Events listed below are either of relevance to the local business community or are delivered or sponsored by the Local Buying Program or Local Buying Foundation.

ATO Fuel Response Payment Plan

Online  |  8 May 2026 - 30 Jun 2026

As an eligible taxpayer, you can access the ATO fuel response payment plan with the following conditions:

5 key negotiation habits for small business owners

Online  |  26 May 2026  |  12.00 - 1.00pm

Have you ever lowered your price too quickly, agreed when you wanted to push back, or walked away from a deal thinking you could’ve handled it better? You’re not alone, these situations are common for small business owners.

Running a business means negotiating constantly: with clients, suppliers, partners, contractors, and sometimes even your own team. When you’re balancing cashflow, deadlines and growth pressures, negotiation can feel uncomfortable or draining.

From chaos to control: delivering predictable maintenance shutdowns

Online  |  26 May 2026  |  2.00 - 2.45pm

The difference between maintenance shutdown control and chaos isn’t effort. It’s disciplined preparation, leadership capability, and real-time visibility when pressure builds.

Road Transport Reforms Update

Online  |  26 May 2026  |  12.00 - 1.00pm

Key topics include:

Create a Lean Business Plan

Online  |  26 May 2026  |  10.00am - 1.00pm

In the final workshop of the series, participants bring together information gained from the other workshops and their own research. Using their business development learner guide, participants will develop a lean business plan and showcase their business.

R&DTI program insights

Online  |  27 May 2026  |  12.30 - 1.30pm

This session will provide you with the latest information about administration of the R&DTI program.

Co-hosted by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the R&DTI program insights session is an opportunity to hear directly from program representatives on current priorities and future direction of the program.

Budgeting and Finance Strategy

Online  |  27 May 2026  |  4.00 - 7.00pm

Learn about basic financial management and budgeting for business at this workshop. During this session you will learn about key financial concepts and develop budgets using a specially designed spreadsheet budgeting tool.

Your Business and IBA

Online  |  28 May 2026  |  10.00am - 1.00pm

Do you have an idea for a business? Or are you just starting out and want to find out more? This info session is a great place to start!

Topics include:
• what is business, why go into business and are you ready
• business success, risks and challenges
• business preparation and planning
• developing and testing your business idea
• business essentials workshops and how they fit into your plan
• business development learner guide (supplied) and how to use it.
• IBA, your business and how we can help.

Marketing Fundamentals

Online  |  2 Jun 2026  |  4.00 - 7.00pm

At this workshop you will hear how applying the fundamental principles of marketing can help to increase awareness of your business and improve the potential for customers to buy from you.

Art of Negotiation

Online  |  2 Jun 2026  |  6.00 - 8.00pm

Working professionally in the arts and creative sector means communicating with a diverse range of people across an array of complicated circumstances. Any ordinary day could include managing a new professional relationship, negotiating your fees, umpiring an argument or setting better boundaries for the work. Much of the time, we have no clues or tools to help us at all!

An Introduction to WH&S

Online  |  2 Jun 2026  |  9.30am - 10.30am

During the seminar, SafeWork NSW Inspectors will provide an introductory overview to workplace health and safety, your rights and responsibilities, risk management and WHS topics including:

Cashflow clarity: money control for small business

Online  |  2 Jun 2026  |  12.00 - 1.00pm

Many business owners have financial reports, but not financial clarity. Even established businesses can feel exposed when cashflow is unpredictable. This session introduces a CEO-level approach to cashflow by turning your numbers into a practical model that supports better decisions. We’ll focus on the metrics that matter, the operational realities that influence cashflow, and how to strengthen financial stability without adding unnecessary complexity.

Mental Health at Work

Online  |  2 Jun 2026  |  12.00 - 1.00pm

Supporting mental health at work is both a legal obligation and a key part of maintaining a safe, productive workplace. With increasing focus on psychosocial risks, employers need to understand how to identify hazards, meet compliance requirements and take practical steps to support their people

2026 Business NSW Awards Masterclass

Online  |  3 Jun 2026  |  12.00 - 1.00pm

Learn how to create a strong, compelling entry that will stand out to the judges. Whether you are entering for the first time or returning to the program, this session will give you practical guidance, insider tips and real examples to help you write your submission with confidence. You will hear directly from two lead judges who will share tips on writing an award-winning entry.

AI chatbots: save time and humanise your automation

Online  |  9 Jun 2026  |  12.00 - 1.00pm

Small businesses spend hours answering the same questions, and while AI chatbots can help, they can also frustrate customers and harm trust. In this session, you’ll learn the core principles for implementing chatbots effectively, streamlining support while keeping interactions human and friendly.

