#54: Stronger Together: Amplifying Small Business Voices Through Association Collaboration with Luke Achterstraat

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena is joined by Luke Achterstraat, CEO of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), to explore the vital role of collaboration in strengthening the voice of small businesses across Australia. COSBOA represents a diverse range of industries, from hairdressing and retail to licensed post offices and hospitality, serving as the united voice for millions of small business owners who form the backbone of the Australian economy.   Luke explains how COSBOA supports its members—associations of small businesses—by addressing critical issues like tax reforms, industrial relations, and red tape reduction, while also rolling out programs like CyberWardens to enhance cyber resilience for small business owners.   With a federal election on the horizon, Luke generously shares actionable insights into building strong relationships with policymakers, creating data-driven campaigns, and leveraging a collective voice to achieve meaningful outcomes.   If you would like to become part of the collaborative, visit COSBOA website at https://www.cosboa.org.au/ or reach out to Luke directly through his LinkedIn.