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contents 6 Ed ito r ' s a n d Sp o n s or ’s forewords 8 A note from the ASBFEO 10 Meet our judges 12 How to avoid getting into a dispute – and what to do if you do Octomedia Pty Ltd 14 Top 50 Small Business PO Box R217 Royal Exchange, NSW 1225 Leaders 2019 | A-Z P 02 9901 1800 E isbeditorial@octomedia.com.au W insidesmallbusiness.com.au Inside Small Business Level 2, 517 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Vic 3000 Editor Tim Ladhams Advertising George Moraitis P 03 8330 1933 E george@octomedia.com.au Contributing journalist Karl Aguilar Design & layout Sofia Costales Photo attributions Page 21 Dinner on the Table image courtesy of Alexander Mayes Photography Page 4 and 33 Vets on Call image courtesy of Asanka Brendon Ratnayake Limitation of liability Octomedia Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or consequences, including any loss or damage, arising from reliance on information in this publication. The views expressed in this publication reflect the opinions of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed small business leaders by Octomedia Pty Ltd. We recommend obtaining professional advice from an accredited advisor before relying on the information in this publication. 4 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
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editor's foreword Small business making big waves W elcome to the third iteration of our Top 50 businesses are of each other. Time and again the names Report, celebrating the diversity of the of one of our winners have cropped up when I have Australian small-business landscape. been talking to another – indeed, cases of one This year’s winners reflect the extraordinary of our winners working with, or for, another imagination and drive of the country’s are referenced in the report, such as Cass at entrepreneurs, as small businesses Millennium Communications identifying spring up in fields traditionally deemed a show she put on for Tara Jane of TJ to be accessible only to far larger, Swim as one of the highlights of her better funded organisations. We business journey to date. And I first feature start-ups muscling in on South met Brooke of Villa Management at last Australia’s burgeoning high-tech space year’s Top 50 event in Perth, to which and defence industries, social-media she was invited by almost half-a-dozen experts significantly growing the reach of last year’s WA winners who rely on her of their small-businesses neighbours and social-media expertise: this year Brooke was environmentally conscious small enterprises nominated herself for what she’s doing for the making a real difference to the health of our small-business community in the west. communities. I do hope you’ll be as inspired as I have One of the highlights for me of compiling Tim Ladhams been by the stories of our small-business this year’s report has been the revelation Editor, leaders, and I look forward to sharing a of just how supportive many of our small Inside Small Business new selection with you next year. sponsor's foreword Product labels: No big deal for small business I volunteered to help with the local fair this year. My job? the part with a compelling look and appeal. Over the last few Getting 327 jam jars labelled and ready for sale. years, technology – and in particular online services – Luckily, this wasn’t a daunting task for me has enabled small business to simplify and create because I happen to work for a company that cost-reducing efficiencies. There’s a lot you can makes it much easier than most people do these days by yourself and maintain a realise. professional stature and go at it among the But it got me thinking about labelling bigger competing brands – even if you’re on boutique products I buy online, just a one-man band working out of your from local shops and at markets – garage or off your kitchen table. As we candles, honey, hand-crafted jewellery, have seen, it can be done. homebrew, and so on. Many producers The passion shown in this report seem to be doing it the hard way – going reminds us at Avery WePrint that to the printer and spending a lot of time what we’re striving to be a part of, and and money, then waiting weeks for delivery. contribute positively to, is the small- Or, they’re avoiding it altogether, which is a business community. We’re in it to help you crying shame because labels are so create and print quality custom labels important to the success of any brand. that enhance your brand’s appeal, As we’ve seen in this Top 50 Small Ellie Martin delivered fast, and in the quantities you Business Leaders Report, right around Digital Development Manager, need. Make your labels work for you Australia we see small business look Avery Weprint with Avery WePrint. 6 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
