With technology evolving at a rapid rate, business owners who can adapt to this changing landscape are most likely to thrive.

Whether it’s using artificial intelligence (AI) to boost your efficiency, securing vital business information from cyber threats or making smarter, data driven decisions, the Boost your Business conference will arm you with practical strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve.

This highly practical one day conference, facilitated by Edith Cowan University, will equip you with the knowledge and skills to integrate the right technology solutions to protect, optimise and grow your business.

This event will teach you:

  • the fundamentals of generative AI and how to design effective prompts
  • how to leverage data analytics to identify and target customers
  • which practical AI tools can enhance your marketing and improve conversion rates
  • how to protect your business from cybersecurity risks

The conference will feature:

  • Keynote presentations from industry leaders
  • Interactive sessions designed to provide a hands on experience
  • Opportunities to network with fellow business owners, industry leaders and digital transformation specialists throughout the day. 

Secure your place

Program

Session 1

Generative AI - An overview, options and prompt design best practices

Discover the benefits and shortcomings of AI, the importance of creating the right prompts, usage scenarios and what to consider when creating an AI framework for your business. 

This session covers:

  • understanding Generative AI tools without getting too technical
  • the pros and cons of using AI, with a focus on risks and challenges
  •  what is a prompt and how to ensure best practices for desired outcomes
  • using AI (ChatGPT specifically) to summarise documents, create templates and generate engaging content 
Image
Photo of Ross Yates.

Meet your presenter 

Dr Ross Yates is an experienced IT professional with cross sector expertise in engineering, mining, higher education, healthcare and not for profit industries. He collaborates closely with corporate professionals as an educator and competence assessor.

Session 2

Using data analytics to identify and target customers

Discover the fundamentals of identifying and targeting high value customers. Watch a demonstration of a Generative AI data analytics tool used for customer analytics, enhancing customer insights and marketing strategies. 

This session covers:

  • how AI design prompts can assist with basic data analytics and forecasting
  • methods for analysing qualitative data for marketing purposes
  • developing strategic marketing actions based on data analysis 
Image
Photo of Saalem Sadeque.

Meet your presenter 

Dr Saalem Sadeque is the Course Coordinator of Marketing and a Lecturer in Marketing at Edith Cowan University. He specialises in consumer behaviour, marketing research and analytics, and brand management.

Session 3

AI tools for marketing efficiency and productivity

Discover the latest AI powered tools for marketing and learn how to use them effectively. This hands on session will guide attendees through creating AI generated marketing assets and integrating AI for business efficiency. 

This session covers:

  • exploring AI tools for marketing your business
  • creating a digital avatar
  • developing AI generated marketing assets
  • integrating chat bots for customer support and inquiry management 
Image
Photo of Suku Sukunesan.

Meet your presenter 

Associate Professor Suku Sukunesan is an innovation and AI specialist with more than 20 years of experience in academia and industry. His experience spans government projects and SME collaborations. He has also contributed to AI policy, marketing analytics, and startup mentorship across Southeast Asia and Australia.

Session 4

Cyber security – risk minimisation and responding to a hack

Uncover the basics of cyber security - the top threats to small businesses, what you can do to minimise your risk and how to respond to a hack. 

This session covers:

  • understanding cyber security risks including those associated with AI
  • real world case studies of cyber attacks
  • protecting customer data from threats like ransomware and phishing
  • what to do if you suspect your business has been hacked 
Image
Photo of Matt Kaeser.

Meet your presenter

Matt Kaeser has more than 15 years of experience in corporate business administration and marketing, combined with a Master of Cyber Security from Edith Cowan University. He specialises in cyber security awareness for small and medium sized businesses.

What's included

  • Access to an online learning hub with all program assets
  • Free downloads and tools to support you
  • Light lunch and refreshments
  • Peer to peer networking opportunities
  • Exclusive discount codes to enhance your business learning journey through 2025 

Date and location

  • 9am to 2:30pm, Saturday 22 March 2025
  • 140 William Street, Perth.

Cost

The Boost your Business Conference is available for just $80 thanks to funding from the Western Australian Government.

Don’t delay – limited places available.

Secure your place

Tag

Overview

It’s crucial to know how to set your business apart from your competition and capture your customers attention when offering discounts. In this workshop, you will gain the tools and knowledge to differentiate your promotions and sales strategies. You will learn how to make your offers stand out, attract and retain customers and create value driven promotions that generate sales and build a loyal following.

Main topics covered

  • Distinguish between a promotion and a sale and how to use them for maximum impact
  • Use strategies to make your offer stand out amongst your competition
  • Understand what drives customers to choose your business and how to create compelling offers that draw them in
  • Use promotions to enhance your brand reputation and boost sales
  • Leverage promotions and sales to build customer loyalty

Who it’s for

This workshop is suitable for business owners who want to use sales and promotions to boost their income and build their brand.

