Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #225
Broadcast date: 19th March 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guest: Elizabeth Skirving, CEO of Rural Business Tasmania
Small businesses are often (when it is convenient) referred to as the “backbone of the economy” but nothing could be closer to the truth in regional, rural and remote communities. They literally are the fabric binding economic success, growth, jobs, training and the survival of many communities.
Its not the big businesses running down the flooded or fire ravaged high streets supporting communities immediately after a disaster or when a call to action is heard to support a community or sporting group. It’s the small businesses who are quick to lend a hand, equipment, resources and even just a listening ear to their friends and family which is their community.
So what can be done to keep these small businesses front and centre of policy and planning? Is this a local, state or federal issue? Are councils doing enough and leading the way? Does the Federal Government in Canberra even know how important a regional high street is to the communities? And how can Government do a better job of listening to their leaders?
Today, Elizabeth Skirving – quite frankly a bonafide thought leader in this space and CEO of Rural Business Tasmania and Director of COSBOA, joins us to share her thoughts on how Government can improve their engagement and strategy to support small business in regional, rural and remote areas so they can continue to grow and support their communities and the national economy.
PEOPLE - Tell us a bit about your background and why you are so passionate about advocating for small businesses in regional, rural and remote policy. Why is it so critical for small business to be considered when developing regional policy in Australia? How do you find the balance between the social needs of regional communities and the economic needs of the small businesses which are part of their fabric?
POLICY - What areas of policy are you focused on right now? And who do you tend to speak with and on what formats/roundtables? Why is it critical small businesses in regional areas are considered at the co-design period of policy development?
PURPOSE - What regional issues matter most to small businesses? What are the biggest threats to them in regional Australia? Are the needs of small businesses in RRR really that different to that of small businesses in metro or city areas?
Elizabeth is passionate about Tasmania, and in promoting good business management to ensure prosperous rural and regional communities continue. She believes in supporting local communities and business.
With a background in finance and business, Elizabeth has been CEO of Rural Business Tasmania since 2006 with a board portfolio which includes previous Deputy Chair, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia COSBOA, Director of Tasmanian Agricultural Productivity Group, Director of Tasmanian Small Business Council and as an Industry representative of Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) Advisory Board.
As a 5th generation of a farming family who were active within their community and industry, she has a long history of community involvement including board experience with various not-for-profit associations, including a substantial time with Rural Youth Tasmania and current Hon. Auditor for Encore Theatre Co Inc.
Established in 1986, Rural Business Tasmania Inc is a not-for-profit association that primarily offers financial counselling and business support expertise to rural and regional communities. It’s key objective is to help rural families, businesses, and the community manage the ever-evolving demands and challenges facing the primary industry sector.
To find out more go to: https://www.ruralbusinesstasmania.org.au
The journey of a Non-Tekky Tech Founder With special guest Sharon Melamed, founder of Matchboard
Adventures in the new media landscape - how can small business tap in?
Who are your strategic partners and how can you implement a change management process to grow your business?
Who knew Commercial Leasing would make or break the entire economy?
Creating content marketing that works
Finally, a good news retail story!
What’s your Innovation Frustration?
So your team is MIA as they WFH. Why communication, culture and leadership are your most important skills right now.
Update from ASBFEO & Small Biz Matters
The Accidental Pivoting Champion
Getting prepared for (possibly the weirdest) End of Financial Year
Statistics - How can small business access, digest and use the ABS data?
2020’s Top 5 Tech products to get you remote working like a pro!
Pivot, Pirouette, Adapt and rewrite your business story
Does working online mean you need to charge less... even remotely?
Top Tips for Nailing Online Meetings
Small businesses’ top technology challenges with remote working
When did you become an importer exporter? When you started dealing in Foreign Exchange...
The two flaws in our democracy revealed by Covid & the impact on small businesses
What can a local, Australian based sales platform offer my business?
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Commercial Edge: Unleash the Power of People
The emPOWERed Half Hour
Aligned Money Show
Gorse Culture PODcast : The H.R. Detective Agency!
HCI Leadership Revolution
The Ramsey Show
Planet Money