IN PICTURES: Hundreds show support for local entrepreneurs at 2023 Small Business Expo

Members of Albany’s thriving small business community came together on Saturday to show off their wares, support one another and celebrate their contributions to the community.

The Small Business Expo, organised by Albany Business Centre, is put on each year to coincide with WA’s Small Business Day.

Exhibitors at the 46 stalls included real estate agencies, food outlets, and health and wellbeing practitioners, as well as a variety of creatives and educators.

Business centre executive officer Mark Shenton said it was an “amazing day” that has continued to grow with the 2023 edition attracting about 600 to 700 visitors.

“This year we spread out a bit more so people could chat a little more freely which means that you can find out more about local businesses,” he said.

“It is so important . . . to support local businesses because over 98 per cent of our region are businesses of under 20 staff and we should all be buying locally where we can to support them, our local economy, and it helps reduce environmental issues.”

The centre also celebrated its 35th birthday at the expo with Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis and Albany MLA Rebecca Stephens on hand to help Mr Shenton cut a commemorative cake.

Mr Shenton said that despite significant changes over the years, the centre’s core values of helping businesses “start, build and grow” remained constant.

“At the end of the day it’s not about us; and whilst we’re here to help, train and assist, it comes down to the small business owners who work so hard every day and do amazing things,” he said.