Zest Canberra

04/09/2026

🎉 A very special congratulations to our Founder, Raffy Sgroi!

We are incredibly proud to share that Raffy has been inducted onto the ACT Women’s Honour Roll.

The ACT Women’s Honour Roll recognises women who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the Canberra community, and those of us who know Raffy know just how much of herself she has given to supporting, connecting and advocating for others.

Through Zest Canberra, Raffy has created opportunities for local business owners to connect, learn, grow and have their voices heard. She is never afraid to start a conversation, ask the difficult question or make sure small business has a seat at the table.

And while today is about recognising Raffy, we know she’ll probably be the first person to turn around and talk about all the wonderful people around her.

Raffy, congratulations on this very well-deserved recognition and your induction onto the ACT Women’s Honour Roll.

We’re enormously proud of you. And very lucky to have you leading Zest Canberra.

03/09/2026

Making it easier to lease and expand across Australia is a big deal for small business and it’s encouraging to see the Albanese Labor Government taking the next step, with consultation now open on how retail leasing and commercial tenancy rules can be made simpler and easier to navigate.

For many owners, signing a lease is one of the biggest decisions they’ll make. When rules are unclear or inconsistent across states and territories, it can create unnecessary costs, delays and stress especially for micro and small businesses that don’t have in-house legal or HR support. This consultation is looking at where differences in retail leasing rules create confusion (things like disclosure requirements, rent reviews, outgoings, lease transfers, dispute resolution and enforcement), and where greater consistency could help businesses operate and expand more confidently. Importantly, it’s about simplifying existing rules, not forcing identical rules everywhere.

At Zest Business Forum, we’re pleased to see this progress and we strongly encourage business owners, landlords, industry groups and stakeholders to consider making a submission. This issue has been front and centre for years, and it was a key agenda item at a Canberra leaders’ Roundtable I collaborated on with Senator Katy Gallagher. A standout submission on commercial leasing was presented by Tom Adam clear, practical, and exactly the kind of input that helps shape better policy. Thank you Tom!!

Canberra and all Australian small businesses are the heart of our communities and our economy. I’m very pleased to see progress after years of lobbying. Massive thank you to Senator Katy Gallagher for giving us the opportunity, the time, and for organising our Roundtable.
It’s good to see how we can discuss good policies with our local members David Smith, Katy Gallagher, Alicia Payne.
To all the canberra leaders who accepted the invitation, thank you for your time and contribution, looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.

Submissions are open via the Treasury Consultation Hub until Monday, 12 October 2026 If leasing rules have ever slowed your growth, added cost, or made expansion feel too hard this is your moment to have your say.

https://consult.treasury.gov.au/c2026-797150

If you’re a business leader and you want to bring your voice to the table, get in touch and be part of the Zest Business Forum. We’re building a strong, practical coalition of local leaders who are ready to advocate for fairer, clearer rules that actually work on the ground.
[email protected]

Treasury is seeking views on where retail tenancy regulations could be aligned across state and territory legislation to improve consistency, transparency and practical outcomes for businesses, landlords and other stakeholders.

03/09/2026

No matter where you are in your business journey, there's always something new to learn. When people come together to share their ideas, experiences and lessons learned, everyone benefits. A simple conversation can provide a fresh perspective, help solve a challenge, uncover a new opportunity or inspire a different way of thinking.

At Zest Canberra, we believe that knowledge grows when it's shared. Our community brings together business owners, professionals and leaders from a wide range of industries, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from one another and build meaningful relationships. Whether you're seeking advice, looking to share your own experiences or simply wanting to connect with like-minded people, there's a place for you within our community.

Every member has something valuable to contribute, and every conversation has the potential to make a positive difference. That's what makes the Zest Canberra community so unique.

What's one piece of business advice that's stayed with you over the years? Share it in the comments. You never know whose business journey you might help shape.

If you'd like to connect, learn and grow alongside Canberra's vibrant business community, visit https://zestcanberra.com.au/ to explore our upcoming events and discover how you can get involved.

01/09/2026

Whether you're just starting out, growing your business or leading an established organisation, your contribution matters. Canberra's business community is made stronger by the passion, innovation and dedication of local businesses that provide essential services, create employment, support local initiatives and help shape the future of our city.

At Zest Canberra, we're proud to celebrate businesses of all sizes and across all industries. We know that every business journey is unique, and we're passionate about creating opportunities for business owners and professionals to connect, learn from one another and celebrate both the milestones and the everyday wins that make running a business so rewarding.

