Small Business

Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking with Southbank Toastmasters! Ready to transform nerves into confidence? Join us for a fun, interactive workshop to: ✨ Conquer your fear of speaking 💡 Learn pro tips from experienced mentors 📈 Boost your business and career through powerful communication Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned speaker, this is your chance to grow, connect, and shine! 🌟 Don’t miss out—step up to the mic and join us! 🎤

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive workshop - Become the charismatic leader Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Just one member's thoughts, "The fun/laughs factor is definitely a point of difference. We keep it moving with high standards so it’s a nice balance. Too strict makes it tense and boring, too loose and we can lose the energy/commercial feel. SmashSpeak's vibe's in the sweet spot." **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, sharing the stage, etc Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, Purple Room (End of corridor) More to come...

Join us at this urban beer bar - **Hopscotch!** Hopscotch has 35+ beers on tap, plus cans and bottles to explore. Beer paddles and towers are also available, as well as cocktails, wine and spirits. Most people come along by themselves so don't worry if you don't know any of the other members. New people are always welcome. 📍**Location:** Hopscotch, Ground Floor, 4 Riverside Quay, Southbank Vic 3006. Alongside the Yarra River **How often do we have events? Weekly!** Join us at a different bar/pub each week to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. **Events are also on:** Bartopia [https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/](https://www.meetup.com/bartopia/) Raiders of the Lost Bars [https://www.meetup.com/barraiders/](https://www.meetup.com/barraiders/) Bartopia [https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bartopia/) Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/](https://www.instagram.com/bartopia.melbourne/) This week's venue: https://hopscotchmelbourne.com.au/

Looking to expand your social circle in Melbourne without awkward networking events or forced small talk? Welcome to a different kind of social night. At The Kilburn, Music Bingo brings people together through huge singalong songs, comedy, cocktails, shared tables, friendly competition, and plenty of natural conversation starters throughout the night. Whether you’re new to Melbourne, trying to get out more, recently single, travelling, working remotely, or simply wanting to meet like minded people, this is an easy and low pressure way to connect with others while actually having fun. The fast paced format keeps the energy high all night long, making it easy to laugh with strangers, bond over nostalgic songs, and meet people naturally without the pressure of traditional social events. Come solo, bring friends, or join a table on the night. A lot of people attend specifically to meet new people, so you definitely won’t be the odd one out. And if you click with someone? The Kilburn also has board games throughout the venue, giving people the perfect excuse to keep the conversations going after bingo wraps up. Expect: 🎵 Fast paced music bingo 😂 Comedy & crowd interaction 🍸 Cocktails and social vibes 🏆 Prizes and bonus rounds 🎲 Board games after the event 🤝 A welcoming social atmosphere Perfect for: • Meeting new people in Melbourne • Social events Melbourne • Solo friendly events Melbourne • Making friends Melbourne • Group social activities Melbourne • Fun things to do in Hawthorn 📍 The Kilburn, Hawthorn 🕢 Thursday nights from 7:30PM 🎟️ Book now before spots fill up

A11y Bytes is back for its fourteenth year, celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day. [Register for A11y Bytes Melbourne 2026](https://events.humanitix.com/a11y-bytes-2026-melbourne) The heart of digital accessibility and inclusion is not about guidelines, codes or regulations. It’s about people, and life, and how we live, how we access information, and how our lives are affected by the technologies of today. As many as 500 people have attended online Bytes events, as well as physical events in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney attended an A11y Bytes event, making this the largest community run accessibility event in Australia. The event has since branched out into parts of New Zealand and it continues to grow. You don’t have to be an accessibility aficionado to attend. This event is about us all talking, thinking and learning about digital accessibility and inclusion together. Take part in A11y Bytes and connect, be inspired and have some fun as we talk, learn, grow and change the world. A big thank you to **Bupa** for being the Melbourne venue sponsor for this year's A11y Bytes. **Time and date** A11y Bytes Melbourne will be held on **Thursday 21 May 2026**, celebrating Global Accessibility Awareness Day. **Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30pm start** **Register** RSVP through humanitix to register. [Register for A11y Bytes Melbourne 2026](https://events.humanitix.com/a11y-bytes-2026-melbourne) **Presenters** * Scott Herschberger – From Insights to Action: Transforming Accessibility Through Data-Driven Mapping * Balram Singh – AI and Accessibility * Sam Sabour – Beyond Contrast: Rethinking Accessibility in Design Systems * Ayesha Semfel – Where to Start (and Stop) with Screen Reader Testing * Jamila Savoy * Xavier Vella – Early Findings from an Accessibility Audit of Hiring Systems.

