Digital Solutions Workshops

Start your own business: Steps to grow from Idea to Launch

Starting your own business is a dream for many Australians. But how do you make the best start? This hands-on, practical workshop designed to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the essential steps of turning their business idea into a launched venture.

This hands-on, no-fluff workshop will help you learn time-saving ways to create content for market awareness, social media, and to drive leads.

This workshop will cover:

• Introduction: Becoming a founder
• Validating your idea: competitors and market potential
• Launch set up essentials – structure and launch planning
• Brand Development and Marketing Strategy
• Mindset – tips to stay on course
• Wrap-up & Action Planning

By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with a roadmap and action plan to get started.

Presented by: Corrie Dark

Duration: 2 hours

Small Business Marketing , Where to Begin

• Understanding your ideal customer
• Clarifying your message and brand positioning
• Choosing the right channels for your business
• Basics of content planning and lead generation
• What to prioritise when time and budget are tight
• Action planning to get moving fast

Your First Website: No Code, No Fuss, Just Done

A website is your business’s online home—but getting one built can feel costly, complicated, and overwhelming. The good news? You can create a simple, professional website yourself without writing a single line of code.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to plan, design, and publish your own site using beginner-friendly tools. Perfect for small and solo business owners who need to get online quickly, affordably, and without the tech stress.

This workshop will cover:

• Website essentials – What every small business site needs
• Choosing the right platform – Squarespace, Wix, Shopify and more
• Structuring your site – Pages, navigation, and user flow
• Design basics – Easy ways to make your site look polished
• Adding content – Copy, images, and calls-to-action
• Going live – Domains, hosting, and launch tips

By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with:

• A plan for building (or improving) your website
• The skills to design and publish your own site
• Confidence to manage and update your site yourself

Presented by: Lauren Duffy

Duration: 2 hours

Google Ads: Smart & Simple Strategies on a Budget

• How Google Ads work – A plain-English introduction to search and display campaigns
• Setting up your account – Getting started the right way
• Finding the right keywords – Tools and tips to help you show up in relevant searches
• Writing your ads – Simple, clear messaging that gets clicks
• Setting budgets and bids – How to spend wisely and stay in control
• Tracking performance – What to measure and how to improve over time

• A clear understanding of how Google Ads can support your business goals
• A step-by-step guide to setting up your first campaign
• The confidence to advertise online without wasting time or money

Presented by: Lauren Duffy

Duration: 2 hours

Email Marketing Essentials – Workshop

If you get it ‘right’, email remains a top marketing channel for businesses, generating leads and keeping your business top-of-mind. This workshop will equip you with the knowledge to build, manage, and optimise email campaigns, turning it into a powerful revenue channel for your business.

This hands-on workshop will cover:

• Introduction & Email Marketing Landscape
• Email Campaign Types – which is right for your market?
• Building Your Email List
• Audience Segmentation
• Tips and tricks to create content that gets attention
• 30 Day Email Marketing Plan
• Wrap-up

By the end of this workshop, you’ll be ready to go – complete with a fit-for-purpose email marketing plan.

Presented by: Corrie Dark

Duration: 2 hours

Get Found Online: SEO in the AI ChatGPT Era

AI-powered search is changing how customers find businesses online and that means traditional Search Engine Optimisation strategies need an urgent update to ensure your customers can find you online. This workshop will help you navigate the new landscape where ChatGPT, Google’s AI, and voice search are reshaping how people discover your
business. Learn how to optimise for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO), and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) to ensure your business stays visible in this AI-driven world.

This workshop will cover:

• Introduction: The New Search Landscape
• SEO Fundamentals That Still Matter:
• Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO):
• Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO):
• Practical Implementation:
• Wrap-up & Action Plan
• Resources and tools for continued learning

By the end of this workshop, you’ll understand how search has evolved and have a clear action plan to make your business findable across traditional search engines, AI chatbots, and voice assistants. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can start implementing immediately to stay ahead of the competition.

Bring your laptop!

Presented by: Corrie Dark

Duration: 2 hours

Marketing Strategy: A Simple Framework for Small Businesses

Marketing without a clear strategy can feel like you’re throwing spaghetti at the wall to see what sticks. A simple, well-structured plan can help you focus your efforts, save time, and get better results.

This practical workshop is designed to help small and solo business owners create a straightforward, actionable marketing plan—without overcomplicating it. You’ll learn how to identify your audience, set goals, and choose the right tactics for your business.

This workshop will cover:

• Why strategy matters – The difference between tactics and strategy
• Defining your audience – Who you’re talking to and why it matters
• Setting goals that work – Clear, measurable objectives
• Choosing your channels – Where to focus your time and budget
• Creating a content plan – Staying consistent without burning out
• Measuring and adjusting – Keeping your strategy on track 

By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with:

• A simple one-page marketing strategy you can start using immediately
• Clarity on where to focus your marketing efforts
• Tools to help you stay consistent and measure results

Presented by: Lauren Duffy

Duration: 2 hours

Meta Ads: Facebook & Instagram Ads for Beginners 

Want to reach more of the right people on Facebook and Instagram? Meta Ads can help you get in front of your ideal customers, but starting from scratch can feel overwhelming.

This hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop is designed for small and solo business owners who want to run simple, effective ad campaigns without wasting time or money. You’ll learn how to set up your account, target the right audience, and create ads that stop the scroll.

This workshop will cover:

• How Meta Ads work – The basics of Facebook and Instagram advertising
• Setting up your account and campaigns – Avoiding the common mistakes
• Defining your audience – Targeting that’s simple and effective
• Creating your ads – Eye-catching visuals and clear calls-to-action
• Budgets and scheduling – Spending wisely to maximise results
• Measuring success – Tracking what’s working and making improvements

By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with:

• A clear, simple plan for your first Meta Ads campaign
• The skills to create and run ads that connect with your audience
• The confidence to advertise without the overwhelm

Presented by: Lauren Duffy

Duration: 2 hours

LinkedIn: Getting Started 

With over 950 million members LinkedIn is the largest professional network in the world. This workshop serves as an introduction to harnessing LinkedIn’s potential for small business. Participants will discover how to optimise their profile, utilise networking opportunities, increase brand visibility, foster business relationships and partnerships, and craft impactful content to drive leads.

This workshop will cover:

• Understanding LinkedIn’s purpose and functionalities as a professional platform;
• Understanding the benefits of using LinkedIn as a marketing tool;
• How to create and edit your LinkedIn profile;
• Navigating LinkedIn, including:
• Creating a good LinkedIn post;
• Searching and making connections; and
• Commenting and networking.

By the end of this workshop, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of LinkedIn’s functionalities. They will also gain practical skills in crafting engaging content and fostering valuable connections to drive business growth.

Presented by: Corrie Dark

Duration: 2 hours

Marketing on a Budget: A Blueprint for Success

Low-cost marketing can still be highly effective where businesses have a plan to reach their best possible target audience. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to streamline their marketing efforts to focus on the best channels and content to meet business goals.

We will cover:

• The foundations for a good marketing plan;
• Identifying which customers to target, and how;
• Confidence on which digital and/or social media channels to use; and
• Understanding what content to create.

Presented by: Corrie Dark

Duration: 2 hours

Content Creation: Using AI for Everyday Marketing

This hands-on, no-fluff workshop will help you learn  time-saving ways to create content for market awareness, social media, and to drive leads.

This workshop will cover:

• Introduction – AI tools, what’s out there and how to choose
• Getting AI to sound like your business (rather than a robot!)
• Social Media, Website & Blog Content
• Email Marketing Content
• Visual Content
• Wrap-up & Resources

By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with AI set up as your personal Marketing Content Assistant complete with posts and web content ready to go.

Presented by: Corrie Dark

Duration: 2 hours

DIY Marketing Funnels: Attract, Nurture & Convert on Autopilot

• What a marketing funnel is and why you need one
• Strategies to drive attention and generate leads
• How to stay front of mind and build trust
• How to make people say ‘yes’ and turn into paying customers/clients
• Tools and tech to help achieve the above
• Funnel mapping and action planning

B2B Marketing Mastery: Attracting & Converting Business Clients

Leverage your expertise in B2B marketing strategy to help businesses that primarily sell to other businesses.

While many businesses focus on consumers, selling to other businesses requires a distinct approach. This workshop, led by a seasoned B2B Fractional CMO, is designed for small businesses looking to refine their strategy for attracting, engaging, and converting business clients. We’ll move beyond generic marketing advice to focus on the unique dynamics of B2B sales cycles and relationship building.

Presented by: Paola Piccinno

Duration: 2 hours

Marketing ROI & Measurement: Proving the Value of Your Digital Efforts

• Defining success: how to set clear, measurable marketing objectives that align with your business goals.
• KPIs that actually matter: moving beyond likes and follows to track metrics that drive revenue.
• Simple tracking & reporting: practical techniques for monitoring performance without getting lost in complex tools.
• Connecting marketing to sales: understanding how to measure marketing’s contribution to the sales pipeline.
• Data-driven decision making: how to use your insights to optimise campaigns and reallocate budget for maximum impact.

Marketing for Niche Markets & Diverse Audiences: Resonating & Growing

This leans into your “navigating cross-cultural complexities” and “developing strategies that resonate in diverse markets” skills, offering a unique perspective for businesses targeting specific niches or cultural groups.

Description: In a crowded market, standing out means truly understanding and speaking to your specific audience. This workshop will guide small businesses in developing targeted marketing strategies for niche markets, diverse cultural groups, or unique customer segments. Learn how to conduct effective audience research, craft messages that resonate deeply, and choose channels that reach your ideal customers, even if they’re not the mainstream.

Presented by: Paola Piccinno

Duration: 2 hours

LinkedIn for Strategic Growth: From Profile to Partnership

We focus on advanced strategies for business development, leveraging your expertise in LinkedIn strategy and connecting people effectively.

You’ve got your LinkedIn profile set up, but are you truly leveraging its power for business growth? This workshop goes beyond the basics, equipping small business owners and key staff with strategic techniques to transform their LinkedIn presence into a powerful tool for lead generation, thought leadership, and building valuable partnerships. Learn how to strategically engage, build influence, and identify direct opportunities.

