The Building Sustainable Small Business program (BSSB) for the Scenic Rim Region was a successful and popular two-year program attracting participation from more than 160 people from all business sectors and including more than 33 workshops.

This program provides a concept for development and application to any region in Australia in support of strengthening the local small business economy and network.

How did BSSB come about?

BSSB operated from early 2008 to early 2010 as an Australian Government funded initiative under the Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business program, and was jointly hosted and supported by the Ethos Foundation and the Scenic Rim Regional Council, with additional support from EnviroIndustry and Connecting Southern Gold Coast toward workshops in the Gold Coast region.

What was the focus of the program?

The core focus of the program was on developing resilience and prosperity for small businesses and the region through an understanding and implementation of practical business planning skills and sustainability principles and tools across economic, environmental, social and cultural horizons.

BSSB included:

• Workshop programs in 2008 and 2009 in Tamborine Mountain, Boonah, Beaudesert
• Special Strategic Planning Workshops
• Workshops on the Gold Coast in 2009 at Robina, Yatala and Currumbin
• Comprehensive mentoring, training and leadership program
• Special permaculture for business workshops run by Permaforest Trust, sustainability educator
• Networking opportunities
• Sustainable Business Directory - online

What were the benefits offered to participants?

A comprehensive introduction to sustainability and the opportunity for collaboration;
Inclusive of all business categories - including a spotlight on tourism, agriculture, farming, food, development and home-based businesses;
Practical, interactive, common sense and hands-on;
Linking essential business skills with environmental challenges, changing consumer values and needs, and shifting government regulations;
Focused on small business opportunities and benefits that can increase business success and prosperity;
Supporting networking and the development of a stronger local living economy;
Mentoring, Training and Leadership Program for small business owners, operators and managers that wanted to implement a comprehensive journey toward sustainability with their business, including:

• Comprehensive sustainability learning program involved mentoring, Permaforest Trust online accredited learning, group collaboration and specialist workshops;
• Spread over several months and personalised to fit into the time needs of individual business commitments and lifestyle;
• Practical, hands-on, highly relevant, effective;
• Ongoing facilitation, support and guidance relevant to individual business;

Website resources and networking;
Region wide Networking;
Collaboration and synergy between local, small businesses to create a clean, green region;
Involvement in special events and exhibitions;
Build relationships with local government leaders and help grow sustainable local enterprise in the region;
Sustainable Business Directory: www.sustainablescenicrim.com.au;
Encouraging local residents and other businesses to support local businesses that have embarked on the journey to sustainability.

How can I find out more about this program?

The Ethos Foundation is happy to provide a proposal for a BSSB program for any region.
Contact for more information.

What did participants say about the BSSB (Scenic Rim) program?

Read what Participant Feedback about the workshops.