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Residents are invited to attend Yarra Ranges Council’s first Small Business Expo which will facilitate networking opportunities for local small business operators, as well as showcase local products and services to the community.

The expo will be held at Skyhigh Mt Dandenong on 29 March and visitors will be able to explore a wide range of small businesses, from retail shops to service providers, and get to know the entrepreneurs behind them, like Vicky Hottes and Robyn Rigby from SoapShakinSisters.

Despite only being one year old, The SoapShakinSisters have carved out a name for themselves in the local community and have been named finalists in this year’s Australian Small Business Champions.

Vicky said the local community has been incredibly supportive since starting their business and was looking forward to connecting with other business and new people at the expo.

“Like so many things now, we realised that our mother had some good ideas like soap shakers, which are the perfect way to reduce plastic in the kitchen – no more bottles of dishwashing liquid, just use bars of soap,” Vicky said.

“We feel there was a need for this product in the market, particularly given the versatility of it especially when doing dishes, in the laundry, as well as for making suds in the bath for children.

“We’re not going to be millionaires and we wouldn’t want to be, but it’s been amazing the community that we’ve created and the expo is just a way of us meeting, different people and hopefully likeminded people and expanding that community.”

Yarra Ranges Council Mayor, Jim Child said small businesses have always been well represented in Yarra Ranges and encouraged residents to attend the expo and learn about what opportunities and services exist in our own backyard.

“Attending the Small Business Expo provides a wonderful opportunity for residents to discover the diverse small businesses within our community that may not have a physical storefront or be well-known in the area.

“I encourage you to bring your friends and family, meet some fantastic local businesses you may not see on the main street, and support local business.”