Research into performance for small business owners.

Macquarie University is currently undertaking a research project on sustainable performance in the small business sector, particularly those small businesses involved in service industries, and is seeking the input of small business owners in a survey. The aim of the research is to improve the University's understanding of performance measurement practices in this area and highlight areas for improvement in terms of the development of relevant and unique performance measurement frameworks for small service businesses.

Most performance measurement tools have been developed using large corporations' data as sampling material, and this information is not always appropriate or applicable to small businesses. The survey will ask you about your current performance management practices. If you have up to 20 employees we encourage you to complete the survey, as the resultant research and findings may be of assistance to your business. A link to the survey will be sent out to all members shortly.

What works for big businesses doesn't always translate well to small ones. This research should come up with some very interesting results. Stay tuned!

Ryde is Stepping Up for young entrepreneurs

Calling all young entrepreneurs!

Starting a new business offers both excitement and challenge. Do you have a plan for the next phase of growth and success?

If you are a young entrepreneur (ie up to age 35 but exceptions can be made) and have operated your business for two years or more, you will be thrilled to learn that the NSW Government subsidised Stepping Up Mentoring Program is coming to Ryde in 2009.

Stepping Up is a program that helps small business owners grow and succeed and to build profits, jobs and exports. The program is subsidised by NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD) www.smallbiz.nsw.gov.au.

Stepping Up Ryde will help young entrepreneurs to update their business plans for growth and success and to better equip them to face the highly competitive, technologically savvy, global and green ‘new economy’.

Stepping Up Ryde is designed for busy people. Short breakfast workshops, group coaching, one-on-one expert mentoring and self paced e-learning is an ideal blend to give you the learning you need with minimum impact on your business.

Stepping Up Ryde will kick-off in late September during Small Business Month. The program will run over 8 weeks in the Ryde/Macquarie Park area from October 20 to December 9, 2009.

Stepping Up Ryde has four (4) core components.

Eight (8) hrs of workshops on current business growth issues facilitated Greg Jenkins of TinCAN Learning

Eight (8) hrs of group coaching where participants consolidate their knowledge, network with like minded entrepreneurs and learn from each other

Ten (10) hrs of one-on-one mentoring with an experienced business person who is a “voice of experience”

Self directed e-learning via a web based course management system with hundreds of valuable links and resources

As a young entrepreneur, you will pay only $250 plus GST after a massive government subsidy of $750. Places are limited. If you know of anyone who would benefit from this program, do pass this information to them. It’s a fantastic offer.

Stepping Up Ryde is supported by Ryde Business Forum, City of Ryde, Macquarie Park Rotary and the NSW Government.

Information for both participants and prospective mentors is available from Greg Jenkins on 9874 0418 or 0418 486 501 | greg@tincanlearning.com | www.tincanlearning.com

Fair Work

Hi Folks,

As you are aware the new Fair Work legislation is in place. How do you think this will affect your workplace? Has it already had an effect? If you are a business owner, is Fair Work good or bad for you?

Sabrina

Ryde Business Forum

info@rydebusiness.com.au