The 2006 Small Business Expo goes from strength to strength

That feedback from Neville Ballantyne of Hamilton-based Ballantyne Catering was typical of comments made by visitors to the 2005 Small Business Expo in Auckland. Neville was one of over 7,000 business owners who spent a total of 32,600 hours working ON and not in their business at the Small Business Expo, the largest event ever held for business in New Zealand.

Small Business Expo founder and director, Sarah Trotman, says that the response from sponsors and exhibitors at last year's expo was so positive that the expo will occupy three halls, instead of two, at the Auckland Showgrounds from 10 to 12 May 2006.

The expo has once again attracted strong sponsor support from Vodafone, Microsoft, the New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB. This year EMA and Vero have joined the team of sponsors.

We're thrilled to have the support of these key New Zealand businesses, says Ms Trotman. Their confidence in the SME sector confirms just how important this sector is to our economy. SMEs make up over 96 per cent of all businesses in New Zealand. Theyre diverse, innovative and exciting.

So what will visitors experience at the expo?  The short answer is a long list of formal and informal opportunities to gain vital contacts and skills.

The Microsoft Seminar Series will again be one of the most popular attractions at the Small Business Expo (see page 32). Over 40 seminars are packed into the three days, with specialists providing real-world advice worth thousands of dollars on a wide range of topics.

Other major drawcards are the free Vodafone Business Mentoring and Vero Business Support Zone as well as access to free internet facilities at the YourBiz Cyber Caf.

Connecting mentors and businesses in need of their services is one feature of the new Maori Business Development Zone. A key exhibitor in the zone will be Maori development agency Te Puni Kokiris Business Facilitation Service, which connects Maori business owners with the right private or public sector organisation to meet their specific needs.

With so much on offer at the Small Business Expo, Sarah Trotman advises visitors to invest a day or more at the expo. The expo is a great opportunity to build your business significantly in just one day.