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The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) has welcomed the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) as its newest council member. This partnership marks a pivotal step in amplifying the voices of small businesses within the vibrant business events sector, which contributes an estimated $36 billion annually to the Australian economy.

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 for the nation.

Luke Achterstraat, Chief Executive of COSBOA enthused "welcoming ABEA into the COSBOA network is another step forward in our mission to support small businesses. The business events sector includes dynamic suppliers, organisers and venues that manage and deliver conferences, exhibitions, and meetings each year, which are vital to our economy and community. By working together, we can better address the unique challenges faced by small businesses in this sector, such as reducing administrative burdens and industrial relations amendments.

"The connecting of our organisations will enable us to present a united front to government and policymakers, ensuring that the needs of small businesses in this sector, as well as others, are heard and addressed.”

Melissa Brown, Chief Executive of ABEA, highlighted the benefits of joining COSBOA for their members noting "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.”

COSBOA will extend its programs 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.

For more about COSBOA’s members, visit: www.cosboa.org.au/members 

For more about ABEA, visit: www.abea.org.au 

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