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From the ASBFEO Keep thinking about tomorrow Every small business must be prepared for change – technology is ever- evolving, customers change and so does the marketplace. W elcome to the annual Inside Small Business Top 50 You can also use your networks to find a mentor; someone Small Business Leaders report, and congratulations who has been through the ups and downs of starting and to these small-business owners for their dedication running a business, ideally in the same industry as yourself. and hard work in achieving business success. If you don’t already have someone in mind, one way of Business success means different things to different finding this person is through your industry association. small-business owners – working for yourself Membership of an industry association will also ensure and earning enough to afford a comfortable you stay up to date on information relevant to your balanced lifestyle, or growing and taking business. the business to the next level. Find the right team – staff who value what No matter what success looks like your business stands for and want to help to you, small-business owners must you excel and grow. Employing people think about the future. Change is can be daunting and getting it right is inevitable and can happen very important. Business.gov.au is a source of a quickly, no matter what industry huge amount of important information in you work in – technology is ever- this area and in all things, from starting up evolving, customers change and so to closing down. does the marketplace. If the worst happens and you end up Small-businesses owners need in dispute with a big business or a federal to keep up to date and understand government agency, you can come to my office, change in all its forms and actively plan ASBFEO, for help. Whether it be late payments, to diversify, restructure or transform. a contract dispute, a problem with a bank You need to improve processes, address challenges and find new opportunities Kate Carnell or other financial institution, or any other business issue – we are here to help. through innovation. Australian Small Business Finally, take a proactive approach to caring Customer engagement is crucial in and Family Enterprise for your own and your staff’s mental health. service and product development, as is Ombudsman As a small-business owner, being aware of understanding your clients’ needs. The your own mental health needs can have a challenge is to always strive to exceed their expectations. positive impact on business sustainability, particularly The “Four Wall” syndrome is the enemy of all business if you work alone or in a small team. There is plenty of owners. Networking is good way of finding how other information online to support you in this area; a great small-business owners deal with change and learning how example is headsup.org.au. you might apply their knowledge and expertise to your own Take that step back from working in the business, and business. Don’t be afraid to seek out the advice you need, and have a go at working on the business. Make small changes surround yourself with good advisers and a good support regularly and watch the business, and your employees, network. transform. 8 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
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2019 judging panel Meet our judges Vanessa Geraghty McCann Tim Ladhams Sophie Musumeci Founder, Editor, Founder and CEO, Vivacity Marketing (WA) Inside Small Business (National) Real Entrepreneur Women (NSW) Vanessa is a marketing consultant, Tim is responsible for all the content Sophie is a mum of two from Sydney, a marketing strategist and marketing on the Inside Small Business website leadership and business strategist who’s coach. Vanessa helps small-business and in the quarterly magazine. He partnered with top Aussie companies owners to implement a proven has come into journalism after a long for more than 15 years. Over the past marketing system into their business career – including management roles three years, she has realised her passion that delivers a continuous flow of – in hospitality, insurance and credit for helping thousands of entrepreneur clients and revenue. Market research management, giving him significant women grow their businesses. is a key component of this system, insights into the way business works. Sophie was named one of Inside which helps to build a really robust Tim’s experience as a credit manager Small Business’s Top 50 Small Business marketing strategy and plan. offered a first-hand understanding Leaders in 2018, an Optus My Business Vivacity Marketing launched in July of dealing with the issue that small- finalist, and has been mentioned in 2017 and since then it’s grown to be a business owners repeatedly cite as their federal parliament several times for her boutique marketing agency offering biggest challenge to staying afloat and work with entrepreneur women. a range of services to suit businesses prospering – getting paid by those to Sophie is the CEO and founder from start-ups to more established whom they have provided goods or of Real Entrepreneur Women, an businesses. Through Vivacity, Vanessa services! in-person and online networking offers a comprehensive suite of services Tim now combines this business community that’s inspiring and backing to suit all budgets, so that she can help experience with a particular passion entrepreneur women to go after their a wide range of businesses to succeed. for start-ups and small businesses, a dreams and smash their goals. Prior to launching her own business, sector he is now fully immersed in and Sophie believes that we are the sum Vanessa worked in marketing positions for which he is a passionate advocate. of the five people we spend the most for some of the leading global brands The highlight of his journalism career time with, so advocates choosing that such as Coca-Cola, Nestlé, Cadbury has been the enthusiasm with which company wisely. She is just not OK with and BP. She also has a background the Inside Small Business Top 50 Small the fact that there are women out there in advertising and sales. Vanessa is Business Leaders Report has been received growing their business in isolation, passionate about giving back and by the small-business communities frustration and without support. supports numerous charities with her around the country during its launch business. event roadshow in the report’s first two iterations. 10 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
