October is Small Business Month. Here’s How MBF is Celebrating and Supporting Local Businesses
- Veronica Lind
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
October is Small Business Month in NSW, and in Port Macquarie, there’s no better time to shine a spotlight on the hardworking entrepreneurs who drive our community. From solo operators and micro-businesses to small teams growing big dreams, small business is the heartbeat of our local economy.
That’s why the Micro Business Forum (MBF) is stepping up with events, opportunities, and fresh leadership to help our community celebrate and support local businesses this October.
New Leadership, Same Strong Commitment
Following the MBF Annual General Meeting on 17 September 2025, a new committee was elected, bringing together a vibrant team of local business leaders dedicated to strengthening our business community:
President: Alison Carroll
Vice President: Veronica Lind
Secretary: Lyn Richardson
Treasurer: Judith Jackson
Membership Secretary: Glenda Hamilton
Committee Members: Barbara Smith and Edgard Lopez
New President Alison Carroll says it best:
“Small business is the heartbeat of our community. As we celebrate Small Business Month, MBF is proud to provide platforms where local businesses can connect, showcase their talents, and thrive.”
Free Events for Small Business Month
This October, MBF is hosting two free community events designed to connect, inspire, and showcase the strength of our local business community.
Venue: Little Shack, Port Macquarie
Event details here
Grab a coffee, pull up a chair, and connect with other local business owners. It’s casual, welcoming, and the perfect way to build relationships that matter. Attendees only need to pay for their own coffee.
Venue: Charles Sturt University, Innovation Hub, 7 Major Innes Rd, Port Macquarie
Event details here
Open to the public with a gold coin donation, this expo will feature a wide range of MBF members showcasing their products and services. It’s a fantastic way for the community to meet local entrepreneurs, discover new businesses, and shop local.
🌟 Special for MBF members 🌟
Free expo tables to display or sell their products and services.
A professionally written article about their business featured on Brilliant-Online.
Book a free table here
Why Join MBF?
For more than 22 years, MBF has been helping small business owners in Port Macquarie feel less isolated and more connected. Membership is only $70 per year—less than dinner for two—and provides:
Networking and collaboration opportunities.
Learning and mentoring support.
Promotion and exposure for your business.
A friendly community of like-minded business owners.
Left Photo: On left, Colleen Berwick, Denim Redemption makes bags from recycled denim materials. On right, Lee Grigg, ScreenStrong empowering families to prevent screen addiction.
Middle Photo: Alison Carroll, the Turmeric Lady from AC Healthy Solutions with her new Chocolate Turmeric Chai product.
Right Photo: Veronica Lind, Modern Marketing Guru from Vermilion Pinstripes helps small business owners sell without selling and Barbara Smith with her Arbonne Skin Cleanser free from nasties.
Backing Small Business, Today and Always
Small Business Month is about more than a calendar of events — it’s a reminder of how vital small businesses are to our region. MBF is proud to champion the local entrepreneurs who take risks, create jobs, and bring energy to our community.
This October, come along to our events, meet local businesses, and show your support. Together, we can ensure small business continues to thrive in Port Macquarie and beyond.
About Micro Business Forum (MBF)
The Micro Business Forum (MBF) is Port Macquarie’s longest-running small business network dedicated to supporting micro and small businesses. For over two decades, MBF has empowered local entrepreneurs through events, mentoring, and community connections, making business ownership less isolating and more rewarding.