About the presenter

The Social Lab is an innovative digital marketing agency empowering businesses to thrive in the digital landscape. Harnessing data-driven insights, compelling storytelling and the latest trends and tools, they specialise in developing impactful campaigns that foster brand awareness, drive engagement and deliver tangible results.

Sales and marketing

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.

Overview

As a small business owner, you need to be cyber aware and prepared. Most businesses are digitally connected, whether through email, websites, social media, online/web based payments and bank accounts. The reliance on logins and passwords to access information online can expose businesses to cyber attacks from hackers.

In this workshop, you will guided through how to assess your business’s preparedness and resilience to cyber attacks, and the practical steps you can take to resume operations quickly and securely. You will learn:

  • Who to call and inform of the cyber incident
  • Whether you should pay a ransom
  • How to insure against future threats
  • How to deal with a system shutdown or failure
  • How to reduce the chances of being hacked

For this workshop you will need to bring your:

  • Laptop

Main topics covered

  • Understanding your business’s preparedness and resilience to cyber attacks
  • Identifying types of cyber attacks and how to respond and recover
  • Threat mitigation strategies to prevent potential cyber attacks
  • The benefits of cyber risk insurance products
  • Cyber incident reporting and notification requirements

Who it’s for

This workshop is for small business owners looking to understand the steps to take following a cyber incident to resume operations quickly and securely.

About the presenter

ECU's School of Business and Law is dedicated to providing impactful workshops tailored to help small businesses in Western Australia thrive through sustainable growth. Their workshop content has been developed in consultation with industry experts to equip you with the skills to succeed.

Business skills

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.

Overview

Developing a robust business model is the key to differentiating yourself from competitors and building loyalty with your staff, customers and stakeholders.

In this workshop, you will apply a business model perspective to your business, to clearly define and communicate who you are, how you operate and the unique benefits you offer.

Your business model should be a comprehensive framework that captures all the essential components that define your culture, organisational structure, decision making, and financial and risk management.

It should be used to guide all areas of your business including business development, marketing, staff onboarding and mentoring, and supplier management.

Main topics covered

  • Distinguish between strategic planning, business planning and business modelling.
  • Essential components of a business model.
  • Enhancing customer and staff loyalty through your business model.
  • How your business model can impact your marketing strategy, strategic planning and ability to adapt to market changes.
  • Techniques to differentiate your business from competitors.
  • Communicating your business’s unique value to stakeholders.

Who it’s for

This workshop is for small business owners who want to strengthen their business foundations and drive success.

About the presenter

As the director of The MARQ Group, Gudrun Gilles partners with seasoned business owners and subject matter experts to deliver tailored information and resources to strengthen your management capabilities, fuel the growth of your enterprise and support you through the entrepreneurial journey.

Business skills

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.

Overview

Marketing automations can help to streamline your marketing efforts, managing and nurturing leads through the customer journey to help maximise your return on investment.

In this workshop, you will gain practical insights and hands-on tips to incorporate marketing automations into your processes.

From email campaigns to customer segmentation and lead nurturing, there is a marketing automation to help you before more efficient, understand data insights and gain a deeper understanding of your customer.

Main topics covered

  • Marketing automation tools you can utilise in your business.
  • How to set up automated marketing campaigns.
  • Customer journey mapping.
  • Scoring and nurturing leads.
  • Effective automated email marketing strategies.
  • Integrating your CRM with marketing automation.
  • Analysing and optimising your workflows.

Who it’s for

This workshop is ideal for business owners looking to incorporate marketing automations to create efficiencies and streamline their marketing efforts. This workshop requires participants to have a basic understanding of marketing automations.

About the presenter

McNaught Media is a boutique marketing agency offering social media marketing, branding, design, website, copywriting and public relations management.

Creative Director Kasia McNaught understands the marketing challenges small businesses face, with more than 16 years experience providing specialist marketing and business advice.

This workshop will be facilitated by Bob Jones from Hey Bob Jones.

Business skills

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.

Overview

Work, health and safety regulations require a person conducting a business or undertaking to eliminate psychosocial risks, or to minimise them so far as is reasonably practicable. 

This regulation places psychosocial hazards in the same category as other significant hazards such as falls or operating machinery. 

This workshop is designed to focus on the general principles applied to the prevention and management of psychosocial hazards in the workplace, including stress, which can cause psychological or physical harm. 

Main topics covered

  • Workplace stressors that may impact psychosocial health.
  • Managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
  • Responsibilities for managing psychosocial hazards in the workplace.
  • How to manage psychosocial hazards through risk management.

Who it’s for

This workshop is for all business owners that employ staff and have a responsibility for managing work health and safety regulations. 

About the presenter

Elect Training and Consulting is a respected provider of workplace health and safety solutions, providing organisations with the tools to thrive in safe and healthy working environments. Director Mark Small has more than 17 years experience as a safety professional. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, Adjunct Lecturer with Edith Cowan University and Exemplar Global certified Lead Auditor for OHS Management Systems.
 

Business skills

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.

Overview

A strong marketing strategy can help you drive growth and success in your business. In this workshop, you will learn the essential steps and key considerations to develop a tailored marketing strategy that aligns with your business objectives. 

