms for the 2009-10 financial year.
Personal tax
* 12.3 million individuals lodged income tax returns.
* Tax agents lodged 71.2% of tax returns (8.8 million), and 18.8% (2.3 million) were lodged via etax.
* Individuals claimed negative net rental income of $6.5 billion, including $32.6 billion in rental deductions.
* This was the first year since 2001-02 that net rental income has not decreased from the previous year.
* Individuals claimed $31.7 billion in total deductions, including $16.4 billion in work-related expenses.
* There were 1,035,831 claims for 1,811,760 students totalling $639 million for the Education Tax Refund.
* Average taxable income increased for both men and women by 4.2% and 3.6% respectively.
* The average taxable income was $54,949 for men and $37,268 for women.
* The gap between male and female average taxable income has continued to increase, and now stands at $17,681, a 5.6%
increase.
Company tax
* 762,442 companies lodged returns, a 1.3% decrease from 2007-08.
* Companies reported total income of $2,272 billion, a 0.4% increase from 2007-08.
* Total company expenses were $2,143 billion, a 4.3% increase from 2007–08.
* Total assets controlled by companies were $6,206 billion, a 2.5% increase from 2007-08.
* Companies were liable for $56.3 billion in net tax, a 2.6% decrease from 2007-08.
Superannuation
* 360,374 funds lodged returns, a 6.5% increase from 2007-08.
* Funds reported total income of $114.9 billion, a 9.9% decrease from 2007-08.
Green Building Fund grant applications now open
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
The Green Building Fund aims to reduce the impact of Australia's built environment on green house gas emissions, by reducing energy consumed in the operationof existing commercial office buildings, hotels and shopping centres.
Grants of between $50,000 and $500,000 are available, for up to half of the cost of retro-fitting and/or retro-commissioning a commericl office building, hotel or shopping centre to become more energy efficient and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Most program funding is directed towards retro-fitting or retro-commissioning existing commerical office buildings and (since the program's expansion) existing hotels and shopping centres, under Stream A of the Green Building Fund.
Round 7 applications close at 5pm on Tuesday, 29 March 2011. For more information about the eligibility, merit criteria and the updated process for applications, please click here > the Green Building Fund on AusIndustry site
ALERT: ATO Online security and latest scams
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
There are many different types of scams – online, phone, mail and face-to-face. Online scams, such as email ‘phishing’ scams are on the rise and are designed to trick you into giving away your money, passwords and personal details (such as your tax file number - TFN).
To find out out more information on the latest scams click on the links below
- Money Transfer Scam
- Recalculation of your refund email
- Refund scam
- Phone scam
ALERT: Australian Consumer Law (ACL) changes
Tuesday, 4 January 2011
The reforms came into place on 1 January 2011 affect both consumers and businesses alike. The ACCC have greater powers to act now. Under the framework all Australian governments will legislate and implement a new consumer law based on the provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. In addition, the new consumer laws will introduce a provision to regulate unfair contracts and will provide regulators with enhanced enforcement powers and consumers with more mechanisms for redress.
To find out how this affects you, click here to read the NSW Fair Trading FactSheet
Become a BEC Sponsor!
The BEC is a national brand, working with and talking to a lot of different business owners - if you would like more information about sponsoring a special event or in some way promoting your business throught the Central Coast BEC - please contact Wayne Gates on 43554885 or email wayne@ccbec.org.au
Did you know there are over 100 Business Enterprise Centres in key locations across Australia?
BEC Australia consists of over 100 members and associate members located around Australia. Each is an independent organisation which has chosen to take advantage of the benefits that membership to BEC Australia brings.
Business Enterprise Centres are community-based not for profit non-political business assistance organisations that are owned and supported by locally managed incorporations. They are designed to facilitate the creation, retention and development of sustainable business enterprises and foster local economic development. BECs through their successful public/private partnerships with governments (federal, state and local), private enterprise and local communities across Australia provide practical confidential business facilitation services.
Through BEC Australia, each BEC has access to the talents and resources of all BECs in the BEC Australia network plus strategic partner resources to provide quality business assistance. These vital partnerships provide BEC clients access to a wealth of professional services and programs in addition to government programs offered.
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Looking for a Mentor?
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WE WANT TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS!
The Central Coast Business Enterprise Centre has moved to the new Zenith building in the Tuggerah Business Park, previously known mainly as the Central Coast Business Mentor Services they have recently received new funding from the Commonwealth Government to increase their services to support and assist small businesses on the Central Coast.
Their aim is to inform as many small businesses of their services so they can benefit from their staff’s expertise, their mentoring program and from the great workshops they run. So CCBEC will be out talking to businesses and using some of the new funding to let all the businesses on the Central Coast know about the support and help they can give small business. Most of their services are FREE. A small booking fee is charged for workshops ($55) and professional legal and accounting advice services ($50). Workshops include ‘Marketing & Sales’, “Managing your Business Cash Flow’; ‘Decision Making for Profit’ and many others designed to give businesses the essential information and skills they need for effectively manage and grow their business.
Some of the new programs CCBEC will be putting in place in the next few months include, demographic and geographic programs designed to identify an area or group that they can assist with special workshops and programs, an accelerate growth program designed to assist existing businesses on the Central Coast that need help to get to the next level of the development.
We have recently been registered with CITAB. This means that if you attend one of our workshops we can issue you with a statement to present to CITAB that will be included in your Continuing Professional Development training. Please notify us when you register if you wish to collect a statment upon completion of your course.
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