PRESS RELEASE: Australia’s Largest Free SME Event Returns to Melbourne with More Support Than Ever
Australia’s Leading B2B Event for Small and Medium Businesses Returns, Featuring the Largest SME Expo, Expert-Led Workshops, Daily Sessions, and a Dedicated Government Pavilion to Unlock Key Support and Solutions for Business Growth
MELBOURNE – As small businesses across Australia continue to grapple with rising costs, talent shortages, and the ever-evolving digital landscape, SmallBiz Week 2025 returns to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on April 29–30, offering essential tools, strategies, and insights to help SMEs navigate these challenges and unlock new opportunities.
In its fourth year, SmallBiz Week is Australia’s largest B2B event tailored specifically to the small and medium-sized business sector. The event will explore the key issues shaping the SME landscape and provide solutions to help businesses thrive in today’s competitive environment.
“As economic pressures and rapid technological changes continue to affect SMEs, SmallBiz Week has become an essential platform for business owners to access the resources, connections, and expertise needed to grow and adapt,” said Ray Evans, CEO of the Australian Business Forum. “This year, we’re focusing on how to empower the backbone of the Australian economy through practical tools and forward-thinking strategies.”
The SME Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
SMEs are the driving force behind Australia’s economy, employing over 5 million people and contributing significantly to GDP. However, small business owners are facing increased operational difficulties in 2025:
– 65% of business owners report facing operational challenges early in 2025
– 43% cite inflation as a major concern
– 38% are worried about the potential for a recession
– 39% find it difficult to stand out in a market increasingly shaped by AI and automation
Despite these obstacles, optimism remains high, with half of all surveyed businesses expressing a positive outlook for the year ahead, driven by the promise of digital tools, automation, and innovation as key enablers of growth.
Why SmallBiz Week is More Important Than Ever
In a rapidly shifting business landscape, SmallBiz Week 2025 offers a vital space for SME leaders to connect, learn, and adapt.
New for 2025: Key Themes
– 150+ exhibitors, sponsors, and speakers showcasing tailored solutions for SMEs across technology, finance, marketing, and HR.
– Dozen daily, free-to-attend SmallBiz Sessions on the main stage featuring expert insights on key business challenges.
– 3 Dedicated workshop providers – Constant Contact, Zoho, and Booked Solid – delivering workshops on marketing, AI, and automation.
– Networking Opportunities: Connect with other business owners, suppliers, and potential partners who share your challenges and goals.
– AI & Digital transformation for SMEs: Learn how AI tools are revolutionising customer service, HR, marketing, and business operations.
– Financial growth: Exploring new funding options, improving cash flow, and controlling business costs.
– Talent & retention: Developing smarter hiring strategies to attract and retain skilled workers in a competitive market.
Government Pavilion: Unlocking New Support for SMEs
For the first time, SmallBiz Week 2025 will feature a dedicated Government Pavilion, offering SMEs direct access to key government agencies such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), IP Australia, and the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. This dedicated space will provide valuable resources and guidance on navigating compliance, tax, and funding opportunities.
Boost Your Business: Marketing Workshops at SmallBiz Week 2025
Join us for expert-led workshops at SmallBiz Week 2025, where marketing and AI technology leaders from Constant Contact, Zoho, and Booked Solid will equip you with the tools to grow your business with ease. Whether you’re new to AI or digital marketing or looking to optimise your strategies, these workshops will provide actionable insights to streamline your efforts and drive growth.
What You’ll Learn:
– Streamline marketing, customer service and HR with automation for email, social media, and bookings
– Harness AI to manage customer queries and improve customer experience
– Discover practical strategies for effective, budget-friendly digital marketing and customer service
Event Details:
– Melbourne: April 29–30, 2025
– Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
– Register Now for Free: www.smallbizweek.com.au
About SmallBiz Week
SmallBiz Week is Australia’s largest and most influential B2B event for small business owners, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs. Organised by the Australian Business Forum, the event connects small business owners with industry leaders, provides access to innovative tools and solutions, and fosters meaningful networking opportunities. Following the Melbourne event, SmallBiz Week will make its way to Sydney at the International Convention Centre (ICC) from August 7-8th 2025.
