Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA)

Did you know that small and family businesses operating the Licensed Post Offices (LPO) of Australia have a bigger retail foot print than Coles, Woolworths and Aldi combined? The nation's postal network - “Australia’s front counter” - relies on small businesses for their operation and delivery. The recent “cash acceptance mandate” announced by the Federal Government is just one example of how many policy and performance outcomes will not occur unless the postal network is set up for success. Read more below 👇 in a joint OpEd from Licensed Post Office Group chair Scott Etherington and our CEO Luke Achterstraat

Cyber Monday: A Reminder to Stay Cyber Safe   Cyber Monday is a busy day for online sales—and a high-risk day for cyber attacks. For small businesses, the impact of a breach can be significant, affecting data, operations, and reputation.   COSBOA, in partnership with Sticky, Morgan Hipworth, Morgan Hipworth, The Lady Tradie, and Cyber Wardens, is supporting small businesses across Australia to tackle these threats.   Today we are encouraging small business leaders to share Cyber Wardens—a FREE e-learning course created for small business owners and employees.   Encourage the small business community to enrol today: https://lnkd.in/gdHepdc9   #CyberWardens #CyberMonday #SmallBusinessSafety #CyberSecurity #COSBOA

🚨 Save the Date: 2025 COSBOA National Small Business Summit 🚨 Join us in Melbourne on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 August 2025 for Australia’s premier event representing small business! This must-attend Summit will bring together small business leaders, policymakers, and key stakeholders to: ✅ Unpack the new policies and government direction post-election ✅ Discuss the future of small business and its critical role in Australia’s economy ✅ Showcase impactful programs driving meaningful change ✅ Advocate for and amplify the voice of small business in Australia 📅 With an election year in 2025, this could be your first chance to hear what lies ahead for small business. We can’t wait to see you in Melbourne for two days of powerful advocacy, collaboration, and insights! Stay tuned—more details coming soon. #SmallBusinessLeadership #COSBOA2025 #AdvocacyInAction #PolicyImpact #MelbourneEvents

Small businesses are the heart and soul of our communities—the corner store that greets you by name, the café that kickstarts your mornings, and the hairdresser who’s been your go-to for years. But behind the scenes, these everyday heroes face challenges too big to tackle alone. That’s where advocacy steps in, and as Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), explains in this week’s episode, collaboration is the key to making a difference. As part of our ongoing #AssociationHubPodcast series on #advocacy, I had a very interesting chat with Luke about how COSBOA brings associations across Australia together to amplify the voices of small businesses. From addressing critical issues like tax reform and industrial relations to tackling cyber risks, COSBOA ensures the backbone of our economy gets the representation it deserves. According to Luke, advocacy isn’t just about conversations with the government; it’s about building trusted relationships that stand the test of time. It’s about bringing real data and evidence to the table—stories backed by statistics that show how changes in policy can affect millions of Australians. And last but not least, it’s about delivering a message that’s not just loud but clear, focused, and solution-driven. 🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation and a fresh take on how collaboration can drive real change: https://lnkd.in/gw6ucFiW Subscribe, share, and join the conversation! Together, we’re more! #SmallBusiness #Advocacy #Collaboration #COSBOA #PodcastEpisode #AssociationHubPodcast

In 2010, American Express founded #SmallBusinessSaturday; let’s keep the Shop Small® tradition going tomorrow and celebrate together – one day makes a difference. Every main street across the country has its own unique story – and choosing to shop local helps our small businesses and neighbourhoods thrive. Shop or dine at a local small business, find a new spot online, or share on your social networks where you #ShopSmall. Hear more from Lisa Belcher, Vice President Merchant Partnerships ANZ, Global Merchant Services at American Express. #BuyLocal #GoLocalFirst #ShopSmall #ShopSmallAustralia #SupportLocal

Are you going to the Australian Cyber Conference this week? COSBOA is partnering with Council Member Australian Information Security Association (AISA) to offer small business a FREE Expo Day pass to #CyberCon2024, taking place today, tomorrow and Wednesday in Melbourne. Secure your FREE Expo pass click here https://lnkd.in/g4-bnXwx and use code COS20BOA24EXPO The #AustralianCyberConference2024 provides business leaders with insights and best practices taught by the industry’s top experts. #CyberConMelbourne #Cyber #CyberWardens

Complex amendments to workplace laws impact casuals, contractors and labour hire workforces. COSBOA knows all small businesses need to understand which workplace relations changes apply to their operations, when they come into effect and how to ensure they meet their reporting responsibilities. Small Business PEAK is here to help you. It’s simple and it’s free. Visit https://lnkd.in/gKeCCkyk #SmallBusinessPEAK #WorkplaceRelations #IndustrialRelations #IR

Small businesses often face barriers when competing for government contracts due to complex procurement processes, large-scale competition, and stringent requirements. However, there is an opportunity to simplify procurement procedures, support small business participation, and promote subcontracting opportunities within larger contracts to level the playing field and enable small businesses to access government markets. Read more in the 2024 Small Business Perspective Report – https://lnkd.in/gsgHmiD3 #SmallBusinessPerspective #SmallBusinessData #SmallBusinessPolicy

Do you need information to understand the latest about wage underpayments, changes to casual employment or the right to disconnect? Visit Small Business PEAK today. It’s a free resource hub designed to help you learn about, understand and implement new workplace relations changes. https://lnkd.in/gKeCCkyk #SmallBusinessPEAK #WorkplaceRelations #IndustrialRelations #IR

Great to be in Adelaide for AuSAE Summit 2024 #ACE24 Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) team are excited to connect with Australia's association professionals and highlight our programs designed for small business, Cyber Wardens Small Business Peak Catherine Donnan Elizabeth Picker #AuSAESummit2024 #COSBOA #SmallBusinessSupport #CyberResilience #SmallBusinessPeak