THE organiser of a small business expo in Redlands last week is predicting big things for its future helping vendors in the region.
About 100 people walked through the doors at the Wellington Point Sports Club on Friday for the Independent Small Business Expo.
They had the opportunity to visit 45 stalls, with services from accounting to skincare catered for.
Suzi Manley, who organised the event, expects to host two expos per year in the Redlands.
She said she would 'work hard' to grow the expo in the future, but was happy with the numbers at the inaugural event.
"For our very first event, and the fact that this was advertised completely organically, I was pleased with this number," she said.
The response to the event was fast, with tickets for tables flying out the door early. Ms Manley said the first 25 went in two days.
"This shows that micro and small businesses are willing to get on board with our expo, and if we all work together, this will just continue to get bigger and better," she said.
The aim of the day, Miss Manley said, was to network, rather than just making sales on the day.
"I think most of the stallholders who joined us were of the same mindset," she said.
Miss Manley bought her first business aged just 21, and said she understood the value of supporting local vendors.
"According to Redlands City Council, there are about 160,000 residents in the area, with more than 13,000 registered businesses," she said.
"Small business is the backbone of our economy, and by supporting them in your area you are helping to support your local community, local economy and local growth."
Miss Manley and partner Troy Colley started a business, the Five Foot Rope Business Connective, about 12 months ago. It helps small firms grow their exposure. The expo, she said, was a natural progression.
"There wasn't an affordable expo in the Redlands - or any expo in the area that I knew of - so I figured I would organise one," Miss Manley said.