2019 judging panel Meet our judges Bernadette Schwerdt Ian Ugarte Rhonda Vincent Founder, Founder, Principal Engagement Officer for Australian School of Copywriting Small is the New Big (Qld) Business and Growth, (Vic) SA Government Department for Ian, one of our 2018 Top 50 Small Industry and Skills (SA) Bernadette is the founder of the Business Leaders and a serial Australian School of Copywriting and entrepreneur, has established 26 With a diverse background in a former senior account director with businesses in the last 25 years. He is financial services, retail management global advertising agency Wunderman a property expert and change-maker and fashion design, Rhonda enjoys Cato Johnson Advertising, where she passionate about creating cooperative connecting people to enable solutions created award-winning campaigns partnerships between social agencies, that provide positive outcomes for for clients such as Apple, American the government and private investors business growth, deliver results and Express and BHP. to achieve sustainable and practical promote opportunities for South She has a business degree in solutions for affordable housing by Australian businesses. marketing from the University of looking at the big picture and creating Rhonda interacts easily with South Australia, is the author of the win-wins for all involved. people at all levels in and out of the best-selling book Secrets of Online Ian believes that heartfelt workplace. She enjoys a challenge, Entrepreneurs, which was named in the connections and building a life of loves variety and has a positive outlook Top 100 Business Books for both 2016 purpose before business are the keys with an ability to see difficulties as and 2017, and is the producer/presenter to success, and that helping others opportunities. She enjoys leading of a video series of the same name for succeed empowers them to also and contributing to a cooperative, The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald give back and support those who friendly team atmosphere that fosters newspaper websites. need it most. His business catch-cry autonomy with freedom to make Her second book, How to Build an is, “It needs to make Sense (for the key decisions promoting efficiency. Online Business, went to #1 on Amazon community) before it makes Cents”. Rhonda functions well in high- and has been turned into an Audible Ian’s book Small is the New Big is a pressure situations where clarity of audio book and a podcast with Triple personal account of his own journey thought, maintaining perspective and M/Podcast One. and explains how health, wealth, collaboration are essential to achieving Bernadette has been a judge for love and happiness correlate in success. Anthill’s Cool Company Awards, the creating a life of personal and ORIAS (Online Retailers Internet business success. Awards) and is a popular TEDx speaker. insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 11
VSBC editorial How to avoid getting into a dispute – and what to do if you do By Judy O’Connell Victorian Small Business Commissioner Knowing how to avoid then communicating to the other party. may have simply overlooked the A dispute is essentially a conflict issue; a simple phone call may be or manage disputes can with a client, supplier, employee, all that is needed; more serious save you time, energy tenant or landlord or another issues may require a face-to-face government agency. In each case, the meeting. and headaches. dispute may vary but the principles • Be professional: remain calm and can be the same. objective, avoid being emotional or angry, be polite and deal with A n essential part of being What do I do if I think I am in a the facts. a small-business owner dispute? is understanding how to The first thing you should do when If you contact the other party and are deal with complaints, conflict and you think you are in a dispute is to unsuccessful in reaching an agreement problems. Many issues can be handled attempt to resolve the matter with the it is a good idea to put your position in using a common-sense approach. other party. When you approach the writing. This provides the other party However, sometimes small problems other party there are some important with another opportunity to resolve can become bigger ones, escalating things to consider: the issue without external assistance. into disputes. It will also provide evidence of your • Get your facts straight: this attempts to resolve the dispute. The How do I know if I am in a dispute? could be dates, times, products, letter should include an outline of Sometimes people can think they warranties, leases, agreements or the matters in dispute, steps taken to are in a dispute before they actually contracts. resolve the issue, the result you want look deeper into the issue. This is • Know what outcome you are and the timeline for when you would a common mistake which can be looking for: consider an outcome like this to happen. avoided through the two C’s: contracts that will be beneficial to both and communication. For example, if parties, consider what you are But what happens if I can’t avoid a a contractor hasn’t paid you on time, willing to compromise. dispute? you may be able to resolve this yourself • Communicate: contact the other If you have taken these steps to simply by checking your contract, and party to discuss the issue. They resolve the dispute and have been 12 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
