Thursday, January 9th, 2014. Anyone looking for their big break in advertising, film, music, performance and other creative industries can get expert advice on starting and growing their business at no cost sessions hosted by the City of Sydney.

Advice specifically tailored for individual creative businesses will be available at a series of one-hour meetings in one of the City’s creative hubs in Darlinghurst throughout January and February.

Industry insight will be provided by Monica Davidson, as part of the NSW Government’s Small Biz Connect program. Monica has her own production company and has been running workshops for creative businesses for 15 years.

“These sessions are a great opportunity for owners of creative businesses or people hoping to go into business for themselves,’’ Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.

“Good advice about the commercial realities of the creative world could make the difference between success and failure.’’

New businesses will be able to get advice on their plans for the future, while existing businesses can discuss specific challenges and work with the Business Advisor to develop action plans to address them.

“Hosting our Small Biz Connect sessions is one way the City supports Sydney businesses,’’ Ms Moore said.

Ms Davidson said: “A business advisory session is great because it’s face to face, personalised and completely confidential. So people get the chance to ask all their questions or just get some help with finding the right direction to go with their business from here.”

The meetings are open to people looking to grow or start a business in creative fields. The first is on January 15 and the only requirements are that clients have an Australian Business Number (ABN), that it is their first session with Small Biz Connect, and that they book in advance.

What: One-hour individual business advice meetings for creative businesses

Who: Anyone with an ABN who runs, works for or wants to start a business in a creative field.

When: 10am – 5pm, on 15 and 29 January and 12 and 26 February.

Where: At Tractor [www.tractordesignschool.com], Suite 5a, Level 1, 66 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

How: Bookings essential. Phone 02 9212 0555 or email business.advice@clearlybusiness.com.au