Real Business Conversation
& Activation EventsÂ
Real conversations. Practical workshops.
The first steps of the Growth Compass Pathway - happening now in small business communities across South Australia.
two ways to start
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Your Real Business Conversation
âś“Â A 90-minute breakfast for local business owners, built for honest discussion, not another presentation.
âś“Â Sit down with other owners from your community & region and a Compass Guide
âś“ Talk through what's actually shaping your decisions right now
âś“ Leave with real connections and a clearer next step.
Events run in partnership with local councils and business groups across South Australia.
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Grow Your Brand Locally
âś“Â A hands-on, 3-hour Activation Workshop.
âś“Â Five practical ways to grow your brand locally
âś“ A Discussion Panel of real local business owners, and your own Local Growth Action Plan to walk out with.
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Both are genuine entry points into a bigger, structured journey - not one-off events that end when the morning does.
upcoming events
Grab your seat at an event near you. Spots are limited so the conversation stays real.
Grow Your Brand Locally
A 3-hour hands-on workshop hosted with Regional Development Australia - Barossa, Light, Gawler & Adelaide Plains. Includes Morning Tea & Refreshments, plus a Discussion Panel of local business owners on "How to Sell Without Feeling like a Salesperson". | NURIOOTPA, THE VINE INN
Book Now - $50 inc GSTNo events open in your area yet?
Register your interest below and we'll let you know when one's coming.
what people say after a session
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Jade Leske
Waikerie Garden & Landscape Centre
"I walked away from the forum with a really positive feeling. It gave me confidence that I'm on the right path and reinforced the importance of creating a welcoming, creative, customer-friendly business."
WAIKERIE, MAY 2026
Ruby Duka
Tickle Belly Hill
"One of the biggest takeaways is that I do need to take a bit more time to work on the business rather than in it. My goal for the next 30 to 90 days is sitting down and looking at the numbers a little more - there's a few places I can trim, work out my costings better, and do more forward planning for next year."
PORT AUGUSTA, SEPT 2025
Cassie Fuller
Gleeson Collective
"I found today really useful. It was a good reminder to check in on your business. There were some really good take-home strategies - some we can implement immediately and some longer term things that we can 'pull out' the workbook at some time and implement them later. So yes, very useful for my business."
CLARE VALLEY, FEB 2025
Catherine Summers
Fibrebird Studio
"I've had a great day here, with Shelley and her team - very informative. I'm going to go home and implement 3/4 of it - because I'm not ready for the other quarter! So watch this space!"
BAROSSA, NOV 2024
how each format works
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Your Real Business Conversation
A Relaxed Session
A relaxed breakfast session built around honest discussion, not a deck. You'll leave with real connections and a clearer sense of what's actually shaping your decisions right now.
Grow Your Brand Locally
Activation Workshop
A structured 3-hour deep-dive: topic overview, expert insight, a guided worksheet, group coaching, and a clear action plan to take home. Includes a printed workbook and Compass Guides in attendance.
who it's for
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✓ Local cafés, wineries, breweries & distilleries
âś“Â Retail, e-commerce, artisans & makers
âś“Â Freelancers & independent contractors
âś“Â Established businesses & startups
âś“Â Tourism, agricultural & food producers
âś“Â Anyone who wants clarity, not more noise
facilitated by compass guides
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Local Legends | Brain Power | Better Together
Compass Guides are experienced practitioners across marketing, finance, operations, leadership and wellbeing — ensuring participants receive relevant, grounded support, not generic advice.
questions you may have...
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How do I register?
Can I transfer my ticket to someone else instead?
What's your cancellation and refund policy?
What happens if the event is cancelled or rescheduled?
What do I need to bring?
Not seeing your region?
Are you a council, RDA or industry body interested in bringing this to your region?
Bring Your Real Business Conversations to your region
You want to support local businesses but don't have the time to run another event. We take it off your plate.
You: share the invite with your business network.
We handle: registrations, venue, breakfast, facilitation and follow-up.
You receive: a one-page insights summary showing what local owners are really dealing with, so you can use it for planning and reporting.
Options
- Breakfast: 90 minutes, 30-40 owners. $2,250 + GST (participants pay $25 each)
- Workshop: half day, hands-on, up to 40 owners. $3,500 + GST (participants pay $50 each)
- Want to go further? Events can lead into a Compass Pathway growth cohort for your region.
hosted by
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