Our history
Stirling Business Associaton’s history begins with the formation of the Osborne Park Businessmen’s Association in 1973 as the result of a suggestion by Colin Beaman, Chairman of Scarborough Rotary Club Vocational Service Committee.
The objectives of the association at the time were to:
- Promote reciprocal trade.
- Exchange business, manufacturing and trading knowledge between members.
- Promote social interaction between members on a regular basis.
- To assist members by offering advice and guidance.
- To act as a representative body in manners of interest to members in a non-political, non sectarian manner.
Nearly 50 years later these objectives are still incorporated into the Association’s vision and mission to best support our members.
Some Interesting Historical Facts
- In 1973 membership was $5 per year with a $5 nomination fee. The 1975 financials closed with a credit balance of $247.40.
- In 1980 the name was changed to “Osborne Park Balcatta Business Association”.
- In 1993 Hendy Cowan MLA, Deputy Premier and Minister for Commerce and Trade (including small business) was guest speaker at the Association’s AGM. As part of his speech he stated that the small business sector was acting as the “engine of the economy” through its ability to generate jobs. This phrase is still used today to describe the importance of the small business sector.
- In 1995 the name was changed to “Stirling Business Association”.
- SBA hosted the first small business awards in 1994, this became an annual event and has run each year since then.
- The incubator project has its roots in the early 2000’s, which culminated in 2004 with the construction of the Stirling Business Centre. The current City of Stirling Mayor, Mark Irwin, was part of the Centre Development Project and continues to be a strong supporter of the small business sector. The SBA made the new business incubator its home on 9 November 2005.
Executive Board
The Executive Board are a group of highly experienced executives who volunteer their time in supporting the continuing development of the SBA
Meet the SBA team
Lean and keen… the SBA Team punch above their weight in managing the Centre, the Membership and SBA Events. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes at our Centre, don’t be a stranger, call in and say Hi.
