NEXT EVENT:
Suburban Business Summit - Central Coast
Gosford Library Function Centre, Gosford
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
About Suburban Business Summit
Suburban Business Summit is a one-day event for local business owners, professionals, and community leaders who believe strong local businesses build strong communities.
We bring “big conference” ideas, speakers, and connections into suburban and regional areas, close to where you live and work. Our first Summit showed there’s real demand for practical, no‑hype learning and genuine local connections.
In 2026, we’re growing into a series of local events across Australia, each with its own community flavour but the same goal: helping local businesses grow, collaborate, and lead. You’ll find people from trades, charities, finance, professional services, health, retail, hospitality, education, and more.
At each Summit you can expect:
Simple, practical ideas you can use straight away
Real conversations and relationships that last beyond the day
A focus on how suburban businesses power Australia’s economy and communities
Suburban Business Summit is where local ambition meets practical support. Backing business. Driving success.
Suburban Business Summit - Central Coast
2026 Event Program
Updated: 16/03/26 11:20pm
MC: Derek Abel - Owner/Producer - Your Story
8:30 AM - Arrival Tea & Coffee - Exhibitor Floor Open
Meet exhibitors: UON, FWD Focus, AI Collab, SBNG, CCWH, The Bikers Hand, Ronald McDonald House, Central Coast Studios, East Coast Beverages, My Three Beans, FairPlay Entertainment and more.
9:20 AM Welcome address & Acknowledgement to Country - David Abrahams
Central Coast Business Story – “Present & Future“ - Kim Fernandez - AI Collab, Bill Murch - SBNG & David Abrahams - Central Coast News. Hosted by Mel Archer - The Foundry
Presentation - UON/I2N Feature - Jax Garrett - Central Coast Campus
Spotlight - “The taste of the Central Coast” - created & inspired by Chef Daniel
10:30 AM Morning Tea - Championed by Chef Daniel -
Exhibitor Floor Open
Ambassador - “Ice Breaker” - Richelle Bennett - Keeping Me Keeping You
Panel - “Hollywood on the Central Coast” by Craig & Amanda Giles - founder/director CCS, John MacNamurra - Chairperson of the Economic Development Committee, Stephen Machia - Noisy Nit Games,, Sam Lukins - Production Designer, Art Department Wolverine, x-Men, Petrina Waddell — Workforce & Strategic Growth Advisor
Inspirational - “Driving a Values-Based Business” - JBAM Tyrepower - Blain Vandersteen - Director
Panel - “Local Business for Charity” -Tony Davis - The Bikers Hand, Garth Prestwridge - Ronald McDonald Houses North NSW & Sara Foster - Central Coast Women’s Health. Hosted by Aarti Soni - Tap4Change.
1:00 PM - 2.00 PM Lunch & Networking - Catered by Living Gourmet and Fork & Knife
Exhibitor Floor Open
Spotlight - “Shining a Light on the Gosford Strip Precinct” by Mel Archer - The Foundry
Panel - “Services for Local Business” – Tash Robertson - Coasties Magazine, Richelle Bennett - Keeping Me Keeping You, Gabrielle Blanch - JBAM Tyrepower. Hosted by Jenny Benedek - FWD Focus.
Charity Raffle Drawn
Directors Reflections - Core Success Network and Growth Concept Development Services
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Networking Drinks - Funhaus Factory
BOOK TICKETS NOW FOR 18th MARCH
Be part of a full day dedicated to Central Coast business and leave with ideas and opportunities you can use straight away.
Hear real stories and practical insights from local leaders and innovators.
Get warm introductions to charities, trades, community leaders and ecosystem partners who back local business.
Put your business in front of local decision‑makers and potential customers in one place.
Book your ticket now and secure your seat for 18 March at Gosford Library.
Location
Gosford Regional Function Centre
Level 1, Gosford Library
123a Donnison St, Gosford NSW 2250 (click for google maps)
Getting there
By train: Gosford Station is an easy 5–7 minute walk from the library. Exit towards the CBD and follow the signs to Donnison Street.
Drop-off: There is a short-term drop-off area at the front of the library on Donnison Street, ideal for passengers or accessibility drop-offs.
Access inside the venue
The event is in the function/auditorium space on Level 1. Access is available via both stairs and a lift from the ground floor.
All public areas have step-free routes, with an accessible entrance and accessible toilets on the ground level.
Parking
The closest large car park is Gosford City Car Park, 1 Baker Street, a short walk to the library.
There is limited street parking on Donnison Street and Mann Street, so please allow extra time to find a space.
For all-day/free parking, you can use commuter car parks at Adcock Park or Racecourse Road, West Gosford, then walk or take public transport into the CBD.
We recommend arriving a little earlier to allow time for parking and the short walk to the venue.
Event Participants
Our partners, sponsors, and collaborators form a strong support network that helps make each event possible and amplifies its impact for the wider community.
