Marketing skills in demand

Victorian businesses are focused on improving their marketing skills. Marketing was the most requested topic at this year’s Energise Enterprise, a small-business festival convened by the State Government. Almost 25% of attendees wanted to know more about marketing; the next most popular topics were advice on legal and regulatory issues and technology.

Energise Enterprise has been embraced by Victoria’s business community since it started last year. More than 26,000 people participated this year, double last year’s figures. The festival, which runs throughout August offering subsidised workshops and seminars across the state, offered more than 371 events this year.

Feedback shows almost 90% of attendees said Energise Enterprise had helped improve their knowledge and skills.

The Victorian Government hopes the festival, will encourage small businesses and “business intenders” to take advantage of available support, and smooth its relationship with the private sector.

The Government aims to attract 50,000 attendees by 2011. “This is an ambitious goal, but it’s part of our commitment to support small business in Victoria to provide jobs, growth and income for Victorians,” says Joe Helper, Victoria’s Minister for Small Business.