Small business owners have not had a lot to look forward to since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March. There have been lockdowns, crowd restrictions and event cancellations.

One of those cancellations has been the Lismore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) monthly 'After Hours' networking and business events.

Well LCCI are back with a bang, putting on a huge event for small business owners next week called 'Pivot and Popcorn'. It is their way of celebrating NSW Small Business Month in October.

“LCCI are best known for our business and networking events and Covid-19 has affected us alongside our members and business owners. We wanted to give come back with a bang and give Lismore and the Northern Rivers business communities a truly helpful and inspiring event that could also be a fun night out,” says event organizer and Executive Officer Emma Wallace.

“In a community that has been affected by flood, fire and now Covid-19, we are empowering local operators to take the initiative, come out and learn how to implement a plan to ‘Future-proof’ their business NOW. Be entertained and inspired to make changes that marry profits with a brighter and more sustainable future for all.” 

Pivot and Popcorn will be held at 5:30pm next Wednesday October 14 at the BCC Cinema's on the corner of Zadoc and Keen Streets, Lismore.

There are some big names appearing via Zoom to participate on the night, like the ABC's comedy and climate change hero Craig Reucassel (A Fight For Planet A and The Chaser) and small business champion and Channel 7 Sunrise co-host David "Kochie" Koch.

There will also be live presentations from Peta Tillett, Sean Martyn and Allison Rainbird.

Peta Tillett is an entrepreneur and Director of Lazuli & Co as well as the winner of the 2019 Lismore and Regional Business Awards - Excellence in Retail and Personal Services.

You will hear how Peta developed her own ethical and Australian made product line, Peta Elizabeth Cosmetics, diversified her business model and allowed her to not only survive but increase her business in the face of the Covid-19 impact to her bricks and mortar salon. 

Sean Martyn is the Head Coach of Business By Design.

Sean is passionate about nurturing the leadership and business skills of the business owners and executives he advises. He aims help businesses overcome the growing pains often experienced by success and to help build a business legacy for future generations.

With 30 years experience Sean will demonstrate the 2 types of businesses theory- those that are created by default and those that are created and GROW by design. Sean will share insights and practical tools you can use immediately to re-design your business for growth and scale. 

Allison Rainbird is an Innovator and owner of Northern Rivers Tiny Homes as well as the winner of 2019 Bronze Medal National Innovation Games.

Listen to Allison's story and insights into how she came to embrace a global movement and philosophy, with an 'act local' mindset to create a multi-market business which will be part of the way we live, into the future. 

PLUS...

Bespoke presentations and community engagement from: Red Cross Lifeblood and TAFE NSW

Pivot and Popcorn will take a dive into

* Benefits and advice on creating diverse business models

* How to leverage and create growth

* Innovation and adaptable thinking

* Sustainability and reducing your costs AND your footprint

* Inspiration and long term vision 

If you are running a small business or thinking of starting one, this will be a night where you will learn a great deal as well as network with other local business owners.

Tickets available via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/pivot-and-popcorn- futureproof-your-business-with-craig-reucassel-lcci-tickets-120934531439