Keynote Speaker - Naomi Simson
Naomi Simson - Founder RedBalloon, co-founder of The Big Red Group & Shark Tank investor. For 25 years as an entrepreneur, Naomi Simson has been bringing people together whether it’s with her experience in businesses, her speaking or writing. Passionate about small business and the local community, Naomi is considered a home-grown success story. She urges audiences to play a bigger game. Her personal motto is “If it is meant to be, it is up to me”. And if there’s one thing, she leaves an audience feeling, it’s a focused sense of possibility. A true business leader and influencer, with more than 2.9 million LinkedIn followers, Naomi is Australia’s most-followed person on the business networking platform. She has authored two best-selling books Live What You Love, and Ready to Soar, and is an engaging, humorous and insightful speaker.
Panelists
Jess Hodge
Jess Hodge, the passionate co-founder of Resourceful Living. With a deep commitment to tackling the global plastic waste crisis, Jess and her team are determined to close the loop on plastic waste by creating innovative products that outlast even a bottle of milk.
As a mother of three energetic young boys, Jess's journey towards environmental advocacy took a significant turning point. Witnessing the impact of plastic pollution on our planet, she became determined to create a better world for her children and future generations.
Josh Lawlor
Josh Lawlor is a successful entrepreneur and the founder of Scrubba Body and Hey Hudson, two thriving businesses based in Newcastle, NSW. With a passion for handcrafted bath and body products, Josh embarked on a journey to create a brand that embodies natural and vegan principles, using locally sourced ingredients. What started as a kitchen-based operation with just five products has now blossomed into a full-fledged enterprise with a booming online store, flagship storefront and production facility, offering a diverse range of nearly 200 products.
Driven by a commitment to quality and sustainability, and utlising a sleek digital marketing strategy, Josh's businesses have gained significant recognition and are now stocked in over 180 stores across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, and the United States. By prioritizing ethical practices and embracing the power of nature, Josh has fostered a loyal customer base and established strong partnerships with retailers worldwide.
Josh is also actively involved in promoting and supporting the queer small business community. As a co-host of the popular podcast, "Got A Queery," Josh engages in insightful conversations with fellow queer entrepreneurs, delving into both their business journeys and personal lives. Through this platform, Josh strives to inspire and empower others, fostering inclusivity and highlighting the unique stories within the small business landscape.
Jason Chesworth
Jason Chesworth is co-owner of Hunter Belle Dairy Co. but is also known as ‘Mr Cheese’ from his appearance on television show My Kitchen Rules with his wife Annie (Mrs Cheese). With a family history in dairy farming which spans more than 100 years and 6 generations, Jason and his wife Annie launched Hunter Belle Dairy Co. in Scone NSW, to continue the growth of the Hunter Belle brand started by Jason’s parents in 2009 when they transitioned the family business into cheese production.
Hunter Belle Dairy Co. handmake a wonderful range of dairy products including cheese, milk, butter and yoghurt, which can be found all around the state through a range of deli's, restaurants, retail stores and selected Woolworths stores.