Best small business events and conferences in Australia

If you’re like me – balancing a million things, trying to stay competitive, and keen to grow – you might benefit from stepping away from your desk and into a room full of people who get what you’re going through. Australia is home to some excellent business events, designed specifically for small business owners. Whether you're looking to sharpen your accounting skills, find new clients, or just soak up some inspiration, there’s something out there for you.

Here’s a detailed guide to the best small business events and conferences happening across Australia in 2025.

1. Small Business Expo Australia

Location: Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne
Timing: Held on different dates throughout the year
Website: smallbusinessexpos.com.au

This is hands down one of the most grassroots, practical business expos I’ve attended. What I love most is that it’s completely geared towards micro and small business operators – think local retailers, consultants, tradies, wellness practitioners, and creative professionals. The focus isn’t on theory – it’s on taking action.

When I visited the Gold Coast edition, I saw dozens of business owners selling products, building new referral partnerships, and learning how to better market their services. Entry is usually free for attendees, and affordable exhibitor options mean it’s a great starting point if you want to showcase what you do.

Expect workshops on:

• How to promote your business on a tight budget
• Setting prices with confidence
• Online sales funnels and customer engagement

If you're just starting out or looking to build local traction, this expo should be on your list.

2. Business Chicks

Location: Events in major cities, plus online
Timing: Throughout the year, with major summits in Sydney and Melbourne
Website: businesschicks.com.au

Business Chicks has grown into one of the most powerful communities for female-led businesses in Australia. Although originally built for women, many of the events attract a mixed audience – all united by the ambition to grow and create something meaningful.

I attended the 9 to Thrive Summit in Sydney and found it incredibly uplifting. It wasn’t just about business tactics – it was about building resilience, nurturing confidence, and overcoming the self-doubt that often comes with being a founder.

Key themes include:

• Personal branding and business visibility
• Creating impact through purpose-led business models
• Mental health and burnout for entrepreneurs

The speakers tend to be a mix of celebrity founders, high-growth entrepreneurs, and experts in leadership, wellness, and mindset. If you're after more than spreadsheets and KPIs – and want to reconnect with why you started your business – this is the place to do it.

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3. B2B Expo

Location: Sydney and Melbourne
Timing: March (Melbourne), August (Sydney)
Website: b2bexpo.com.au

This is the ultimate conference for businesses that sell to other businesses. If you’re in SaaS, professional services, B2B eCommerce, or consulting, this expo is built for you. It features hundreds of exhibitors and multiple speaker streams, covering everything from customer acquisition to government grants.

When I attended the Melbourne edition, I was impressed by how practical the content was. Rather than high-level strategy, it was focused on execution. I sat in on a session that showed step-by-step how to implement CRM tools to reduce churn – I put it into action the following week and noticed a difference almost immediately.

What to expect:

• Insight into emerging B2B tech and platforms
• Workshops on lead generation and client retention
• Access to government support initiatives and grants

It’s also a brilliant event for partnerships. Many of the businesses attending are looking for service providers – whether that’s digital marketing, payroll software, or business coaching.

4. StartUp Grind Australia

Location: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide
Timing: Local monthly events + annual conference
Website: startupgrind.com

Startup Grind is a global network of entrepreneurs and investors, but its Australian chapters feel refreshingly local. I’ve been to events in both Melbourne and Sydney, and what stood out was the honesty in the conversations. Founders talk about their failures just as much as their wins.

While it’s known for being tech-friendly, Startup Grind isn’t limited to software startups. The sessions often include discussions about scaling service-based businesses, getting early traction, and building great teams – lessons that apply to any small business.

Why it’s worth attending:

• Intimate Q&A sessions with successful entrepreneurs
• Networking with early-stage business owners and investors
• Exposure to venture trends and funding options

It’s particularly useful if you’re in growth mode and need help navigating the leap from solo operator to employer or scale-up.

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5. The Entourage Business Summit

Location: Sydney
Timing: Typically held mid-year
Website: the-entourage.com

If you’re already running a business and are serious about scaling it, The Entourage’s events offer a level of depth that’s hard to beat. Jack Delosa and his team focus on turning founders into leaders and businesses into systems-driven operations.

