Exploring Self-Employment Hybrid Workshop
Kickstart your business journey with our 4-day hybrid workshop, combining the best of in-person and online learning. With some sessions delivered in Cairns, Atherton, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa, and Hervey Bay—and a variety of sessions offered online for greater accessibility—this program is ideal for anyone considering self-employment, looking to validate a business idea, or wanting to understand what it takes to start and grow a successful business in Australia.
Workshop Highlights:
- Explore if business is right for you
- Develop your business idea
- Create a real-world business plan
- Learn the legal & financial foundations
- Master digital marketing & AI tools
- Connect with experienced business mentors
- Network with like-minded people
Benefits:
- Free to attend
- In-person & online delivery
- Experienced mentors
- Flexible learning structure
- Practical tools & templates
- Peer networking opportunities
Interested?
Express your interest in an upcoming workshop below.
Session Details
Session 1: Welcome & Foundations
Focus: Orientation and Setting Intentions
Housekeeping, introductions, AoC, disclaimer
Overview of the ESEW and SEA program
Workshop mission/vision
Participant goal setting and reflections
Icebreakers and connection activities
Session 2: Exploring Self-Employment in Australia
Focus: Context and Case Studies
Self-employment trends in Australia
Pros and cons of starting a business
Real stories: case studies and simulations
Self-reflection: Is business right for me?
Session 3: From Idea to Opportunity
Focus: Business Idea Development
Identifying and evaluating viable business ideas
Purpose-driven business design
Business ethics and sustainability
Crafting your elevator pitch
Session 4: Understanding Your Market
Focus: Customer Discovery
Identifying your target market
Customer personas and behaviors
Researching competition and trends
Market validation activities (surveys, interviews)
Session 5: Planning for Success
Focus: The Business Plan & Viability
Components of a business plan
Forecasting for viability
Tools: Lean Canvas, SWOT
Linking plan to action and decision-making
Session 6: Business Essentials & Legal Setup
Focus: Business Legals and Foundations
Choosing a business structure
Registering an ABN/business name
Permits and licenses
Legal obligations for operating in Australia
Session 7: Getting Online – Part 1
Focus: Digital Basics
Setting up a digital presence
Cybersecurity and online safety
Productivity and admin tools
Introduction to online service delivery
Session 8: Getting Online – Part 2
Focus: Websites & SEO
Essentials of a small business website
Domains, hosting, DIY vs hiring
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) fundamentals
Trust signals and online professionalism
Session 9: Online Visibility & Ads
Focus: Marketing in the Digital Age
Creating a digital footprint
Social media platforms overview
Digital advertising basics (Google & Meta)
Choosing platforms based on your audience.
Session 10: Leveraging AI in Small Business
Focus: Exploring AI for Efficiency and Creativity
What AI is and how it’s changing small business
Tools for content creation, scheduling, planning
Using ChatGPT and other tools live
Ethics, limitations, and practical tips
Session 11: Protecting Your Business Idea
Focus: Intellectual Property (IP) & Brand Protection
Copyright, trademarks, and design rights
Protecting your brand and content
Confidentiality and contracts
Tools and services from IP Australia
Session 12: Understanding Finances – Part 1
Focus: Budgeting & Tax Essentials
Business vs personal finances
Creating a budget and pricing products/services
ATO obligations: ABN, GST, PAYG
When and how to register for GST
Record keeping and compliance basics
Session 13: Understanding Finances – Part 2
Focus: Cash Flow & Financial Tools
Cash flow planning
Managing invoices and payments
Choosing and using bookkeeping systems
BAS and tax time prep
Engaging a bookkeeper or accountant
Session 14: Funding & Commercial Operations
Focus: Growing with Confidence
Finding and applying for grants
Loans, crowdfunding, and alternate finance
Commercial leasing basics
Insurance and business risk considerations
Session 15: Marketing & Branding Essentials
Focus: Creating a Memorable Brand
Branding principles
Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
Marketing strategies on a budget
Consistent messaging across channels
Session 16: Sales & Customer Relationships
Focus: Driving Revenue & Retention
Building your sales process
Customer journey mapping
Relationship and reputation management
Customer feedback systems
Session 17: Building and Managing a Team
Focus: People and Compliance
Hiring employees vs contractors
Essential HR documents and obligations
Workplace health & safety basics
Inclusion and accessibility in hiring
Session 18: Scaling and Managing Risk
Focus: Planning for Growth
Systems and automation for scaling
Risk management plans
Business continuity
Delegation and outsourcing
Session 19: Entrepreneurial Mindset & Productivity
Focus: Building Inner Strength
Growth mindset and resilience
Overcoming fear of failure
Time and energy management
Productivity strategies and habits
Session 20: Community & Connection
Focus: Building Relationships and Support
Business networking strategies
Local and national support networks
Mentoring, peer learning, and collaboration
Leveraging partnerships
Session 21: Business Idea Clinics & Feedback
Focus: Pitch Practice & Peer Review
Optional business idea pitches
Peer or mentor feedback
Refinement tips and advice
Personal reflection and prep for next steps (in separate session)
