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
How to attract and retain talent to your business
The Launch of ASBFEO & Scottish Pacific’s FitsME Essential Guide to Business Funding
So, what’s a TPAR and why do I need to know?
Top Tips for Businesses trying to control Inventory Issues
Do you want to do it cheap or do you want to do it right?
Top 5 tech products for optimising your workflow
Security! Get to know the risks, your failures and how to fix them
Learning about what it means to get involved with a Charity
How does ASIC work to support the small business community?
How to successfully implement change in your business
Preparing your small business for EOFY
The Small Business Insurance Basics & The Future Of Insurance
What does it take to start a business?
7 steps of performance management for your small business
What is COSBOA and how does it support small businesses in Australia?
Interview with Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
What economic indicators should small business owners be aware of to respond to?
Learning from the Experts - Edward Zia, #1 Marketing Mentor & Coach
Wills - what implications do they have for your business?
Think Facebook for business is dead? Think again!
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