More than 20 Years of Supporting Small Business Owners
A new year has begun, and can you believe the first two months of 2025 have already flown by? As nearly five million people across parts of Queensland and New South Wales faced the devastation of a massive Category 2 cyclone, businesses and communities have been put to the test. This serves as a reminder to us all—are you prepared for the unexpected challenges that may come your way in business?
MBF: Working Tirelessly for Small Businesses
At MBF, we have been working around the clock, supporting new entrepreneurs, innovators, and small & micro-businesses through our Coffee Connects, forums, and mentoring programs. Our dedicated committee has met every month, planning exciting new forums and activities for 2025 to ensure we continue to provide valuable networking and professional development opportunities.
Busy Coffee Connects and Monthly Forum Sessions - Recap
In November 2024, we had the privilege of hosting Peta Pinson, who challenged us to rethink retirement and instead embrace the concept of “reinventing yourself.” Peta shared invaluable insights from her journey as the first female Mayor of Port Macquarie Hastings, offering a candid look at the highs and lows of community service. The session was filled with laughter, memories, and a strong dose of encouragement for a bright future in our region.
December 2024 brought us our much-anticipated Christmas celebration, marking the end of a productive and fulfilling year. Our gathering at Round & Round Coffee was the perfect way to unwind, reconnect, and celebrate our collective achievements.
Busy Coffee Connects and Monthly Forum Sessions - 2025
Kicking off 2025, our first forum session was held on Wednesday, 19 February, at the CSU Innovation Hub. Cindy Steer from Molokini Consulting delivered an inspiring presentation, equipping business owners with the tools and mindset needed to drive success in the year ahead. The session was packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies that left attendees feeling motivated and ready to tackle their goals.
Celebrating Barbara Smith’s Incredible Achievements
One of our proudest moments this year has been celebrating the outstanding achievements of MBF committee member and former President, Barbara Smith from the Roving Trainer. As the longest-serving MBF President (seven years), Barbara’s contributions to our community are truly remarkable. On 26 January 2025, she was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM), a well-deserved recognition of her decades of service and dedication.
Barbara’s volunteering journey began in 1970, coaching netball teams for Wentworthville Leagues Club and Wentworth RSL as a teenager. Coming from a family deeply rooted in community service, she has carried this passion forward throughout her life.
Together with her husband Laurie, Barbara played a pioneering role as a volunteer leading up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Since then, they have continued their involvement, assisting athletes and teams from Australia, Brazil, Kenya, and Ethiopia across five Olympic Games.
Closer to home, Barbara is a well-known figure in the Port Macquarie small business community. As MBF President for seven years and now a dedicated mentor, she has supported countless micro-business owners in overcoming challenges and building sustainable enterprises. Her leadership and passion have been instrumental in shaping MBF into the vibrant, supportive community it is today.
At MBF, we salute Barbara for her unwavering dedication, infectious enthusiasm, and commitment to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. She embodies the spirit of service, and we are incredibly grateful for her contributions.
Upcoming Events @ MBF
March 2025
March 2025 - Coffee Connect at Abundance Lakeside Cafe - 274 Rawdon Island Rd, Sancrox - Thursday 13 March 2025 at 10:00am. RSVP here.
MBF Forum - 19 March 2025 @ CSU Innovation hub - Wednesday 19 March 2025 - 5:30pm -7:30pm.
Numbers that Mean Business - Unlocking the Power of Numerology for Business Success
Register Buy Tickets Here
APRIL 2025
April 2025 - Coffee Connect at Bloom Cafe by Nor, 1/74 Clarence St, Port Macquarie - Thursday 10 April 2025 at 10:00am.
RSVP here.
MBF Forum - Weds 16 April - @ CSU Innovation hub - Wednesday 16 April 2025 - 5:30pm - 7.30pm
Buisness Health Checks - Take your Organisational Pulse
Membership Offers
Become an MBF member today! Be part of a team helping other microbusinesses in Port Macquarie Hastings region. Get free marketing by having your business listed with us on our website and Facebook page.
You can also renew your membership here.
DO YOU HAVE AN OFFER TO SHARE?
You might have a promotion or offer to share. If you are a member, We're happy to place it on our website and social media. Send your offers to membership@microbusinessforum.org.au
Looking Ahead
We are excited about what 2025 has in store for MBF. With a fantastic lineup of Coffee Connects, forums, and special events, we encourage all small business owners to join us. Spread the word—MBF is here to serve, support, and empower the small business community.
We wish you a successful and prosperous 2025. See you at our next event!
Micro Business Forum Facebook Group
Have you joined our MBF Facebook group? It's our private group where as an MBF member you can post your offer. Other small business owners can join and view posts in the group. It's a great place to boost your networking and let people get to know your business.
Edgard Lopez
President
Micro Business Forum
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