VSBC editorial unsuccessful, you may need to communication. A contract states also important to establish open contact a third party for help. Many the obligations of each party, so it is communication lines to the other people think that in these situations important that it you check it carefully. party should any unplanned their only option is to start legal circumstances arise. In these proceedings, however, there are other All contracts must be: situations, you are more able to options that are less time-consuming negotiate directly with the other party. and more cost-effective, including • acceptable to both parties The VSBC is an independent dispute resolution and mediation • in writing government agency that advocates services. • read carefully by both parties on issues that affect small business, The Victorian Small Business before signing. educates small-business operators Commission (VSBC) provides free about their rights and responsibilities, dispute resolution services to small Be sure to include details in your and helps them to avoid or resolve businesses in dispute. If the dispute contract, such as: any disputes. The VSBC helps with resolution is unsuccessful the VSBC business-to-business disputes, can provide mediation sessions • what goods and services are to be business-to-government disputes, facilitated by an independent, provided farm debt mediation and franchising unbiased mediator for a small fee of • the price of goods or services disputes. For more information $195 per party. • payment timelines about the VSBC’s services visit • payment terms www.vsbc.vic.gov.au. How can I avoid disputes in the • delivery timeframes future? • specific details that may relate to There are ways you can avoid getting the goods or services Services such as those offered in Victoria into a dispute in the first place. One • what to do when a dispute arises. by the VSBC are available around the of the best ways is through the two country - contact your State or Territory’s C’s mentioned above: contracts and When the contract is signed, it is small business commissioner for details. IRA 1/2 House ad ACTIVATE YOUR WORKFORCE MELBOURNE 04 JUNE 2019 SYDNEY 06 JUNE 2019 Humans V Humans of retail: How to build an Essentials of How to use creative leadership automation real lives, real stories, emotionally intelligent an entrepreneurial to cultivate a happy workplace real success business mindset and happy humans Partner Gold Sponsor Silver Sponsor
Top 50 pr o fi l e s Irene Becker 99aupairs, Vic Irene Becker helps busy working parents to find flexible, in-home help with childcare through her venture 99aupairs. Since the platform’s launch in November 2018, it has been connecting working parents with au pairs and demi pairs. 99aupair’s recruitment process for au pairs works through a quick shortlisting tool for basic info somewhat similar to Tinder, so each family and au pairs can tailor to their needs through questionnaires and schedules. “This saves them worry, effort and time, and leaves them more head space to connect with the right candidates,” Irene explains. “Hearing from host mums that they now have ‘a partner in crime’ when it comes to childcare and can let go of some of the ‘mental load’, fills our heart with pride.” The business is still in its bootstrapping and self- investing phase, employing one contractor as an admin assistant and working with an IT agency, with Irene building partnerships with overseas agencies to source more quality au pairs. Despite only operating for 18 months 99aupairs has already gained widespread recognition, being awarded as the “most inspiring member” by the Real Entrepreneur Mums group in 2018 and nominated as a Startup Finalist at Anthill’s Cool Company Awards earlier this year. Linda Monique Almo Milk, Vic Since establishing Almo Milk in 2016, Linda Monique has strived to ensure that her product is “the most sustainable, nutritious and best-tasting almond milk in the world”. This is possible thanks to a partnership with AlmondCo, a co-op of more than 140 growers across Australia. Linda takes great pride in Almo Milk being the only 100 per cent owned, made and grown long-life almond milk in Australia, along with the sacrifices she has had to make along the way to attain that goal. “The lack of Australian UHT manufacturing facilities meant we were forced to offshore to New Zealand to be able to launch our product. It took us two-and-a-half years of waiting to be able to bring back manufacturing to Australia,” she recalls. “It was basically recreating our entire product from scratch.” Sustainability is very important to Linda. “We continue to innovate and reduce environmental impact by constantly bettering our packaging, processes and products,” she says. So popular has Almo become in just three years that it is now sold in 500+ Australian outlets and also in New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the UAE. “Exporting to Asia shows us that there is a lot more to achieve in terms of growth potential,” says Linda, winner of the 2017 Telstra Victorian Young Businesswoman of the Year award. 14 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
