Businesses from across the Sunshine Coast are invited to attend EPIC Assist’s Diversity and Inclusion Breakfast on Thursday 21 February, to find out how they can tap into a growing market segment.
EPIC CEO, Bill Gamack, says that with 1 in 5 Australians having a disability, businesses could be missing out on a major customer cohort if they’re not actively aware of the needs of people with disability.
“The introduction of the NDIS on the Sunshine Coast at the start of the year will undoubtedly improve the spending power of this customer group,” Mr Gamack said.
“Our Diversity and Inclusion Breakfast will offer businesses the opportunity to learn the simple steps they can take now to help attract innovative team members, tap into a powerful customer cohort, recruit loyal and dependable staff, and build a great workplace culture.
“After working in the disability employment space for the past 30 years we know that the businesses we support report many benefits after becoming more diverse and inclusive and we’re looking forward to sharing some of this insight.
“As well as being loyal and dependable, people with disability are often innovative problem solvers because they’re constantly having to adapt to the world around them.
“Because people with disability can’t always do things the same way as others, they’re forced to ‘think outside the box’, be creative and be solutions-focused in their approach to life. These are transferable skills that could take your business to the next level,” he said.
One local business who has found that out is Maroochydore-based florist i-Blossom. Owner Brian Harvey said that employing Phil through EPIC in last year was an excellent business decision.
“Phil certainly has the right attitude to work. He’s relishing his role as our delivery driver and is always looking for other ways to help out around the place,” Mr Harvey said.
“We were looking for someone who could be responsible as well as have a sense of fun.
He’s got a real quite excitement and pride about what he does. He couldn’t be a better fit. He’s been a good fit from the start,” he said.
EPIC’s Diversity and Inclusion Breakfast will be held at the Maroochy Surf Club on Thursday 21 February from 7am. You can register for this event by contacting EPIC on 13 EPIC (13 3742) or registering online.