SmallBig Magazine Sydney

Now in its fourth year, SmallBiz Week has firmly established itself as Australia’s premier event for small and medium sized enterprises. As we head to ICC Sydney on 7–8 August 2025, we're proud to bring together hundreds of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers dedicated to shaping the future of small business in Australia.

In today’s fast‑moving world, success in business goes beyond hard work. It requires bold ideas, smart strategies, and meaningful connections.

Whether you're a founder, a team leader, or an aspiring entrepreneur, SmallBiz Week 2025 Sydney is your platform to unlock new possibilities.

From energising conversations to practical tools and game changing ideas, SmallBiz Week is where momentum begins.

Why Attend?

From discovering game changing tech and services to hearing insights from Australia’s

YOUR TICKET

sharpest business minds, SmallBiz Week offers a packed agenda designed to inspire action. The expo hall is buzzing with innovation, the live stage sessions deliver hands on learning, and the entire event offers the perfect opportunity to connect with like minded professionals.

The Power of Australia’s SMEs

Australia’s small businesses are more than just a part of the economy – they’re its backbone. With over five million Australians employed by SMEs, they make up roughly 42% of the private workforce. But with challenges like inflation, economic uncertainty, and competition from AI driven disruption, adaptability is key.

Still, there’s reason for optimism. According to the 2025 SMB Report, 50% of business owners are feeling hopeful about the year ahead. SmallBiz Week exists to fuel that momentum ‑ through shared insights, fresh solutions, and a thriving community.

- The SmallBiz Week Team

FUTURE MAKERS FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

This year’s SmallBiz Week program is built around six essential themes designed to help you tackle today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.

Across the expo floor and live talks, discover expert insights and practical solutions within these focus areas:

AI & Automation

Discover how artificial intelligence and workflow automation are transforming customer service, operations, and everyday efficiency

Marketing Solutions

From social media to email and content marketing, get the tools and strategies to stand out, attract attention, and drive engagement.

Finance, Tech & Accounting

Stay compliant and confident with smarter ways to manage your money ‑ from BAS and bookkeeping to funding and forecasting.

Hiring & People Management

Find solutions for building a strong team, from recruitment and onboarding to HR tech and workplace culture.

Tech & Cybersecurity

Protect your data, streamline your systems, and future proof your tech stack with expert advice on digital security and infrastructure.

Sales & Growth

Fuel business development with tools and training to boost conversions, scale operations, and unlock long term growth.

Expert-led Insights on the Live Stage

Get front row access to the latest strategies and real world success stories from Australia’s top‑tier business leaders. The Live Stage features engaging sessions from leading entrepreneurs, government bodies and experts sharing actionable approaches to scaling, streamlining, and staying competitive in today's landscape. Remember to bring your notebook!

LIVE STAGE AGENDA

The expo is the beating heart of SmallBiz

With a diverse roster of exhibitors spanning technology, HR, finance, marketing, solutions and more, this is where ideas execution.

Whether you're looking for software to streamline operations or services to amplify growth, Expo delivers tools and partnerships designed move your business forward.

Marketplace for Business

Week. spanning marketing, fleet ideas meet execution. streamline growth, the designed to forward.

Drive your business further with the Light Commercial Motor Show

SmallBiz Week Sydney 2025 is co located alongside the Light Commercial Motor Show Australia’s first dedicated showcase of light commercial vehicles.

Your ticket gives you access to utes, vans, EVs, and fleet solutions that drive Australia's businesses.

Discover innovations in fleet technology, operational efficiency, financing and maintenance under one roof.

EXHIBITORS

High-impact Networking

The real magic happens in the conversations.

Whether you’re exchanging ideas with fellow founders or casually chatting with industry leaders, SmallBiz Week is designed to spark meaningful connections that last beyond the event.

Engage in conversations that could turn into collaborations, mentorships, or new clients ‑ all in a professional but relaxed setting.