🌟 **Unlock Your Full Potential with CPA Toastmasters!** 🌟 Are you ready to become a more confident speaker and a stronger leader? CPA Toastmasters is here to help you *grow* both personally and professionally! Whether you're looking to improve your public speaking skills, enhance your leadership abilities, or build self-confidence, Toastmasters provides a supportive and encouraging environment for you to thrive. 🚀 **Why CPA Toastmasters?** * **Improve Public Speaking**: Learn how to communicate clearly and confidently in front of any audience. * **Build Leadership Skills**: Develop the tools and techniques to become a stronger leader in your personal and professional life. * **Friendly, Supportive Community**: Join a group of like-minded individuals who are all working toward their personal growth and success. * **Real-Time Feedback**: Get constructive feedback in every meeting to help you continually improve. * **CPD Hours**: As our member, you are eligible to claim CPD hours under CPA for attending our meetings! 📈 **What to Expect at a Toastmasters Meeting:** * **Prepared Speeches**: Deliver speeches on topics you’re passionate about (Members only) * **Impromptu Speaking**: Practice thinking on your feet with quick, fun exercises. * **Constructive Feedback**: Receive valuable tips to help you improve, delivered in a positive, encouraging way. * **Leadership Roles**: Take turns leading the meeting, which helps you refine your organizational and leadership abilities. Come visit us in our next meeting and learn how our club can support your public speaking journey!

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Melbourne** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **18:00 – 18:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **18:30 – 19:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **19:40 – 20:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **20:20 – 21:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

* Join us for an evening of professional networking and valuable insights at our Entrepreneur & **Small Business Networking Mixer**. Connect with fellow small business owners, entrepreneurs, and like-minded professionals to share business strategies and exchange ideas for startup success with a drink. * * We have carved a deal with the restaurant of 10% Discount of all Menu items & drinks if you mention the staff "**Friday Business Meetup Deal**" * * We will delve into the power of integrating feminine wisdom with masculine energy for enhanced business strategies and entrepreneurial success. Discover the importance of positive human collisions in fostering innovation and growth, while expanding your network in a dynamic and supportive environment. * * Don't miss this opportunity to meet new contacts, exchange knowledge, and take yourself to the next level! * * **About Host:** Host of the event Sash (Sachin) is qualified accountant in practice. Mostly he is present in the event but it is subject to his prior commitment. However everybody is still invited to chat & socialise whether he is present or not. The place is a platform for everyone to gather,meet & help each other. * * **Address & Timings :** from **6-8 PM** at **500 Victoria Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 (This event will be on every Friday same time same day unless otherwise advised)** * * Join us to meet new friends, hang out and have some laughs. New people are always welcome 😊🍺🍺 * * Come along to meet new people and see the familiar faces of the regular members. This is a regular weekly group for socialising and unwinding for the weekend. * * **Liability Waiver:** The organizer of this group cannot accept any liability for any loss, damage, injury, or accident to participants or their property at this event. By participating in this event, you're taking responsibility for your safety and well-being.

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Melbourne** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **18:00 – 18:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **18:30 – 19:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **19:40 – 20:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **20:20 – 21:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

