Auctioneer Brendan Donnelly of Mortgage Choice, Woonona, a longstanding club member, did a splendid job of inspiring members to actively support this most worthy cause. 

A large array of valuable items, some ranging up to $1000 were generously donated by Club Members to make this fund raising effort such a huge success. Festive sponsors included NRMA Business Insurance and ANZ Bank.  

The Wollongong Small Business Club, membership of which is free to all small business people, will celebrate its 7th anniversary early in 2009. The NSW Department of State and Regional Development and Wollongong City Council are prime sponsors along with Illawarra ITeC and RDA Illawarra who actively manage this important local networking event.

Making the most out of networking

Do you find it uncomfortable to introduce yourself at business events?  Get tongue tied when you meet someone new?  Are you wasting the opportunities to make new contacts?  Would you like to learn how to gain more out of networking?
 
In this informative and interactive presentation, Juliet Scrine and Ian McColm from Eaton Gorge Theatre Company will give you handy tips to make networking easier and then show you how to use the new contacts you have met to grow your business.

I am sure that the night will be both entertaining and lots of fun. We already have over $3,000 worth of prizes to raffle and auction off on the night for a charity auction raising money for Camp Quality with prizes including :

• Accommodation at the Novotel Wollongong;
• Accommodation at The Manning Motel;
• GPS Navigator donated by the IMB;
• $500 website /promotional package by Design Trade;
• 6 hours Life Coaching Package by Authentic Alignment;
• Picture and Consultation by Tracy Jackson from Feng Shui Consulting;
• 1 dozen bottles of wine from Mittagong RSL Club;
• Acupuncture and half-hour massage by Jann Mattick, Acupuncture Practitioner;
• Slumped Glass Plate with stand donated by TDL Productions;
• 1 nutritional assessment donated by Chloe Tortorella.

Plus many many more …

If you would like to donate a prize for the auction or raffle, please contact either Sarah or Virginia on 4223 3100.

Time:  5.15pm  to 7.30pm
Date:  Wednesday 10th December 2008  
Venue: Mittagong RSL Club
Cost:  FREE TO ATTEND 
RSVP: Ring Sarah at Illawarra ITeC Wollongong on 4223 3100 or email sarahcarter@illawarraitec.com.au

Protect your creative and make your mark! 

Designers are regularly generating new IP, sometimes on a daily basis, but perhaps don’t know it. This could include a company logo, a photograph, an illustration or a company’s website.

If you are a Graphic Designer or Industrial Designer (or a client of one), we recommend you get your hands on the hot new ‘How to” kits.

The kits are aimed to equip designers (and clients) with the necessary information to protect and profit from their IP. Topics covered in the publications include pitching for new ideas, risk areas when doing corporate identity work, avoiding infringement and contractual issues.

'Make Your Mark' and 'Protect Your Creative' was developed by Designs Victoria in conjunction with specialist IP Lawyers and design industry professionals.

Free copies of these publications are available on the Intellectual Property Australia website -  www.ipaustralia.gov.au

Basic Bookkeeping Workshop  

It is very important for any small business owner to know how to keep sound financial records but more importantly understand how to use those financial reports to make informed decisions. 

This workshop is designed to provide an overview of record keeping responsibilities and provides practical exercises in the tasks required to manage
a business through record keeping. 

By attending this workshop you will develop an understanding of financial control and the importance of cash flow. Practical exercises demonstrate how to treat petty cash, cash payments, cash receipts, daily bank balances and bank reconciliations.

Time:   9.00am to 12 noon  
Date:   Monday 15 December 2008  
Cost:    $45.00 per person – light refreshments provided
Venue:  Illawarra ITeC Wollongong

Free Business Advisory Services  

The Illawarra ITeC has five Small Business Programs to help you get started and further develop your established business. All programs provide free and confidential business advice and are available free of charge in the Illawarra, Southern Highlands and Shoalhaven areas: 

• Illawarra Business Advisory Service (IBAS)
• Business Enterprise Centre (BEC)
• New Enterprise Development Scheme  (NEIS)
• Illawarra Innovation Advisory Service (IIAS)
• Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer (ADEO) Program

Serviced Offices Available   

Are you looking for serviced offices in the CBD of Wollongong for a reasonable cost?

Illawarra ITeC has fully serviced office space available now
No LEASE – Monthly Rental Agreement only.

Run your business from establish offices in a prime location or utilise Illawarra ITeC’s virtual office facility.

Benefits include:

• Short term / Long term availability
• FULLY services offices
• Reception/Mailing/Cleaning
• Your phone answered in your business name
• Business name signage

Additional services available:

• Broadband Internet Access
• Undercover Parking available
• Training/Casual Interview Rooms for hire

Premises located at:  
1/336 Keira Street (Cnr Keira and West Streets) Wollongong NSW 2500. 
Contact Sarah or Rebecca on 4223 3100 to arrange an inspection and discuss rates.

Do you receive our weekly Illawarra ITeC Small Business News Newsletter?   If not, email Virginia today on ibec@illawarraitec.com.au and we will automatically send you a copy.  

This is only a brief outline of the types of small business advice and assistance that we can offer. Want to know more?  Remember I am a FREE service and can assist you in developing your business in many ways. Call me today on 4223 3100 or check out our website at www.illawarraitec.com.au