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Asha Holland Alternatively Healthy, WA Alternatively Healthy evolved when online community – with the help of 10 Asha Holland shared her realisation freelancers – designed to bring girls from that being “healthy” does not equate to around Australia together to discover perfection with friends at a coffee shop. their “spark for life”. “I wanted to inspire, educate and In just a few months of operations empower young ladies to discover Alternatively Healthy has garnered a their own version of ‘healthy’, beyond strong following, based, Asha believes, expectations, beyond body image and on how her own experiences resonate beyond comparison,” Asha says. with others. “Relatability is key,” she says. Initially Asha had reservations about Asha knew that she had created the feasibility of her idea. “I thought that something special at her official launch everyone else knew exactly what they event. “While the online world allows were doing,” she recalls. “However, once I me to receive messages from girls around realised that everyone else is still figuring the country every single day saying that it out like I was, I found the confidence to AH has impacted their life, it was when do something about it.” I saw 100 girls sitting in front of me that So, in December 2018, Asha started I realised what we have created,” she running events, school programs and an enthuses. Dr James Fielding and Dr Chris Jeffery Audeara, Qld As doctors by profession, James Fielding and development and business, the doctors knew Chris Jeffery are no strangers to the problems they needed help in bringing their product to facing those who have difficulty hearing and the public on a wider scale. the limitations of hearing, notably with “Hardware product development is costly regards to audio entertainment. and intimidating,” James says. “We utilised They developed the world’s first crowdfunding to validate and develop our first full-fidelity headphones with a built- customer base.” in hearing test that is tailored to each Audeara officially began in February 2015, individual. “We wanted to focus on the with a period of development and testing missing piece in the audio entertainment that led to the product launching in March space, which is how people actually hear,” 2017. It had an immediate impact. “Our first James explains. “It’s important to us that batch of products was shipped to 60 countries people can start to understand their hearing simultaneously!” he relates. health and combining the test information with The business has grown into a team of 11 – an enhanced music experience is our way of six full-time and five part-time – with digital Dr James Fielding getting people to pay attention.” marketing, social-media management and PR With little to no background in product outsourced. Elena Gosse Australian Innovative Systems, Qld AIS has established itself over 25 years as a the northern hemisphere.” Without a suitable market leader in the design, production and product for the international market, Elena supply of water-disinfection technology for started to reinvest AIS’s profits into R&D, and swimming pools. through that they have developed such a range Talking of this sustained success that has of leading products that they now export to let to the company winning numerous awards. more than 55 countries. Founder Elena Gosse says, “Innovation is our Among many highlights, being developer of secret weapon. We are constantly developing the world’s first inline fresh-water chlorinator, simpler, safer and smarter technologies and offering pool owners an ultra-low salinity pool, are collaborating, rather than competing, with stands out for Elena. others in our industry.” “Our technology is abolishing traditional The seasonal nature of the Australian water-disinfection methods that require the swimming pool industry meant that prior regular dumping of pool water to correct to 1995 AIS was only able to sell products water chemistry,” Elena explains. “In periods throughout the warmer months of the year. of extreme drought, the ultra-low salinity “I decided to implement a global expansion pool water could be used as a drinking water plan,” Elena says, “to export our products to substitute for a short period of time.” 16 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
