The Future of Orbost and District (FoOD) project is delighted to announce an exciting partnership with Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) to deliver a dynamic series of workshops tailored specifically for small business owners in the Orbost region.
Four sessions over two consecutive evenings offer local entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain practical skills, connect with other business owners, and enjoy a relaxed dinner and speed networking session.
Each evening features two targeted, two-hour workshops designed to provide actionable insights that can be immediately applied to strengthen local businesses.
The workshops are all about real-world solutions – no jargon, no fluff.
Each session is packed with tools to help business owners boost profits, streamline operations and plan confidently for the future.
“As a small business operator, I know how valuable these kinds of sessions can be,” said Liz Mitchell, chair of the FoOD governance group.
“There’s a wealth of online resources out there, but nothing beats face-to-face learning where you can connect with others and share ideas about the challenges we all face locally.”
ABV’s community development program facilitator, Natascha Wernick, shared her enthusiasm:
“We’re thrilled to bring these workshops to Orbost,” she said.
“Whether you’re aiming to attract more customers, get a better grip on your finances, or simply make your business run more smoothly, you’ll leave with practical tools and a clear action plan. “These sessions are led by people who truly understand the unique challenges of running a small-town business.”
After the workshops, participants will also have the valuable opportunity to be matched with an experienced business mentor who will walk alongside them in the weeks that follow to put ideas and tools into practice.
Interested businesspeople are invited to complete a short online survey to ensure the workshops are tailored to their needs.
More information is available by contacting the FoOD project via email or visiting their website.
The workshops will be held in Ruskin Street on May 27 and 28, 2025.
More details will follow.
The FoOD project is a response to the impacts of the end of native timber harvesting in Victoria’s state forests, and the need to transition the local economy.
The purpose of the project is to build on to Orbost and District’s existing strengths and leverage opportunities for supporting positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
The project is delivered by the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which is overseen by a community-led governance group.
Australian Business Volunteers (ABV) is an international development agency with a mission to uplift businesses and communities through sustainable economic growth.
The ABV Resilient Regions program is supported by the Victorian Government and is a collaboration with Deakin University.
