LOCAL EXPERTS. PRACTICAL ANSWERS. SMARTER BUSINESS. 
Wednesday 14th October 2026  I  3pm - 5pm  I  Picton Civic Centre
BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY!  

Bring the question that is keeping your business stuck 

You don’t need another afternoon filled with vague business inspiration.

You need practical answers from people who understand marketing, sales, artificial intelligence, business planning, coaching, leadership and the realities of building something from the ground up.

THRIVE brings those people together in one room.

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Submit your question before the event, hear it explored by our expert panel and connect directly with people, programs and resources that could help you take your next step [SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE]

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Come with a question. Leave with greater clarity, useful connections and something practical you can act on.

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How much does the event cost? 

$12 for Self-Employed and Employed Workers

Free for Job Seekers [Evidence upon entry will be required]​

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What happens at THRIVE? 

Ask real questions: 

Submit your business question before the event or ask it during the live panel discussion. We will direct it to the expert best placed to help.

Hear practical answers

Our experts will share useful advice, honest experiences and the lessons they have learned through doing the work & not simply talking about it.

Discover smarter ways to work

Explore practical uses of AI, stronger marketing, emotionally intelligent sales, business planning tools, mentoring, coaching and available self-employment support.

Make valuable connections

Meet local business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, experienced professionals and organisations that support small business.

Find your next step

You may leave with a new contact, a better pathway, a useful resource, a clearer plan or an opportunity you did not know existed.

 

Who should attend?

THRIVE is for you if:

• You have a business idea but do not know where to begin.

• You have started a business and need practical direction.

• Your business is operating, but something is keeping you stuck.

• You want to use AI without becoming overwhelmed by it.

• Your marketing is not producing the results you need.

• You want to become more confident and effective in sales.

• You need better planning, systems or business structure.

• You want to know what local programs, coaching and support are available.

• You are ready to meet people who could help you move forward.

You do not need to have everything worked out before you attend. That is the point.

 

Meet the experts

Rachel McKay | Build with Rach

Practical AI for Business 

www.buildwithrach.com.au 

Rachel will explore how small businesses can use AI to save time, organise ideas, develop content and complete work that may once have required significantly more time or money.

This is practical AI for real businesses—not complicated technology for the sake of it.

Michael Quinn | Quinn M&A

Accounting and Law Specialists 

www.quinns.com.au 

Michael has 30 years experience as a Chartered Accountant and 20 years as a practising Lawyer, with some incredible life experiences through his career, he will offer sound guidance on those difficult questions we struggle to face in business.

Take this opportunity to leverage the knowledge and skills of a professional who holds the answers. 

Phinemm Nelson I  Vocalise Academy 

Mentoring and Community Coaching 

www.vocaliseacademy.com.au

Phinemm brings experience in mentoring, coaching and helping people recognise their strengths, work through challenges and turn their ideas into meaningful action.

Phi will offer a supportive perspective on confidence, connection and moving forward with purpose.

Amanda Dennis & Kirsti Reynolds  I  RubyOnyx Marketing & Creative

Marketing and Brand Strategy 

www.rubyonyx.com.au

RubyOnyx helps businesses build brands that are clear, considered and memorable.

Their expertise covers branding, marketing strategy, digital media, social media, websites and the way a business presents itself to the people it wants to reach.

Hayley | Cockinos Consulting

Emotional Intelligence Sales 

https://cockinosconsulting.com.au/

Hayley works at the intersection of sales, communication and storytelling.

Hayley helps businesses clarify their message, understand what matters to their customers and approach sales conversations with greater confidence, connection and emotional intelligence.

Louise Marshall | Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs

Business Coaching and Self-Employment Assistance 

https://www.sarinarusso.com.au/entrepreneurs/

Louise is a NSW Business Coach with Sarina Russo Entrepreneurs and supports aspiring and existing business owners through practical coaching, planning and mentoring.

Louise will share information about the Australian Government-funded Self-Employment Assistance program and the support that may be available to help eligible participants establish or strengthen a small business.

Jill Heaton | The Unleashed Collective

Business Planning and Practical Business Tools 

www.theunleashedcollective.com 

The Unleashed Collective delivers and is involved with; accredited training, education, professional networks and community initiatives.

Jill will share practical business-planning tools and demonstrate how clear structure, better systems and the right technology can turn a strong idea into an operational business.

More experts to be announced...

Additional experts, services and business-support organisations will be announced as the event approaches.

 

The Program

3.00 pm Arrival, expert displays and structured networking

3.00 pm–3.10 pm Welcome: Where can local businesses find help?

3.10 pm–4.05 pm Interactive expert panel addressing questions submitted by business owners

4.05 pm–4.20 pm Rapid-fire advice: each expert’s strongest practical business insight

4.20 pm–4.50 pm Audience questions, expert conversations and local business connections

4.50 pm–5.00 pm Opportunities, pathways and closing remarks

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What should you bring?

• One genuine question about your business or business idea

• Business cards or contact details

• An open mind

• A willingness to introduce yourself and make useful connections

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​What is the question you really need answered?

Marketing?

Sales?

AI?

Planning?

Confidence?

Business support?

Starting from scratch?

Send us your question when you register. You can include your name and business or submit it anonymously.

Your question may be selected for discussion during the live expert panel.

[SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION AND BOOK YOUR PLACE]

 

Stop trying to solve everything alone

-The right conversation can save weeks of uncertainty.

-The right introduction can open a new pathway.

-The right question can change what happens next.

 

Join us at THRIVE and put practical knowledge, local support and genuine business connections within reach.

[BOOK YOUR PLACE AT THRIVE]

Presented by The Unleashed Collective as part of NSW Small Business Month.