I attended a growth summit focused on sales, systems, and people. I left with a clear action plan for hiring, delegating, and building more predictable revenue. It completely changed how I approached planning and growth.

Key takeaways include:

• How to turn service delivery into repeatable processes
• The importance of forecasting and cash flow in growth
• Leadership habits that support sustainable scale

This is ideal for business owners with existing revenue who are now trying to grow their team, customer base or product lines.

6. MYOB Partner Connect

Location: Sydney or Melbourne (varies)
Timing: Annually
Website: myob.com

While it’s primarily aimed at accountants and bookkeepers, MYOB Partner Connect is worth considering if you're a finance-savvy business owner or curious about better tools for managing money.

The sessions are deeply focused on accounting, tax automation, and financial clarity. I’ve walked away with tips that helped me get a better handle on cash flow and year-end tax planning. It’s also a great place to learn about tools like Thriday that help automate admin tasks and reduce manual data entry.

What makes it valuable:

• Insights into accounting best practices for small business
• Access to finance tech providers and partners
• Updates on tax changes from experts

Even if you’re not an MYOB user, the exposure to financial best practices makes it worth your time.

7. NORA Network (Retail & eCommerce)

Location: Sydney
Timing: Various events across the year
Website: nora.org.au

For anyone in eCommerce, retail or logistics, the National Online Retailers Association (NORA) hosts some of the sharpest events in the country. From breakfast roundtables to larger-scale summits, they gather the decision-makers and disruptors in retail and tech.

When I went to their eCommerce Innovation event, I heard directly from category managers at major retailers about what they look for in new brands. That kind of access is rare. If you're trying to scale a product-based business, I strongly recommend attending at least one NORA session this year.

Key benefits:

• Learn from major online retailers and marketplaces
• Network with logistics, payment, and fulfilment experts
• Stay ahead of trends in mobile commerce and customer experience

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8. SXSW Sydney

Location: Sydney
Timing: October
Website: sxswsydney.com

South by Southwest (SXSW) isn’t your typical business event – it’s a cultural, creative and innovation festival. But for forward-thinking founders, it’s a goldmine. The Sydney version includes a dedicated business innovation stream that dives deep into emerging trends.

I found the topics to be broader than just small business – but that was a good thing. It helped me think differently about growth, customer experience, and long-term strategy. Speakers range from startup founders to global thinkers.

Expect content on:

• Artificial intelligence and automation
• Sustainability and social entrepreneurship
• Creative business models for modern consumers

If you’re looking to stretch your thinking and meet people beyond your usual circles, this is the event for you.

9. CPA Australia Small Business Forums

Location: National (capital cities and regional areas)
Timing: Check your local CPA chapter
Website: cpaaustralia.com.au

If financial literacy is something you want to improve (and it should be), these forums are a practical starting point. The sessions are designed for non-accountants and cover topics like BAS lodgement, GST rules, and superannuation – all delivered in plain English.

I attended one in Victoria that focused on managing cash flow, and it helped me avoid a few costly mistakes. There’s no fluff – just real advice from experts who’ve worked with businesses just like yours.

10. Virtual events for small business

Sometimes, attending in person isn’t possible. Fortunately, there are now high-quality virtual events and webinars that cater to small businesses.

My top picks include:

• NSW Small Business Month – Free sessions with local advisers and subject matter experts
• ATO Webinars – Essential if you want to understand tax, PAYG, or deductions
• Thriday live demos – Learn how to automate accounting, bookkeeping and tax from one platform

The benefit of these is accessibility. You can watch them in your own time, from wherever you are.

Final thoughts

Running a small business can feel isolating – but you’re not alone. These events are a reminder that support, ideas and momentum are always within reach. I’ve made invaluable connections, picked up money-saving tactics, and re-ignited my passion at events like these. My advice? Don’t treat event attendance as a luxury – treat it as an investment.

And if you’re looking for a way to save time and cut back on admin so you can actually attend events like these, check out Thriday. It’s an all-in-one financial management platform that automates banking, accounting and tax – and it’s built to help founders focus on what matters.