Business bulletin: 23 September 2022

The October Business Month (OBM) International Series, which runs throughout October will include a range of engagement and trade opportunities to support business.

There will be opportunities to meet with Australian Government agencies including the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade and with key organisations such as, the International Business Council, the Australian Indonesian Business Council and the Consulate General for Timor-Leste to name a few.

The Northern Territory international engagement strategy 2022-2026 outlines the strategic plan for the Territory to be the preferred partner for business and activities that will drive international engagement, partnerships, trade and investment.

The International Series complements activities outlined in the strategy to help business and industry capitalise on market trends, build new partnerships and drive sustainable growth.

Business and industry will have access to key representatives from priority markets and high priority markets identified in the Northern Territory international engagement strategy 2022-2026. These markets include Singapore, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Timor-Leste.

The OBM International Series program includes:

Alice Springs

3 October 2022 - SME Export and Business Development Roundtable Central Australia

Darwin

7 October 2022 - Chief Ministers Northern Territory Export Awards

11 October 2022 - Doing business in Southeast Asia: Fintech and Australia’s new trade priorities featuring Asialink Business

13 October 2022 - Doing business with Timor-Leste

17 October 2022 - Doing business with Singapore and Malaysia

31 October 2022 - Doing business with Indonesia

2 to 4 November 2022 - Australia Indonesia Business Council Conference 2022

For further information and to register for events, go to the OBM website.

The first of this year’s October Business Month (OBM) keynote speakers are coming to a venue near you soon. With 5 different speakers - presenting across the Territory, each will cover topics such as leadership, resilience and overcoming adversity. These high profile keynote events will be popular, so avoid disappointment and book now.

Our first keynote event is the NAB Inspirational Evening with Dr Richard Harris on Tuesday 4 October in Darwin - book through the OBM booking portal.

Hear the breathtaking story of Dr Richard 'Harry' Harris, Australian anaesthetist and cave diver who played a crucial role in the 2018 Thai cave rescue that captured the world. He will share his story and advice on how to focus on goals no matter the odds.

Dr Harris will be supported by local Territory success story Gavin Howie from Turf NT. Gavin survived a tragic farm accident that saw him lose both legs and his story of resilience in business is truly inspiring.

Plus don’t miss the return of the popular Katherine Business Dinner. Be inspired by Dr Anika Molesworth as she shares her thoughts and experience around cultivating resilience and empowering people in rural communities by stepping up to global challenges.

Anika will be supported by local Territory success story Jeremy Boucher from New Future IT. Jeremy will share his story of business growth and how he grew the business from a two-man operation to 34 staff operating across multiple regions of the Northern Territory.

Connect with the local business community while enjoying a 3 course meal and drink on arrival. Katherine Business Dinner with Dr Anika Molesworth on Friday 7 October in Katherine - book through the OBM booking portal.

To find out what’s on in your region and view the full OBM calendar, go to OBM website.

Partner events have made a comeback for October Business Month (OBM) 2022, and with 48 event partners hosting over 120 events, there’s something for your business no matter what industry you are in.

OBM partner events are independently hosted events that form part of the broader OBM program and are held right across the Territory. Local businesses are showcasing their skills, knowledge and experience to motivate other small business and employees to connect, learn and be inspired.

The partner events will focus on this years’ 6 key themes - digital transformation, growth, human connection, leadership, workforce, strategy and planning. These events provide insights across a range of business development topics; from human resources to social media, from setting priorities to enabling infrastructure, from governance structures to podcasting. Plus the highly anticipated NAB Economic Outlook gives in-depth knowledge and insight on currency, markets, interest rates and trends.

The OBM 2022 program is full of inspirational speakers and events right across the Territory.

To find out what’s on in your region and view the full OBM calendar, go to OBM website.

The historic old Laundromat in Parap has been transformed into a new art space, Laundry Gallery, thanks to the help of the department’s small business champions and the Aboriginal Business Development Program (ABDP).

The laundrette building was an icon of Parap and had become run down in recent years. But the gallery is breathing new life into the building and surrounding area. “Old story, new spin is our tag line,” says Laundry Gallery, Creative Director, Nina Fitzgerald.

Laura Shellie and Nina Fitzgerald saw a gap in the Aboriginal art space, specifically appealing to a younger audience. The aim for their business is to specialise in Aboriginal art pieces, which are lower in price point, so they are more attainable for young people. They also saw a need to market online for interstate audiences but also provide a creative hub in Darwin for up and coming remote and local Aboriginal artists to exhibit their works and also run workshops and events. The location by the Parap market is ideal.

This new creative space also helps connect Aboriginal artists to a broader market. “The art is largely from remote art centres, which for many is not viable to get to. So we are pleased to help bring these works to the world, via Parap” says Nina.

The Aboriginal Business Development Program assists Aboriginal people interested in starting or expanding an existing business in the Northern Territory. The program can help with creating new enterprises, increasing the number of Aboriginal owned and operated businesses and provide assistance to build business growth and sustainability.

For more details on the program go to the Northern Territory Government website.

The Mango Cup has returned for 2022 and soon local hospitality venues will be offering their delectable mango-creations.

Mangoes are the Territory’s largest horticultural product producing approximately 40,000 tonnes of mangoes a year.

To be crowned the Mango Cup champion, mixologists from across the Territory are invited to create an innovative drink with the Territory’s favourite fruit: Mango.

Last year’s winner, the ‘Mang-Laksa’ crafted by Jun from the Loading Bay shattered boundaries for a mango-cocktail, and so competing venues in 2022 are encouraged to discover a new twist on this beloved Territory staple.

Venues are invited to take part in this iconic Territory competition which celebrates our vibrant hospitality and shines a spotlight on the creative flair and talent within the Territory’s thriving food and drink scene.

Hospitality workers represent their bar, restaurant, café or hotel and can enter more than one of their mango-creations in the cup. Creations do not need to be alcoholic either, with venues able to secure votes from Sober Bobs across the Territory.

If your venue has what it takes, entries must be received by 11.59pm on Sunday 25 September 2022.

For further information read the competition guidelines and terms and conditions on the Mango Cup website.