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SMALL BUSINESS FESTIVAL - Rising Insurance and Small Business

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Insurance Premiums are Rising
What Small Business Owners Can Do to Stay
Protected Without Overpaying

Monday 24 August 2026 5:30 - 7:30pm No Charge Smart Business Solutions
Level 1 / 328 Main Street Mornington, VIC
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OVERVIEW

Insurance premiums are rising, coverage expectations are changing and many small business owners are left unsure whether they are genuinely protected or simply paying more each year. This practical, education-first session helps business owners cut through the confusion and take back control of their insurance decisions.

This workshop explores risk, resilience and smarter strategy. It breaks down the two often-misunderstood sides of business protection – personal risk to owners and key people, and operational risk to the business itself – and shows how to balance protection with cost in a changing insurance market.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

By the end of this session, you will walk away with clearer understanding and practical tools, including:

  • The difference between protecting the business owner personally and protecting the business itself
  • Which types of insurance are essential, optional or commonly misunderstood for small businesses
  • How illness, injury or the loss of a key person can impact cashflow, lending and business continuity
  • Practical ways to manage rising insurance premiums without compromising necessary cover
  • How to identify and assess key operational risks including cyber threats, equipment loss and business interruption
  • What insurers actually look at when assessing risk and how your actions can influence premiums and policy outcomes
  • A practical framework and checklist to review existing policies and approach renewals with confidence.

Who this session is for

This session is designed for:
  • Owner-operators, family businesses and small to medium enterprises
  • Businesses across trades, construction, retail, hospitality, tourism, health, professional services and technology
  • Business owners who already have insurance but are unsure if it is structured correctly or fit for their stage of growth
Experience level:
  • Beginner to intermediate
  • No prior insurance or technical knowledge required

Why this session is high value

Insurance is one of the largest and least understood expenses for many small businesses. This session is high value because it helps business owners move from reactive, renewal-by-renewal decisions to proactive, informed strategy.

You will gain clarity around where your business is genuinely exposed, where costs may be unnecessary and how to strengthen resilience without overpaying.

The session focuses on real-world scenarios, practical decision-making and sustainable outcomes – empowering you to protect what matters most while supporting smarter financial decisions.


MEET YOUR FACILITATORS

Bianca Carroll, Financial Advisor
SMART Private Wealth

Bianca Carroll is a Financial Adviser specialising in personal wealth building and protection, small business risk management, succession planning and owner protection strategies. Her session focuses on business continuity, key person risk and structuring insurance to support long-term resilience without unnecessary cost.


Rachael Jones, Insurance Broker
SMART Private Wealth

Rachael brings over 20 years of expertise in the insurance industry, combining deep market knowledge with an unmatched understanding of available products. Specialising in small to medium business clients, Rachael is also highly skilled in serving corporate, technical, and domestic clients.

MP Shire Small Business Festival
Rising Insurance and Small Business

What Small Business Owners Can Do to Stay Protected Without Overpaying.


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