**Attention attendees!** **To register, use** [Luma](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel) Warning: The meetup is not a platform for RSVP registration; for this, you need to follow [thisLink ](https://luma.com/0xx7zeel)to purchase a registration ticket. The meetup is one of the platforms through which we offer participation in our events. **Startup Valley — Melbourne** A curated pitch night for startup founders, operators, angels and VC partners. We design these sessions to help founders sharpen their thinking through direct, candid feedback — and to give strong investors access to serious teams. **What happens:** • 4-8 startups pitch live and receive feedback from angels and VC partners • Feedback focuses on real decisions and next steps — not surface-level opinions • Investors stay in the room before and after pitches • The format leaves space for real conversations, not rushed networking • Attendance is limited to keep the room focused Designed for clear thinking, not noise. **Who you’ll meet:** * Startup founders * Angel investors and VC partners * Operators in marketing, sales, and tech * AI engineers * Local and international founders * AI Experts * Founders from Europe, Asia, and the United Kingdom **Practical details** **For investors:** We invite angel investors and VC partners to participate as judges and contributors. **To become a judge,** and get early access to our startups database, please fill out th[ the form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8CVqvhQJu-AcclIF6PCuwjL4YpQt4w0FchGSoutRkt58v4g/viewform). Join the judge table, meet other investors, and see what teams are building early. Founders need your experienced view. **For pitching startups:** Startups selected to pitch will present live on stage and receive feedback from investors. **After purchasing a ticket:** Please[ submit your pitch deck](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchcZr9gCNJh0RLiKBgbdbDBKEOc-92LNySkzHf8qGPHg5Wpg/viewform) and ensure it is open for viewers. **Agenda** **18:00 – 18:30** **Registration** Guests register, receive badges, and event programs. This is an opportunity for casual networking, making first connections, and preparing for the event. **18:30 – 19:30** **Event Kickoff & Interactive Networking** Official welcome from the organizers with a brief overview of the event goals and schedule. Interactive networking helps participants set their objectives and connect with key contacts. **19:40 – 20:20** **Startup Pitch Session** Startups present their projects to investors and experts. Each team has 5 minutes to pitch, covering the project's core idea, business model, and target market. **20:20 – 21:00** **Chill & Networking** Participants enjoy casual conversations with investors, discuss collaborations, and exchange ideas over refreshments.

**🍽 Deep Dive Lunch: What action would you take if you had more courage?** Most people have an idea of what they’d do if they had more courage. This lunch is a chance to explore that in a relaxed, small-group setting, across business, career, and life. Not theoretical. Not “one day”. Right now. 🔄 **Format** • Arrival + order food • First discussion round • Table rotation • Final reflections + wrap 💬 **How it works** We’ll break into small groups of 6–8 people per table. Each table will have a few guided prompts to help the conversation go deeper without forcing it. Then, you'll explore the topic together, sharing perspectives, experiences, and current situations. Halfway through, we rotate tables so you meet a new group and continue the conversation from a different angle. 🧭 **Ground rules, this is important** To keep the conversations valuable if you catch yourself or anyone doing the below. Call it out, don't stay silent. • Ask, "do you want my perspective on the topic?" before giving unscolicited advice • Listen completely before responding: ask "have you said all you want about to about that?" • No one person should speak more than 20% of the time • No pitching or selling: this is not the place for that • What’s shared stays in the group - Chatham House rules! This is about understanding and reflection, not impressing anyone. 👀 **Who this is for** • People building something, or thinking about it • Those open to honest, reflective conversation • Anyone who knows they might be holding back somewhere You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to think about it. **🔥Future Lunch Topics Coming Up...** 1. Deep Dive Lunch: Is taking action in 2026 wasted given global uncertaintity? 2. Deep Dive Lunch: What are you doing that feels productive but isn’t actually moving the needle? 3. Deep Dive Lunch: If you had to start 2026 again, what would you do differently? 4. Deep Dive Lunch: What’s the next uncomfortable step you know you should take?

**Find Your (Business) Tribe -** *Because no great business is built alone.* (Please note we are collecting RSVPS through multiple platforms for this event, expected attendance is approx 20 people) They say, *“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”* And in business, this couldn’t be more true. Whether you’re just starting out, growing something exciting, or dreaming up your next big move, this event is about finding the right people to walk alongside you. Think of it as a curated networking night for entrepreneurs, creatives, and business-minded doers who are looking for more than surface-level connections. Maybe you need a co-founder. A photographer. A mentor. A tech-savvy mate. An accountability partner. Or simply a community of like-minded humans who *get it*. Whatever you’re building, this night is about helping you find your *people*. Your collaborators, supporters, and sounding boards, the ones who help you stay grounded *and* move forward. Expect meaningful conversations, interactive connection activities, and a space where you don’t have to “pitch” yourself, just show up authentically. Because business gets a whole lot better when you’re surrounded by the right energy. So, bring your ideas, your questions, and your dreams. You never know who you’ll meet. **Your ticket will cover a basic beer, wine, spirit or soft drink on arrival.** Remainder of your ticket will be split to cover costs of running FYT and also charity donation to Sisterworks. Tickets are required to attend this event. Please note: This is not an event for selling, for business cards, or recruitment for direct sales or MLM models. This is an event for genuine connections, friendships, collabs, business partners, business networking, when equally reciprocated on both sides!

