Photos: Region’s expo back in business after hiatus

Toowoomba’s Chamber of Commerce and its Small Business Exchange event was back in force on Wednesday after COVID-19 meant the expo was unable to go ahead last year.

BUSINESS EXCHANGE: Emma Menyweather from Little Pig Consulting and Alex Stalling from Tinker. Picture: Nev Madsen.

TOOWOOMBA’S business community were out in force on Wednesday with the masses turning out for the Small Business Exchange (SBX21).

The event which was hosted by the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce was unable to go ahead last year due to COVID-19, but the chamber’s president Harrison Humphries said it had come back stronger than ever.

“We first hosted the event in 2019 and it’s great to be back again this year – we’ve seen some good numbers and we’re pleased with how it’s gone,” Mr Humphries said.

“This falls neatly with one of our key core pillars of connecting our members with others.”

BUSINESS BUDS: Paul Apsey from Globetrotters Travel with Jonny Arkins and Timothy Carney from Wellcamp Airport. Picture: Nev Madsen.

More than 50 stallholders took part to showcase all they have to offer with a range of industries represented from not-for-profits and professional services to food and the arts.

Toowoomba business Tinker which specialises in creative art workshops owner Alex Stalling said her small, growing business had come a long way since first opening three years ago.

“We are a local art studio in two locations now – in South Toowoomba and on Russell St in the CBD – and we offer classes for adults and children,” Ms Stalling said.

“It’s really important to us to be local-focused and stay connected to our community so we promote regional painters and textile artists from the Toowoomba region.”

BUSINESS EXCHANGE: Emma Menyweather from Little Pig Consulting and Alex Stalling from Tinker. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The artist said her classes not only provide clients with a fun experience but also offers a space to relax, unwind and explore self-expression.

“The expo is really interesting for us because the arts usually sits outside the business space so we really wanted to bring Tinker to the forefront,” Ms Stalling said.

“This (event) has been a great opportunity for us to connect with other businesses, show that we are in this region and get in front of people who might not usually think about the arts.”

BUSINESS EXCHANGE: Caprice Althaus and Kylie Radford from Small Business Financial Counselling. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Mr Humphries said SBX21 allowed stallholders to meet like-minded business owners and created a platform to highlight their products and services.

“This event is about these businesses raising their profiles and getting their brands out there,” Mr Humphries said.

“It’s a great time to be in small business or be starting one and this event is helping people make the most of it.”

CREATIVE MINDS: Rebecca Santillan and Sarah Oberhardt from The Handmade Collective at the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Exchange. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The event is supported by the Queensland Government’s Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

The SBX21 event is delivered by a partnership with the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce and the Queensland Government’s Department of Small Business.

It is also supported by event partner Optus and sponsors Clifford Gouldson, Robertson Scannell and QSuper.