Welcome speeches and opening remarks – Chair, President & CEO, Incoming Chair/ Host
Welcome to Country ceremony, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land.
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
The role of government is critical in supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a sustainable future.
Federal Ministers for Small Business and the Environment have been invited and attendance is pending the Federal election.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Keynote address by Platinum sponsor
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Morning tea and networking
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Closing the loop: Realising the opportunities of a circular economy
The Australian Government has committed to achieving a circular economy by 2030. This keynote presentation will discuss how we overcome the economic and regulatory barriers so that we can realise the opportunities for business, the economy and consumers. Hear from Jo Chong, the Presiding Commissioner from the Productivity Commission on its inquiry into the circular economy and its interim report released in March 2025.
Microrecycling and the circular economy: Empowering small businesses to transform waste into value
Businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors, generate waste of some kind. For the sake of business, consumers, productivity growth and the planet, we need to redefine waste as an input to value creation. Professor Sahajwalla is at the forefront of innovation in how we can turn waste into value through microrecycling and the circular economy.
Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO
02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Small business success: Collaboration is the key
Collaboration is at the heart of small business success, and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is excited to moderate the panel "Small Business Success: Collaboration is the Key."
In 2024, COSBOA and our panellists’ organisations produced key research reports on the critical factors shaping small business – from innovative payment solutions and financial stability to energy efficiency. This session will explore the findings and practical strategies that are driving real change for small businesses.
As the peak body for small businesses across Australia, COSBOA is excited to lead this important conversation.
Luke Achterstraat
CEO, COSBOA
Shaun Stevens
General Manager Small Business NSW/ACT, Commonwealth Bank
Marco Lamantia
Executive Director, Square Australia
Brendan French
CEO, Energy Consumers Australia
03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Afternoon tea and networking
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Climate reporting: What you didn’t realise you need to know
The introduction of global standards and national requirements for sustainability reporting means that SMEs will be swept into Scope 3 measuring and reporting if they want to continue to be part of the supply chain of larger businesses. What does this actually mean and what needs to be done. Hear from Nick Kamper and get a head start from this must-attend session.
Nick Kamper
Founder and CEO, Purpose Bureau
04:30 PM - 04:45 PM
Closing remarks for Day 1
Key takeaways from Day 1 and a preview of Day 2, highlighting the importance of small businesses in driving a sustainable future.
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Networking drinks and canapes, Hyatt Regency
Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and network with fellow attendees at the Hyatt Regency.
08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration and welcome
Welcome tea and coffee
09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Innovating for the planet: The role of eco-technology and sustainable solutions
Hear from Dr Humphreys, a successful entrepreneur across science, technology, and the clean energy industries on how he built many award winning eco-technology start ups. Dr Humphreys has pioneered low-carbon technology solutions and renewable energy in Australia and internationally for over 35 years. His inventions include an advanced recycling platform which is a circular solution for problem plastic, with further innovations in battery technology being used around the world. Come away feeling truly inspired.
Dr Len Humphreys
Executive Chairman and Co-founder, Licella Holdings
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Morning tea and networking
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship In Australia: Lessons From Those Who Do It Better
This panel will explore strategies to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in Australia and elsewhere, drawing lessons from countries with high entrepreneurial activity including Switzerland and the US. The discussion will address the challenges faced by many entrepreneurs, including the high failure rate of start ups, and explore ways to foster a more supportive environment for innovation and risk-taking.
Ki-Chan Kim
Professor of management, Catholic University of Korea
Rico J. Baldegger
Professor, Sawyer Business School, Suffolk University & President Swiss Sustainability Foundation
Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy
Deputy chair of the Department of Management and teaching professor of management, George Washington University School of Business
Michael McDonald
Founder & Managing Director, mdp Law
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Sleepwalking into a big corporate economy: Reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit in Australia
Drawing on the ASBFEO's report "Energising enterprise: 14 Steps to Boost Australia's Small and Family Businesses," this address will examine the shrinking small business sector in Australia. The Hon Bruce Billson will discuss the concerning trend of declining small business contributions to GDP and employment, and the challenges faced by small businesses, including profitability. He will offer insights into reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit and fostering a thriving small business ecosystem. Many countries are facing a shrinking small business sector, so there are insights for everyone.
The Hon Bruce Billson
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) and former Cabinet Minister for Small Business
12:30 PM - 01:30 PM
Innovating for Earth: How space technology can drive sustainable entrepreneurship
In this thought-provoking session from one of Australia’s extraordinary entrepreneurs, explore how the challenges and innovations of space can serve as a powerful metaphor for the journey of small businesses striving to adopt sustainable practices while navigating a complex world of regulation, economic uncertainty, skills shortages and much more. Both in space and in business, the same attributes are needed – ingenuity, collaboration, resilience, risk taking, resourcefulness, being forward-thinking and reaching for the stars.
James Palmer
Founder and CEO, Space Centre Australia
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Lunch and networking
02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Sustainability in start ups: A case study from Germany
This session will explore new forms of start ups, debunking some of the myths around rapid growth. Instead, the concept of sustainability in start ups is worth considering. One example is family businesses which can be established as start ups with a focus on long term impact, team cohesion and sustainability, rather than just quick growth. Hear from a young German entrepreneur sharing his insights on building a successful start up and doing it his way.
Falk Appold
Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter, Spaca Group
03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Afternoon tea and networking
03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Funding the green transition: Practical financing solutions for sustainable business
This panel will explore the latest trends in responsible financing and investment, with a focus on innovative funding mechanisms, investment strategies and financial tools and products that empower and enable businesses to adopt sustainable practices. It will also discuss whether financial institutions are ready to assist businesses to make the green transition and take advantage of future opportunities.
Panellists to be announced
04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing remarks
Please note: times, topics and events may be subject to change depending on availability and unforeseen factors.
