Commonwealth Bank’s Small Business Forums is making a return to help small businesses across the country further develop and grow.

This year the forums will be ‘talking digital’, offering companies practical suggestions for improving their operations by embracing the digital space.

Forum attendees will hear from the experts on how they can take advantage of new opportunities arising in the marketplace including digital retailing, online promotion and social media marketing.

Experts will explore the social media boom of Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, matching practical tips and advice on how companies can harness these new channels for business gain.

The forums will be hosted by small business expert and financial commentator Peter Switzer and will be held at 12 different locations across the nation. Free to attend, the Forums are open to all local businesses.

Switzer will also be joined by Craig James, chief economist of the Bank’s broking subsidiary CommSec, who will present an economic update on the trends affecting small businesses in their State in 2012.

Matt Comyn, Commonwealth Bank executive general manager of local business banking, said the forums will enable attendees to learn about the new platforms available to stay ahead of the game.

“Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace and it’s important that small businesses embrace this change,” Comyn said.

“That means ensuring they are present in the communities where their customers are becoming more and more active. The online and social media space offers businesses exciting new opportunities to access markets where they can promote their products and services to a wider audience.”

According to Switzer, many organisations now have access to digital opportunities they may not be aware of, which can assist their business growth and make a real difference to their bottom line.

"Successful small businesses are always on the lookout for innovations, to stay at the forefront of technology and give themselves a competitive edge,” he

“When it comes to business success, new technology doesn’t always have to create new problems for business, it can also present exciting opportunities."

For more information and to register, click here.