NSW Small Business Month takes place in October each year. Byron Shire Council is marking the occasion this year by supporting local operators with practical tools to strengthen and grow their businesses, with two free workshops.

Small businesses employ thousands of residents who shop locally, send children to local schools and make up the social fabric of the community.

“Many small business operators struggle to find the time or resources to work on their business as well as in it,” said Arika McElroy, Council’s Business and Industry Project Lead.

“With this in mind, we have organised two free workshops which are designed to provide accessible, practical support,” she said.

Recognising that one in five Australians live with a disability, the first session on Friday, 10 October, will be a practical workshop focusing on helping businesses be more accessible and inclusive for people with disability, and by doing so reach more customers.

The second session on Friday, 17 October will take a hands-on look at artificial intelligence (AI) for small business, teaching people how to use it to improve productivity and marketing.

These sessions are free, but in-person numbers are limited. People can also attend online.  Learn more and book via Council’s website.

Session 1 – Accessible and Inclusive Business

• Presented by Sparrowly Group
• When: 12pm to 2pm on Friday 10 October 2025
• Where: Cavanbah Centre, 249 Ewingsdale Road, Byron Bay. 

Session 2 – AI for Small Business

• Presented by Louis Birks
• When: 12pm to 2pm on Friday 17 October 2025
• Where: Mullumbimby Campus, Byron Bay Community College, 6/8 Burringbar Street, Mullumbimby.

There are more great workshops and resources from a range of businesses, industry and government agencies available on the Small Business Commissioner’s website this month.