Canva for Social Media and Print

If you already have Canva but would like to gain confidence on how to use it for designing content, this workshop is for you. We’ll cover how to use Canva for several business needs including setting up your brand, social media posts, sales presentations, and flyers.

This hands-on workshop will cover:

• Introduction: Exploring Canva features and functionality
• Setting up Canva so it fits your business style.
• Design principles – getting the layout right
• Create a design for printing
• Repurpose a design for social media
• Wrap-up & Resources

By the end of this workshop, you’ll know to use Canva for your design projects, complete with some social media posts ready to go.

Presented by: Corrie Dark

Duration: 2 hours

Reclaim Your Time – AI for Small Businesses

Participants will learn how to use AI to save time, reduce admin tasks, and streamline marketing efforts. This workshop is ideal for any business owners uncertain about Artificial Intelligence and are keen to learn how to use it to optimise activities and support business growth.

We will cover:

• Types of AI and its capabilities;
• Identifying which AI is right for different tasks;
• Using AI for marketing and content creation;
• ChatGPT Tips and Tricks – How to get AI to sound like you, not everyone else; and
• AI and Admin Tasks – Generate emails and business insights effortlessly. The focus will be on practical tools and strategies that can be used to enhance operational efficiency, marketing, and customer engagement. The second part of the workshop will be hands on with participants working through real-world examples so they’re able to get started with AI tools when they leave the session.

 Presented by: Corrie Dark

Duration: 2 hours

Google Analytics for Beginners: What You Measure You Manage

If you’re not tracking what’s happening on your website, you’re missing valuable insights about your customers and marketing. Google Analytics is a powerful (and free) tool that shows you what’s working and what’s not.

This beginner-friendly workshop will help you understand your website data so you can make informed marketing decisions. No tech jargon, just clear, actionable insights you can use straight away.

This workshop will cover:

• Why analytics matter – How tracking helps your business grow
• Setting up Google Analytics – The basics done right
• Key metrics explained – Visitors, bounce rate, time on site, and more
• Traffic sources – Where your visitors come from
• Behaviour insights – What people do on your site
• Measuring marketing performance – Tracking campaigns and conversions 

By the end of this workshop, you’ll walk away with:

• A working Google Analytics account for your website
• The skills to find and understand key data points
• The confidence to make decisions based on facts, not guesses

Presented by: Lauren Duffy

Duration: 2 hours

Go-To-Market (GTM) Accelerator: Successfully Launching Your Next Product or Service

Go-To-Market plans’ service suggests a deeper dive for existing businesses or new ventures, focusing on a structured approach to market entry.

Launching a new product, service, or even entering a new market can be daunting for small businesses. This hands-on workshop provides a practical framework for developing a robust Go-To-Market (GTM) plan that minimises risk and maximises impact. Learn how to strategically position your offering, identify the right audience, and execute a launch that drives immediate results.

Presented by: Paola Piccinno

Duration: 2 hours

Cyber Security Essentials for Small Business (Webinar Only)

In an era of rapid technological evolution, our professional and personal landscapes have undergone a remarkable transformation. However, with these advancements comes an ever-growing threat of cybercrime. As Australia emerges as a prime target for cyber criminals, the stakes for small businesses have never been higher. In 2023, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) reported a 14% increase in the average cost of a cyber-attack on small businesses, reaching a staggering $46,000.

As a small business owner, it’s crucial to stay ahead of the curve and fortify your business against these cyber threats. Join us for a workshop on Cyber Security Basics for Small Business – an essential guide for EVERY business owner to protect their enterprise from potential cyber-security threats.

What to Expect:

Insights into Current Threats: Understand the specific cyber threats targeting businesses in Australia.

Real-Life Case Studies: Learn from local businesses’ experiences and discover actionable strategies.

Spotting Phishing Emails: Arm yourself with the knowledge to identify and combat phishing attempts.

Social Engineering Unveiled: Explore how hackers exploit human vulnerabilities and gain practical defenses.

Top Five Protective Measures: Discover the essential measures to shield your business from cyber threats.

Response Strategies: Learn the immediate actions to take if your business falls victim to a cyber-attack.

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to secure your small business in today’s digital landscape. Act now to safeguard your business against cyber threats!

Presenter: Caitriona Forde 

Duration: 2 hours

This Cyber Security Essentials workshop is designed as an educational session for small business owners and non-technical participants looking to improve their understanding of cyber safety and practical protections for their business.

To ensure a supportive and inclusive learning environment, we kindly ask that all participants respect the learning needs of others.

This session is not intended for IT professionals or those with advanced cybersecurity expertise. While we value the contributions of all attendees, technical deep-dives, off-topic questions, or discussions that may intimidate or discourage others from participating will not be appropriate during this session.

If you’re an IT professional or run your own IT services business, we ask that you attend in the spirit of support, not instruction. Your cooperation helps us keep the space open, welcoming, and valuable for those still building their cyber confidence.

We reserve the right to manage disruptive behaviour to maintain a positive experience for everyone.