Learn to define your target market and develop your ideal customer profile, through market research techniques and consumer behaviour analysis. You will gain insights into the needs, preferences and pain points of your target audience. 

Discover various marketing channels and tactics that you can use, from digital platforms to traditional marketing methods. Using practical examples and case studies you will learn to create a cohesive marketing approach that maximises reach and drives tangible results. 

Once you have developed your marketing strategy, you’ll learn how to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and analyse campaign metrics, allowing you to refine your marketing approach based on data-driven insights. 

Main topics covered

  • The principles of a marketing strategy. 
  • Difference between a marketing strategy and marketing tactics.
  • Using your marketing strategy to create an actionable plan.
  • How to evaluate the performance of your marketing strategy.
  • Identify opportunities for improvement and refinement.

Who it’s for

This workshop is suitable for new business owners who are looking to develop a marketing strategy for their business. 

About the presenter

Harby Studios is a strategic communications consultancy specialising in marketing, advertising, public relations, community engagement and design. They support a diverse range of businesses through an integrated approach to marketing and communications opportunities.

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.

Overview

Master the art of nailing your pitch or presentation. Learn how to share your ideas with staff and colleagues and showcase your products and services to customers and clients. In this workshop, you will craft presentations that captivate and effectively communicate your message.

Using practical strategies and real world insights, you will learn to develop a compelling narrative and structure the content to appeal to your audience. Learn new techniques to create visually appealing slides that enhance comprehension and maintain consistent branding. Gain confidence in delivering presentations with strategies for engaging the audience and handling questions.

For this workshop you will need to:

  • Have access to Canva, PowerPoint, Google Slides or Keynote software (depending on your preference)

Main topics covered

  • Effective presentation structures that tell compelling stories and achieve clear objectives.
  • Design visually appealing presentations using your brand for consistency and impact.
  • Use confidence building techniques to deliver presentations, engage the audience and handle questions.
  • Learn tips and tricks to make your presentations stand out.

Who it’s for

This workshop is ideal for business owners responsible for preparing presentations and pitches to clients, colleagues, customers or stakeholders.

About the presenter

The Social Lab is an innovative digital marketing agency empowering businesses to thrive in the digital landscape. Harnessing data-driven insights, compelling storytelling and the latest trends and tools, they specialise in developing impactful campaigns that foster brand awareness, drive engagement and deliver tangible results.

Sales and marketing

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.

Overview

Building and implementing a business strategy can give you a competitive edge and help you grow your business. It provides a roadmap on where to focus your time, effort and expenditure.

In this workshop, you will get clear on your strategy by answering the following questions:

  • What do we do?
  • How will we succeed?
  • What is important now?
  • Who needs to do what and when?

Answering these questions will provide clarity and ultimately set you up for success.

Please note: You will require a laptop or computer for this workshop.

Main topics covered

  • Gain clarity on where you should focus your attention.
  • Understand your market, competitors and unique selling proposition.
  • Define your business objectives.
  • Identify growth opportunities for your business.

Who it’s for

This workshop is for business owners looking to define their strategic plan and gain alignment across the business for growth.

About the presenter

Adapt empowers owners and leaders to build great businesses using resilient strategies to success. Supported by an experienced network of business coaches and customisable software platforms, they lay the foundations for a healthy team culture to thrive.

Strategy and risk

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop 
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.

Overview

Why did you start your business? Was it for wealth creation, to solve a problem or the beginning of a passion project? This initial thought was the first seed of your business’s vision.

In this workshop you will reconnect with your business’s vision, what you are accountable for and how your vision impacts your stakeholders. This will help you gain clarity on your vision so it can become a pillar against which all your business decisions are made.

You will also look at your business values as the foundation of what your business stands for, helping align your business to your vision. Prepare to get clear on your values and how to define them as behaviours that are unique to your business. Learn how to develop the meaning of each value in the context of your business and how to communicate and embed this in a meaningful way.

Please note: This workshop is unsuitable for attendees at the ideas stage of their business as having an active business is essential to participation.

Main topics covered

  • Develop a clear vision for your business.
  • Align your vision, values and purpose with your work.
  • Learn how to communicate your business values in a meaningful way to customers, stakeholders and the wider community.
  • Learn how to embed your values into your business.
  • Understand how to personify your values daily.

Who it’s for

This workshop is for business owners looking to get clear on their vision and values to drive their business growth.

About the presenter

Adapt empowers owners and leaders to build great businesses using resilient strategies to success. Supported by an experienced network of business coaches and customisable software platforms, they lay the foundations for a healthy team culture to thrive.

Strategy and risk

Cost

$20

This workshop is offered at a reduced cost thanks to substantial funding from the Government of Western Australia.

What's included

  • Access to the live workshop 
  • A recording of the workshop which you can access for up to seven days post event (online workshops only)
  • Copies of any resources shared with attendees

When and where

Click on the book now button for more details about this workshop.