Your Business and IBA

Online  |  9 Jun 2026  |  4.00 - 7.00pm

Do you have an idea for a business? Or are you just starting out and want to find out more? This info session is a great place to start!

Topics include:
• what is business, why go into business and are you ready
• business success, risks and challenges
• business preparation and planning
• developing and testing your business idea
• business essentials workshops and how they fit into your plan
• business development learner guide (supplied) and how to use it.
• IBA, your business and how we can help.

Building Blocks for Business Success

Online  |  11 Jun 2026  |  4.00 - 7.00pm

What is your business vision? Do you want to get a better understanding of the statutory and legal requirements that need to be considered when operating a business in Australia?  This workshop also introduces basic financial management concepts and tools used to run a business.

International Day of Women in Mining 2026 Global Celebration

Online  |  15 Jun 2026  |  9.30am - 11.30am

On 15 June each year, the mining industry celebrates the women who have been, are, and will be part of the sector. The International Day of Women in Mining (IDWIM) is a global campaign that unites the mining industry to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women in mining. This celebration aims to further empower women to share their passion for the industry, while also acknowledging the progress made on gender inclusion across the sector. The day represents a continued commitment to working collaboratively towards gender equity in mining.

The Reimagined Mine

Online  |  15 Jun 2026  |  2.00 - 3.00pm

This session will explore the breakthrough technologies redefining the industry, from AI and machine learning to integrated digital ecosystems. Discover how the next wave of innovation is shaping the future of mining and beyond.

Practical knowledge to reduce uncertainty

Online  |  16 Jun 2026  |  2.30 - 4.00pm

This session assumes a basic knowledge about the program and its legislation.

It will cover:

Marketing Fundamentals

Online  |  18 Jun 2026  |  4.00 - 7.00pm

At this workshop you will hear how applying the fundamental principles of marketing can help to increase awareness of your business and improve the potential for customers to buy from you.

Less Waste, More Metal: The solutions that work

Online  |  22 Jun 2026  |  2.00 - 2.45pm

Declining grades and increasing metallurgical complexity are often seen as unavoidable in modern mining—but they don’t have to be.

Discover how real-time process intelligence, enabled by current and emerging technologies such as online analysers, is helping operations make faster

Your Business and IBA

Online  |  23 Jun 2026  |  10.00am - 1.00pm

Do you have an idea for a business? Or are you just starting out and want to find out more? This info session is a great place to start!

Topics include:
• what is business, why go into business and are you ready
• business success, risks and challenges
• business preparation and planning
• developing and testing your business idea
• business essentials workshops and how they fit into your plan
• business development learner guide (supplied) and how to use it.
• IBA, your business and how we can help.

Tenders and Capability Statements

Singleton  |  23 Jun 2026  |  10.00am - 12.00pm

Tenders & Capability Statements What’s in store? Learn the ins and outs of creating tenders and capability statements to help secure your business’ next contract. With post session advisory support, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask.

An Introduction to WH&S

Online  |  24 Jun 2026  |  12.00 - 1.00pm

During the seminar, SafeWork NSW Inspectors will provide an introductory overview to workplace health and safety, your rights and responsibilities, risk management and WHS topics including:

Psychological Health and Safety for Small Business

Online  |  30 Jun 2026  |  10.00 - 11.00am

Every small business in NSW has a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace – including both physical and psychological wellbeing. It’s good business sense leading to higher productivity and reduced sick leave and staff turnover.

If you’re a small business owner looking to better understand psychological health and safety this introductory seminar is designed for you.

Budgeting and Finance Strategy

Online  |  30 Jun 2026  |  4.00 - 7.00pm

Learn about basic financial management and budgeting for business at this workshop. During this session you will learn about key financial concepts and develop budgets using a specially designed spreadsheet budgeting tool.

Business Financing

Online  |  30 Jun 2026  |  11.00am - 12.00pm

During this webinar you will discover:

An Introduction to WH&S

Online  |  8 Jul 2026  |  4.00 - 5.00pm

During the seminar, SafeWork NSW Inspectors will provide an introductory overview to workplace health and safety, your rights and responsibilities, risk management and WHS topics including:

Improving Workforce Performance in Underground Mining

Online  |  21 Jul 2026  |  2.00 - 3.00pm

Austmine Members will showcase how METS companies are supporting underground sites through practical workforce solutions, training, systems and on-site support.  Presentations will focus on real-world approaches to improving supervision, day-to-day execution and operational performance underground.

Deaing with Difficult People

Online  |  23 Jul 2026  |  11.00am - 12.00pm

During this webinar you will explore: