Thank you for joining us at the 22^nd annual conference of the Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand, and the post-conference policy day.

This conference was hosted by Massey University in collaboration with the Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand - the Australasian affiliate of the International Council for Small Business.

Conference Theme

The theme of the 22^nd SEAANZ Conference, Start small - Think big is one of many phrases used by researchers, policy-makers, educators and practitioners. It may imply that growth is possible from the smallest of beginnings; that growth is the ultimate goal for owner-managers; and, that growth (and its associated outcomes of increasing profit, outputs and staff) is the greatest contribution a small firm can make. The theme also pays homage to the innovations that can emerge from the smallest of firms.

There is also room for the theme to be examined critically by researchers, policy-makers, educators and practitioners, asking: Should a ‘big firm’ be the goal? Does targeted business assistance legitimise high growth as the only ‘suitable’ business goal? Are micro-firms written off and pejoratively labelled as ‘lifestyle businesses’? Is SME growth seen as the panacea for all economic ills? What are the implications of SME growth in terms of sustainability?

The conference program will feature sessions covering the theme Start small - Think big, as well as a wide range of other small business related topics.

The 2009 SEAANZ Conference in Wellington, New Zealand enabled you to:

• Meet with leading researchers in the field.

• Engage in dialogue on the latest issues concerning the SME sector with policymakers, educators and practitioners.

• Network with key figures from organisations linked to the SME sector from Australasia.

• Socialise and enjoy Massey Wellington’s hospitality and friendly atmosphere
  

Page authorised by Director, New Zealand Centre for SME Research
Last updated on Monday 01 November 2010