Unwind and relax at our “After Work Chill” the perfect way to ease out of the workday and into the evening. Join us for a laid-back catch-up with good company, easy conversation, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’ve had a long day or just feel like socialising, this is a great opportunity to meet new people, share a laugh, and recharge in a relaxed setting.

Free monthly networking for Columbus business owners. Real conversations, real connections, no forced formats. Space is limited. RSVP now. Good marketing starts with good relationships. That is what this event is built around. Networking Night is a free monthly event for local business owners in Columbus who want to build real connections with other serious operators in their market. No structured rotations. No forced elevator pitches. Just a room full of local business owners who are worth knowing, in a space that makes it easy to have an actual conversation. Register here: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-marketing-networking-night-tickets-1988510112275](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/local-marketing-networking-night-tickets-1988510112275)

Join us for lunch and meet our very successful group. We are each others sales team...always looking for referrals for our members. If you are looking for new clients, let us help you out! Bring your business cards and brochures to share with us. We have a speaker each week so that we can learn about their business. Because we have only one member per business, we have many of the spots filled. However, we are specifically looking for an estate attorney, a handyman/electrician, and an event planner. We have referrals for you! All visitors are welcome. Any questions contact [pmarchio@farmersagent.com](mailto:pmarchio@farmersagent.com)

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

Please reserve your spot by registering on the below link : **Reserve** https://www.eventbrite.com/e/join-biggest-community-investors-founders-columbus-online-tickets-1988563717610?aff=meetup **QUESTIONS ?** Pls Reach out to; Ridhi - +971504724873 ( WhatsApp Only)

[ECDI Pop-Up Market Official Registration Site --> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecdi-pop-up-market-tickets-1986071755083](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ecdi-pop-up-market-tickets-1986071755083) Celebrate Small Business Month by shopping local for food, drinks, and handcrafted gifts! Join us for the ECDI Pop‑Up Market, a celebration of local entrepreneurs during Small Business Month. Explore delicious food and drinks, discover handcrafted goods, and shop unique items from small businesses in your community. Whether you’re looking to support local makers, discover new favorites, or pick up a thoughtful gift, this market has something for everyone. **What you’ll find at the market:** * Local food and beverage vendors * Handcrafted goods and unique gifts * A chance to meet and support small business owners in your community * An easy, fun way to discover new local favorites [SCORE Central Ohio](https://www.score.org/ "https://www.score.org/") will also be on site to talk about their small business mentorship program. **Market Vendors:** Baked Goods * Shante Makes Body Care * [Bellas Natural Beauty Products](https://www.facebook.com/Bellasnaturalbeautyprod/ "https://www.facebook.com/Bellasnaturalbeautyprod/") Clothing & Accessories * [The Krafted Kollection](https://www.thekraftedkollection.com/ "https://www.thekraftedkollection.com") * [Loayza Elegant Jewelry](https://www.loayzaelegantjewelry.com/ "https://www.loayzaelegantjewelry.com/") * [Swahili House 254](https://www.swahilihouse254.com/ "https://www.swahilihouse254.com") Food/Beverage * [Aqua Pure Central Ohio](https://aquapurecentralohio.com/ "https://aquapurecentralohio.com") * [Better Beverage](https://betterbevshop.com/ "https://betterbevshop.com") * [Cherays Banana Pudding](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567527322952 "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567527322952") * [Dr. May's Thai Kitchen](https://www.drmaysthaikitchen.com/menu "https://www.drmaysthaikitchen.com/menu") * [Kronchy LLC](https://www.kronchys.com/ "https://www.kronchys.com") * [Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill](https://terra%20mezcal%20mexican%20grill/ "https://Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill") Packaged Food * [Grow to Eat, Eat to Live](https://growtoeattolive.com/ "https://growtoeattolive.com/") * [Underworld Feast](https://underworldfeast.com/ "https://underworldfeast.com/")  Since 2004, ECDI has assisted Ohio’s entrepreneurs through their one-stop-shop business services model, suited to meet the needs of all entrepreneurs, regardless of what business stage they’re in. From providing capital to entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses, to providing focused, business-specific educational opportunities to enhance entrepreneurial skill sets, ECDI works with their clients to meet their specific needs. Whether you merely have a business idea or are opening up your fifth location, we have helped more than 15,000 entrepreneurs to take advantage of the services we provide.