Together, we're building a community where local businesses can grow, collaborate and support one another. Because when Canberra businesses succeed, our whole community benefits.

Tell us about your business! We'd love to know what you do and what you're most passionate about. Introduce yourself in the comments and let's help more people discover the amazing businesses that make Canberra such a vibrant place to live and work.

Ready to become part of a supportive business community? Visit https://zestcanberra.com.au/ to learn more about our events, networking opportunities and how you can get involved.

31/08/2026

*****MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT*****

Meet Michele Chaseling from Compass Counselling

I help people who are feeling stuck with chronic health challenges, exhaustion, and overwhelm, to uncover and release the energetic root causes of their symptoms — so that they can reclaim their power and freedom and take back control of their health and future.

I am a qualified social worker and holistic counsellor, with an additional 5 years and ongoing training in energy/intuitive healing (Energy Psychology). I offer online and face-to-face sessions with an office in Erindale ACT.

I am an approved counsellor with DVA and NSW Victims of Crime. Fees may not apply if you have approved counselling under Victims of Crime in NSW; you have a self-managed NDIS package or are a DVA client (Gold and White cards). These fees may be paid by NSW Victims Services, NDIS or DVA.

Contact Details:
Website: https://compasscounselling.com.au/
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0412 211 295
Free Resources available online

If you are a Member of Zest Canberra and would like your business featured, please reach out to [email protected].

27/08/2026

🎬🍿 Movie night, anyone?

Pegasus is bringing a little movie magic to Canberra this September with a special screening of WICKED (2024)! 💚✨

Grab your family, friends or fellow movie lovers and settle in for a fun night out while supporting the wonderful work of Pegasus in our local community.

🎥 Pegasus Movie Night
📅 Wednesday 9 September 2026
⏰ 6.00pm
📍 Palace Electric Cinema Canberra
🎟️ $39 per ticket

And because no movie night is complete without snacks, your ticket includes popcorn, a cookie AND ice cream. Yes, all three. 🍿🍪🍦

Come for Wicked, stay for the treats, and help support a fantastic local organisation at the same time.

💚 Book your tickets:
https://www.trybooking.com/DOWEC

Bring your crew and make a night of it!

26/08/2026

📸 Something exciting is happening at Zest Canberra!

Today we swapped the usual behind-the-scenes chaos for cameras, big smiles and a whole lot of fun at our Zest Canberra photoshoot! ✨

These photos are for our exciting new website… and a few other things we’ve been working on behind the scenes. 👀

We’d tell you more, but… some things are better kept as surprises! 🤫

Let’s just say there are some very exciting things coming, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

Stay tuned. Zest Canberra is getting ready to bring you even more! 💚

HerZest

25/08/2026

For some, growth means launching a new business. For others, it might be expanding a team, developing leadership skills, finding new clients or simply building the confidence to attend a networking event for the first time. Whatever your journey looks like, every step forward is an opportunity to learn, develop and move closer to your goals.

At Zest Canberra, we're passionate about supporting people at every stage of their business and professional journey. Through networking events, inspiring guest speakers, educational sessions and a welcoming community of like-minded professionals, we provide opportunities to learn, connect and grow alongside others who understand the challenges and rewards of business.

We believe that growth isn't something you achieve alone. It's strengthened through shared experiences, meaningful conversations and the encouragement of a community that's invested in seeing one another succeed.

What does growth look like for you this year? Whether it's a business goal, a new skill or stepping outside your comfort zone, we'd love to hear what you're working towards.

Discover how Zest Canberra can support your business and professional journey by visiting https://zestcanberra.com.au/. Explore our upcoming events, educational opportunities and community initiatives—we'd love to welcome you.

23/08/2026

Supporting local businesses is about so much more than making a purchase. Every recommendation you give, every service you use and every partnership you build helps strengthen our local economy, creates opportunities for growth and contributes to a thriving business community.

At Zest Canberra, we're passionate about championing Canberra businesses and the incredible people behind them. By connecting local businesses with the community, we're helping to create opportunities for collaboration, innovation and long-term success. When local businesses support one another, everyone benefits.

Looking for a local service, supplier or professional? Or would you like to discover businesses within the Zest Canberra community? Explore our Canberra Business Directory and see the amazing local businesses that make our region such a vibrant place to live and work: https://zestcanberra.com.au/.

Tell us below: What's your favourite Canberra business that deserves a little extra recognition? Tag them in the comments so we can help celebrate and support our local business community.