Government Pavillion: No Middleman, Just Support

New in 2025, our Government Pavilion connects you directly with agencies offering grants, compliance support, and business tools.

Meet experts from IP Australia, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Finance, the Australian Taxation office and more to get expert advice and get your questions answered no phone queues required.

Start FY25/26 with clarity, confidence and a headstart.

Perfect

Make it easy to find

Gumtree Jobs is the career marketplace where you can find exceptional employees, faster. With 5 million* Australians searching each month, we specialise in the jobs that keep this country moving: transport, courier services, hospitality, trades, retail and more. In fact, “jobs” is our 5th most searched category* and 18%** of our job seekers don’t use any other jobs platform.

For visitors to Small Biz Week we’re o ering 1 month free*** on a 3-month trial, so there’s never been a better time to get started.

To get started, talk to Will Whitfield at Small Biz Week, or contact him on 0467 703 886 or will.whitfield@gumtreegroup.com.au

Join an exciting lineup of thought leaders and industry professionals tackling pressing issues facing small businesses today. Whether you’re looking for clarity on tech trends or strategies to manage growth, these sessions are designed to empower you with real world solutions.

10:00 - 10:20

The State of Small Business in NSW: Insights, Challenges & Opportunities

Discover the latest trends, challenges, and support available for small businesses in NSW from the Small Business Momentum Survey.

Speaker: Acting Commissioner Catherine Ellis, NSW Small Business Commission

10:20 - 11:00

Hacking Growth: Strategies for Scaling Small Businesses

Hear from founders using tech to scale operations, reach new markets, and grow smarter.

Speakers: Clint Hong (Host), Fehraz Fallil, Simon Lenoir, Craig Condy, Danielle Creet

11:00 - 11:30

TBC

TBC

11:30 - 11:50

Think You’re Too Small to Be Hacked? Think Again.

Learn why cybercriminals are targeting SMEs and how to protect your business on a budget.

Speaker: Jim Kay, IT Networks

11:50 - 12:10

Recruitment Strategies & The Migrant Workforce

Explore visa pathways and support to help businesses fill roles through skilled migration.

Speaker: Rebecca Kleinig, BIRO NSW/ACT

12:10 - 12:45

Buy Better, Work Smarter, Scale Faster

Amazon Business shares how small businesses can streamline purchasing and access smart insights. Speaker: Lena Zak, Amazon Business

12:45 - 13:10

Stay on Top of Your Workplace Compliance Obligations!

Get practical tips and free resources from the Fair Work Ombudsman to stay compliant and confident. Speaker: Ruth Jost, Department of Home Affairs

13:10 - 13:55

Unlocking Efficiency: Why SMEs Need AI & Automation

Discover how AI and automation can save time, reduce costs, and boost productivity across your business.

Speakers: Clint Hong (Host), Craig Condy, Fehraz Fallil, Simon Lenoir, John McMahon.

13:55 - 14:35

AI-Powered Website Builder Live Demo

See a website built live in minutes using AI - no coding or design skills needed.

Speaker: Kate Furnifer, Crazy Domains

14:35 - 15:10

Starting & Scaling a Business in 2025

Learn how to launch and grow a business in today’s market with insights on funding and cost control.

Speakers: Clint Hong (Host), Paul Lindsay, Leah Barnes, Joe Doyle

15:10 - 15:30

Empowering SMBs to Think Big: Achieving Enterprise-Level Efficiency

Learn how SMBs can use cloud-based tools to boost collaboration and productivity like the big players. Speaker: Spencer Williamson, Box

15:30 - 15:50

R U OK? in the Workplace – Ask R U OK? Any Day!

Support mental health by learning how and when to ask, “Are you OK?” in your workplace.

Speaker: Julie Anne Whitfield, R U OK?

15:30 - 15:50

R U OK? in the Workplace – Ask R U OK? Any Day!

Support mental health by learning how and when to ask, “Are you OK?” in your workplace.

Speaker: Julie Anne Whitfield, R U OK?

