2026 Small Business Skills Summit
One Day. Six Expert Sessions. Practical Skills and Useful Connections.
Running a small business means there is always something that needs your attention.
You are making decisions, watching the numbers, marketing the business, looking after customers, improving systems, and trying to keep up with what is changing.
The Small Business Skills Summit gives you a day to step away from the day-to-day and look at your business with fresh eyes.
Join us at the Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne in Richmond for a full day of practical learning, fresh ideas, networking and real conversations with people who understand small business.
Across six expert sessions, you will explore different aspects of running, strengthening, and growing a business, with ideas you can take away and use.
This is not a day of vague inspiration.
It is for small business owners who want to learn, ask questions, make useful connections, and leave feeling clearer about what deserves their attention next.
What You Can Expect
Across the day, our experts will share practical ideas and real-world knowledge around areas such as:
- Making stronger business decisions
- Understanding what is happening inside your business
- Building stronger foundations
- Improving the way your business runs
- Creating more visibility and marketing momentum
- Keeping up with tools and technology
- Working out what comes next
The aim is not to give you more things to do.
It is to help you see what matters for your business now and what your next move could be.
Networking Is Built Into the Day
There will be time throughout the day to meet people, have conversations and make useful connections.
You will be able to connect during morning tea, networking breaks, lunch, table conversations and informal conversations with experts and other attendees.
You do not need to arrive knowing anyone or be a confident networker.
Bring your business cards. There will be plenty of opportunities to use them.
What the Day Includes
Registration, morning tea and opening networking begin at 8:30 am.
The summit starts promptly at 9:00 am and finishes at 5:00 pm.
Your ticket includes:
- Six 50-minute expert sessions
- Morning tea on arrival
- Morning and afternoon networking breaks
- Lunch and afternoon tea
- Expert panel and audience Q&A
- Practical action planning
- Time to connect with speakers and other business owners
Who Is This Event For?
The Small Business Skills Summit is for small business owners at all stages.
You may be a solo business owner, consultant, coach, creative, service provider, local business owner, startup founder or running an established business.
You may be building, growing, changing direction or simply wanting to strengthen the way your business runs.
You just need to be ready to learn, connect and take action.
Book Your Ticket
The first 30 seats are available at the early bird rate of $197 per person.
Bring a buddy during the early bird period for $354 for two people.
Once the early bird period closes, full-rate tickets are $247 per person, or $397 for two.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the event being held?
Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne, Richmond
What time does the summit start?
Registration, morning tea and networking begin at 8:30 am.
The summit starts promptly at 9:00 am, so please arrive early enough to register and be seated before the first session begins.
Is parking available?
Yes. Parking is available at the Amora Hotel Riverwalk Melbourne for $25 for the day.
Can I come on my own?
Absolutely! You do not need to know anyone before you arrive. Networking is built into the day, with plenty of opportunities to meet other business owners and make useful connections.
Why bring a buddy?
Business events can be even better when you have someone beside you to bounce ideas off, compare notes with and keep the momentum going afterwards.
Your buddy might be a business friend, collaborator, team member, partner or another business owner who needs a day like this.
Will the sessions be recorded?
No.
The Small Business Skills Summit is designed as an in-room experience. The best way to get the value from the day is to be there, take part, ask questions and connect with the people in the room.
Will I be able to speak with the presenters?
Yes.
The presenters will be part of the full day, with opportunities to connect during breaks, lunch, networking and informal conversations.
Are dietary requirements catered for?
Yes.
Please provide your dietary requirements when booking so we can pass them on to the venue.
What should I bring?
Bring something to take notes with, your questions and plenty of business cards.
What happens if I can no longer attend?
We understand that sometimes things happen and plans need to change. Refunds are available with at least 30 days’ notice and a valid reason, however a simple change of mind is not covered.
We’ve kept ticket pelcome to transfer your ticket to someone else.rices as lean as possible to make the event accessible, so if you can no longer attend, you’re also very w
Can I promote my business at the event?
You are encouraged to talk about your business, share what you do and bring business cards.
We simply ask that attendees do not set up displays, hand out bulk promotional material or actively sell around the room.
