
PRIVACY POLICY
Micro Business Forum Inc | Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 2026
​
Micro Business Forum (“MBF”, “we”, “our”, “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information we collect.
​
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).
​
By using our website, registering for events, subscribing to communications, or interacting with MBF, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy.
​
1. Personal Information We Collect​
​
We collect personal information that is reasonably necessary to support our activities and services.
This may include:
​
Contact Information
-
Name
-
Email address
-
Phone number
Professional Information
-
Business name
-
Industry
-
Job title or professional role
Membership and Event Information
-
Event registrations
-
Attendance records
-
Networking preferences
-
Membership details where applicable
Website Usage Information
When you visit our website we may collect information such as:
-
IP address
-
Device and browser type
-
Pages visited
-
Time spent on pages
-
Referral sources
​
This information may be collected through cookies and website analytics technologies.
2. How We Collect Personal Information
​​
We collect personal information in several ways.
Directly from You
For example when you:
-
complete forms on our website or other channels
-
register for MBF events
-
subscribe to newsletters or updates
-
contact us by email or phone
-
participate in surveys or community activities
Automatically
Through technologies including:
-
cookies
-
analytics tools
-
website logs
From Third Parties
In limited cases we may receive information from:
-
event partners or sponsors
-
publicly available sources
-
professional networks connected with MBF activities.
​
3. Why We Collect Personal Information​
​
​We collect and use personal information to support our community and organisational activities, including:
-
organising events and networking opportunities
-
communicating with members and attendees
-
sending newsletters and updates
-
responding to enquiries
-
improving our website and programs
-
managing partnerships and collaborations
-
complying with legal or regulatory obligations.
We only collect personal information that is reasonably necessary for these purposes.
​
4. Marketing Communications
​
MBF may send communications including:
-
newsletters
-
event invitations
-
announcements about programs and initiatives
-
updates relevant to the small business community.
​
You may unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time by:
-
clicking the unsubscribe link in email communications, or
-
contacting MBF directly using the contact form here https://www.microbusinessforum.org.au/contact
​
5. Disclosure of Personal Information
​
We may disclose personal information where reasonably necessary to operate our activities.
​
This may include disclosure to:
-
service providers assisting with website hosting, CRM systems, email distribution or event management
-
event partners or co-hosts where relevant to an event you register for
-
professional advisers
-
government or regulatory authorities where required by law.
​
MBF does not sell or trade personal information.
​
6. Overseas Disclosure
​
Some technology providers we use may store or process information outside Australia.
​
Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure these providers handle personal information in a manner consistent with Australian privacy law.
​
7. Storage and Security
​
MBF takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss or unauthorised access.
Security measures may include:
-
secure digital platforms
-
restricted access to personal data
-
password-protected systems
-
trusted service providers.
​
When personal information is no longer required for our activities, we take steps to securely destroy or de-identify it where appropriate.
​
8. Access and Correction
You may request access to personal information we hold about you.
​
You may also request corrections if information is inaccurate, incomplete or outdated.
​
Requests can be made using the contact details below.
​
9. Privacy Complaints
If you believe your privacy has been breached, please contact MBF with details of your concern.
​
We will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
​
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Website:
https://www.oaic.gov.au
10. Third-Party Websites​
Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
​
MBF is not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites and encourages users to review the privacy policies of those websites.
​
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
MBF may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in law, technology or organisational activities.
​
The most current version will always be published on our website.
​
12. Contact
Micro Business Forum (MBF)
Email: admin@microbusinessforum.org.au
Website: www.microbusinessforum.org.au
​
Website Cookie Policy
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and understand how visitors interact with our website.
​
What Are Cookies
​
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website.
They allow websites to recognise returning visitors and remember certain preferences.​
​
Types of Cookies We Use
Essential Cookies
These are necessary for the basic operation of the website.
​
Analytics Cookies
These help us understand how visitors use our website so we can improve our services.
Analytics tools may collect information such as:
-
pages visited
-
time spent on pages
-
navigation patterns.
​
Functional Cookies
These remember user preferences and improve usability.
​
Managing Cookies
You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.
​
Please note that disabling cookies may affect how some parts of the website function.
​
Website Terms of Use
By accessing the Micro Business Forum website you agree to comply with the following Terms of Use.
​
Website Content
Content on this website is provided for general informational purposes.
​
While MBF aims to ensure information is accurate and up to date, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all content.
​
Intellectual Property
All content on this website including:
-
text
-
graphics
-
logos
-
images
-
design elements
​
is the property of Micro Business Forum unless otherwise stated.
​
Content may not be reproduced or distributed without permission.
​
Acceptable Use
Users agree not to:
-
misuse the website
-
attempt unauthorised access to systems
-
distribute malicious software
-
use the website for unlawful activities.
​
External Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
​
MBF does not control or endorse the content of those sites.
​
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, MBF is not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website.
​
Changes to Terms
MBF may update these Terms of Use at any time. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
​
Event Photography and Media Notice
Micro Business Forum events may be photographed or recorded for community and promotional purposes.
​
By attending an MBF event you acknowledge that:
-
photographs or videos may be taken during the event
-
images may be used in MBF communications including
-
website
-
social media
-
newsletters
-
promotional materials.
-
​
MBF aims to use images respectfully and appropriately.
​​
If you prefer not to appear in event photography, please notify the event organiser or contact MBF prior to the event. Reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate such requests.
​
Community Data Trust Statement
Micro Business Forum values the trust placed in us by our members, partners and event participants.
​
We collect personal information only where necessary to support our mission of connecting and supporting the small business community.
​
MBF is committed to:
-
protecting the privacy of our members and participants
-
using information responsibly and transparently
-
limiting data collection to what is reasonably necessary
-
maintaining appropriate security safeguards.
​
We view personal information as community data entrusted to us, and we handle it with care, respect and integrity.
​
Data Security and Breach Notification
MBF maintains internal procedures for responding to data breaches and managing information security incidents.
MBF takes reasonable steps to protect personal information. In the event of a data breach likely to cause serious harm, we will comply with the Notifiable Data Breaches Scheme and notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner where required.
​
