Small businesses will be taught strategies for strength and survival at the 2005 Annual Small Business conference later this month.

Small business owners are invited to attend the conference which takes place on June 25 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess and has the theme ?Strategies-Strength-Survival?.

Small business advocate and event organise Keetha Lowe said the event will introduce the small business sector as the country?s third economic pillar and highlight topics of interest such as domestic taxation, high operation and costs, and the battle of securing qualified workers.

?Bermuda has changed over the years and Bermuda is venturing into small business as a means of survival,? said Ms Lowe.

?Over the years more individuals have been entering into the arena with sophisticated tools and more aspirations than ever before.

?Often small businesses encounter the challenge of surviving versus thriving. In order for that to occur the Government has to be able to embrace and support the needs of small businesses.?

Ms Lowe said industry heads have been invited to network with small business owners and entrepreneurs with a view of generating dialogue business exchange and mentorship.

?We hope the result of the conference will be information needed to empower people and to send a message to the community that small business owners no longer need to stand alone, they are very special economic pillars that play a major role in the social balance of the community.?

The event takes place on Saturday June 25 from 8.30 to 3.30 at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. The conference also concentrates on bridging the gap between big business and small business through the Net Work Equals Net Worth reception following the conference from 3.30-5.30 p.m. The event is free and includes both a complimentary buffet and network reception. Contact 295-0729 for tickets.