The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has joined the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) as a council member.
The partnership will see COSBOA extend its advocacy to the business events sector, empowering hundreds of small business owners, operators and their employees, and bolstering their influence to advocate for essential policy changes.
Together, COSBOA and ABEA will focus on lobbying for policy changes on taxes, subsidies, grants, workforce development and increasing the skilled workforce, fair work practices, and helping the government to continue to understand the significance of the business events industry’s impact – worth an estimated A$36 billion (US$23.4 billion) annually – for the nation.
COSBOA will also extend its programmes to ABEA members, including Small Business Peak – a hub of resources to implement new workplace legislation; Accelerator for Enterprising Women – support for women with big ideas, and Cyber Wardens – upskilling communities with vital cyber security training.
Melissa Brown, CEO of ABEA, highlighted the benefits of joining COSBOA for their members.
“Joining COSBOA offers opportunities for our members across Australia who work to produce approximately 500,000 business events annually which deliver on critical trade, education, health, and innovation outcomes required by the business, government and for purpose sectors. Small businesses underpin our sector, provide thousands of jobs, and bring innovative thinking to our industry.
“Having a voice within the COSBOA influence will provide access to critical advocacy and resources, from workforce development and cyber security through to addressing red tape and industrial relations issues.
“This collaboration will strengthen COSBOA’s ability to represent a wider array of small businesses and will empower ABEA to support its members in navigating policy changes, addressing unique challenges, and enhancing their capabilities,” said Brown.
