Building Business Resilience - Essential Planning Workshops for Coffs

Published on 14 October 2021

Local business owners have faced several significant challenges in recent times – the impacts of bushfires, flooding, increased cyber-crime and of course, the COVID pandemic. We can’t predict what might hit us next, but businesses CAN plan and prepare for the unexpected.

To assist businesses, Council’s 6 Degrees team and Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce are collaborating to deliver the final instalment of the Festival of New Thinking – free Business Resilience workshops at Opal Cove on Wednesday, October 27.

The Festival of New Thinking has been aimed at helping business people, creatives and entrepreneurs across the Coffs Coast to think differently, apply innovative ideas and create long-term business growth.

“Ensuring your business is resilient is more important than ever, and continuity planning is something every owner or manager should implement. Research shows companies with a business continuity plan recover faster and more effectively. And we want our local businesses to have all of the tools they need to be prepared,” explained Nicole McLennan, Coffs Harbour City Council’s Section Leader, Industry and Destination Development (Acting).

This expanded program provides three in-depth workshops delivered by experts in their fields – attendees can register for one or more of the sessions:

Continuity Planning – 9am. Presented by Tim Donovan and Chris Morris-Barrow from Port-Macquarie-based consultancy ‘Warrgambi’, who are experts in business risk and continuity planning. Tim and Chris will help identify the top threats to your business and demonstrate the easy-to-use tools and templates for implementing planning.

Healthy Mindsets and Workplaces – 1pm. Delivered by Emily Dever and Jo Facey from CHESS Connect, this workshop presents a fresh and innovative approach to mental health for business owners. By building resilience and mental fitness you and your team will be better equipped to manage challenges, plan for change and support a culture of positive wellbeing.

Finding New Markets and Customers – 2.30pm. Presented by Scotty Schindler and Courtney Tune from Alt-Collective. Renowned business coach Scotty Schindler will share the tools and strategies he uses to uncover new markets and customers – which is exactly what your business needs at times when the market shifts or you want to be a first mover.

Attendees will also hear from a wide range of service providers to help identify and plan for risks to various businesses. This will include guidance for emergency preparations, legal risks and insurance, government support, and physical and online safety.

People from businesses of all types and sizes across the Coffs Coast are welcome to attend this free event. There will be plenty of time to speak directly with service providers and ask questions, as well as network with other business attendees over refreshments.

6 degrees is an initiative of Coffs Harbour City Council supporting innovation, start-ups and business growth. Find out more at 6degreesco.com.au.

What: Business Resilience – FESTIVAL OF NEW THINKING
When: Wednesday 27 October from 9am to 5.00pm
Where: Opal Cove Resort
Cost: FREE
Registration: 6degreesco.com.au/festival-of-new-thinking

Please note: the workshop is subject to relevant NSW Health-issued Public Health Orders and will be postponed if required.