MEET THE SPEAKERS

BOOK YOUR TICKET

10:00 - 10:30

Stay on Top of Your Workplace Compliance Obligations!

Discover free tools and real-life advice to help your business meet Fair Work requirements with confidence.

Speaker: Ruth Jost, Fair Work Ombudsman

10:30 - 10:50

How Small Businesses Can Scale Repeatable Work 9x with AI

Learn how AI can save your team 30+ hours a week by automating admin, structuring content, and centralizing knowledge.

Speaker: Ash Gera, Box

10:55 - 11:15

Supporting Small Business to Meet Their Tax and Super Obligations

Explore how the ATO is digitising small business tax and the tools available to make compliance easier.

Speaker: Michael Morton, ATO

11:15 - 11:45

Future Makers: For Women Entrepreneurs

Hear from female leaders tackling barriers in male-dominated industries, and what’s needed to spark change.

Speakers: Cathi Buttfield (Moderator), Paula Martin

11:45 - 12:30

Starting & Scaling a Business in 2025

This expert panel shares insights on building resilient businesses amid rising costs and shifting market trends.

Speakers: Clint Hong (Host), Lena Zak, Tina Guan, Christine Deutsch

12:30 - 13:10

AI-Powered Website Builder Live Demo

Watch a professional website get built live in minutes using AI—no coding or design skills required.

Speaker: Kate Furnifer, Crazy Domains

13:10 - 13:55

AI Without the Hype: What Small Businesses Can Use Right Now

Get hands-on with easy, affordable AI tools that help improve customer service, marketing, admin, and more.

Speakers: Clint Hong (Host), Fehraz Fallil, Raquel Rebaque, Danielle Creet, Matt Clements

13:55 - 14:15

Start Smart: Legal Must-Knows for Launching Your Business

Learn the legal basics every founder needs—structure, compliance, and common traps to avoid from day one.

Speaker: Paul Maguire, Maguire Legal

14:15 - 15:00

Cybersecurity on a Shoestring: Beyond Antivirus and Firewalls

Learn how to protect your SME with practical, low-cost cybersecurity strategies from industry experts.

Speakers: Clint Hong (Host), Jim Kay, Paul Lindsay, Robbie Abraham, Sonia Shurti

15:00 - 15:30

The Art of Business Storytelling: Creating Narratives That Drive Sales and Trust

Discover how authentic storytelling can boost brand loyalty and turn interest into conversions.

Speakers: Clint Hong (Host), Christine Deutsch

15:30 - 15:50

R U OK? in the Workplace - Ask R U OK? Any Day!

Foster a connected and supportive workplace with practical tools to check in with your team and start meaningful conversations.

Speaker: Julie Anne Whitfield (Workplace Engagement Manager at R U OK?

15:50 - 16:35

People Power: Hiring, Retaining & Leading Teams in a New Era of Work

This panel explores how to lead modern teams, retain talent, and adapt to a rapidly evolving workplace.

Speakers: Clint Hong (Host), Eda Gül

MEET THE SPEAKERS

BOOK YOUR TICKET

Learn. Connect. Grow.

SmallBiz Week 2025 is bringing together the brightest minds and boldest brands across Australia’s SME ecosystem. From tech and marketing to finance, HR, logistics, and more, our expo floor is your one‑stop destination for business‑building tools, insights, and opportunities.

Use the floor plan to navigate the space, plan your route, and make the most of your visit. Whether you're on the lookout for new suppliers, ready to scale with digital tools, or simply here to spark new ideas ‑ you’ll find it all here.

VISIT THE GOVERNMENT PAVILLION.

Your direct line to government backed business support.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, the Government Pavilion is where clarity meets opportunity. Meet with representatives from local, state, and federal government agencies offering support programs, funding guidance, digital tools, and small business services tailored to your needs.

Learn about:

• Grant opportunities and how to apply

• Tax, accounting, and regulatory support

• Digital business programs and training

• Workforce planning and skills development

It’s your chance to ask questions, get answers, and walk away with practical tools to grow your business with confidence.

SmallBiz Week

A1: IT.Networks

A3: Luca Plus

B1: AB Phillips

B3: Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs

B13: XYTR

C1: Servcorp

C7: Sumup

C9: Look Up: Making IT Simple

C13: R U OK?

C15: Cloud Riverdale

C11: Gumtree Jobs

C17: Budgetly

C19: Box

C23: Leading Edge Business Solutions

C25: Thryv

C37: AD On Workforce

C43: Certcrowd

C51: Crazy Domains

C57: .auDA

C61: Fair Work Ombudsman

C69: IP Australia

C71: Department of Finance

C73: Department of Home Affairs

C75: Australian Taxation Office

C81: Amazon Business

C89: Maguire Legal

C95: IKEA for Business

15: IKEA Business Lounge

17: Sixt

Light Commercial Motor Show

43: KIA

45: RAM

47: Iron Man 4x4

48: Renault

50: Sortimo Intelligent Mobility

51: Autosafe

53: Farizon

55: Caddy Storage

57: Volkswagon

65: Tip Top Equipment

67: HSP Vehicle Accessories

69: LDV

D5: Booked Solid AI

D25: Infinity EV

D31: Stratton Finance

E21: AusEV

E23: Sleek Space

E25: Rhino Rack

W.T RICH COMPANY BUILDS SUCCESS IN THE CLOUD

Box: The Clear Choice for Cloud Transition

When Gene Massie became Director of Information Technology at W.T. Rich Company, his first task was to modernise the firm’s technology. His predecessor had initiated a move to the cloud with remote desktops and Citrix File Share, but files were still stored centrally in the main office. Frequent power outages made data access impossible.

This was interolerable for the Massachusetts‑based company known for “delivering exceptional construction management services, consistently exceeding expectations, and setting new standards in safety, quality, customer satisfaction and employee engagement.” Massie prioritised moving content to the cloud and sought a solution that matched their commitment to quality, reliability, and security.

“I spent the first month of my new role trying to plan out our technology and evaluate everything that was out there,” said Massie. “Box was the best fit because it offered unlimited storage, as well as the stability and security that we needed”.

With numerous K 12, public safety, airport, and government contracts, reliability and security were crucial. “Project teams need to be able to share data and be productive wherever they are located, whether they are at the corporate offices, at home, or at a job site. With Box, our folks don’t have to worry about the IT infrastructure, they can just focus on building buildings and getting their job done.”

Massie noted that while other options appeared cheaper initially, he lacked confidence in their security features. He stated confidently that “Box is rock solid” and would be cost‑effective long‑term...

HOW TO SIMPLIFY SME EXPENSE MANAGEMENT WITH AI TOOLS

Managing business expenses is a common challenge for Australian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Receipts get lost, approvals slow down, and it’s often hard to see where money is being spent until it’s too late.

Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is making expense management simpler, faster, and more accurate—even for businesses with lean teams. The right tools can help SMEs save time, improve control, and reduce the frustration that comes with outdated, manual processes.

Here’s a step by step guide on how to get started with AI driven expense management.

Recognise the signs it’s time to modernise

If your team spends hours chasing receipts, checking claims, or manually entering data into spreadsheets, it’s time to look at automation. Common signs include:

• Lack of real‑time visibility over spending

• Frequent delays in approvals or reimbursements

• Difficulty enforcing spending policies

• Errors or inconsistencies during audits

Manual processes often create unnecessary bottlenecks that slow your business down and increase costs. By identifying these pain points early, you can make a smooth transition to a smarter system.

Choose an AI-powered solution that suits your business

Industry Leading Marketing and Sales Platform.

Supercharge your business growth with our award-winning small business software and AI tools.

Thryv has grown our business immensely. We’re finding more enquiries are turning into clients.

Crown Self Storage Gordon Sadler