Megan Del Borrello Behind the Brands, WA While Behind the Brands is described as a community for Australia’s female entrepreneurs, its founder, Megan Del Borrello, is quick to point out that it is not a networking group or directory. Rather, it focuses on offering knowledge, support, and other tools that women entrepreneurs need to help build their business successfully, such as features that give a true perspective on running a business – “failures, foibles and all”. Megan admits that setting up Behind the Brands in March 2017 involved some difficult decisions and sacrifices as she was three years into running another business at that time. “Trying to manage my time and focus areas took some work,” Megan explains, “especially since Behind the Brands has continued to grow and has now extended from WA to Australia-wide.” Ultimately, Megan decided to reduce the number of services she offered in her business so she could focus more on Behind The Brands, a move that has given her much gratification. “I am still amazed and feel so blessed whenever I have someone write to me after they’ve read one of my blogs, emails or a watched a video I’ve done,” Megan says. “The ability to be able to help people and make a difference is the most rewarding for me.” Bianca van Riet Be Your Truth, NSW Be Your Truth is one of the few elsewhere. By September 2018, however, coaching businesses that conducts she realised the impact of the work that one-on-one coaching and workshops she was doing. not only for adults but also for children. “It was surrounding myself with As founder Bianca van Riet explains, positive people who had my back “Kids coaching is about teaching kids and encouraged me that allowed me how their mind works and giving them to step out of my comfort zone and tools and techniques to manage life. By start making my business a priority,” offering both kids coaching and adults Bianca says. coaching I am able to work with the Working with a mentor has also been whole family.” key. “Now, whenever I see an obstacle Bianca leveraged nine years’ I challenge myself and ensure I focus experience as a life coach to start Be on the outcome I want instead of the Your Truth on a part-time basis in outcome I don’t want!” she says. The August 2017. She admits that at first transition to full time has been well she treated her work as a mere hobby, worth the effort, with the volume of juggling the business with contracting business quadrupling in the first month. Lewis Dunnigan ByGen, SA ByGen is a business that converts agricultural waste into a material called “activated carbon”, a product valued for its exceptional filtering qualities that make it suitable for mining and oil and gas processes, as well as for cleaning contaminated water and soil. Co-founder Lewis Dunnigan had to learn how to run a business quickly when he started the venture in July 2017 to participate in a waste and recycling program run by Innovyze and Green Industries SA. “We are all from engineering and science backgrounds at the University of Adelaide,” Lewis explains. “We have fortunately managed to get a great team of advisers behind us to help us learn from their knowledge and experience.” Being awarded grant funding right at the outset of the company’s development was a boost for the co-founders, who take pride in the fact that they were able to prove that their research into converting waste to activated carbon could be scaled successfully while creating little impact on the environment. “Our unique process can produce activated carbon at around a third of the traditional cost, but still while maintaining high product quality,” Lewis says. “In addition, we can use renewable and abundant agricultural wastes instead of the conventional coal or hardwood.” insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 17
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Rory McGregor Cospective, SA Cospective creates “Imagine secure screen collaboration software for sharing, but with a perfect the film, TV, advertising and image, in high resolution.” games industries, specifically Cospective’s very nature for remotely reviewing work in makes light of its remoteness progress. from Hollywood. “Being a “We concentrate on tools company that specialises that allow for live, interactive in remote collaboration, discussions about work in we’re pretty good at working progress by synchronising remotely!” Rory laughs. The video in multiple locations, team – five core employees so anyone in a review can see with some specialist exactly what everyone else is development work outsourced seeing – the same frame at the as required – do spend a bit of same time,” says CEO Rory time in planes though. “Some McGregor, who has been in deals still need that face to the role since 2011. face element,” Rory says. Allison Nikula The company’s award- Although cineSync has won winning system, cineSync, both an Academy Award (2011) CareApp, SA enables users to mark up and an Emmy (2018), Rory is Allison Nikula launched CareApp in March 2018 with seniors frames with various drawing equally as proud of the fact specifically in mind. Through the app, they are connected with tools, and change masking, that heroes of cinema such as carers, service providers and their families. The app offers seamless aspect ratio, colours and Steven Spielberg and David communication between users that can help bridge knowledge brightness. Lynch, and shows such as gaps and increase efficiencies in service delivery for seniors, “It allows for a ‘visual Game of Thrones, regularly creating virtual communities in the process conversation’,” Rory explains. use his tools. The young and fast-growing tech start-up is market-driven, consulting and working with its users ever since its inception. “This consistent consultation across a broad section of the aged care market means we have created a product that not only meets the needs of users but is also beautiful in its design,” Allison says. CareApp began as nothing more than some sketches on a piece of paper and wireframe mock-ups, Allison overcoming her biggest challenge by, ”breaking down our big hairy audacious goals into more manageable sprints,” as she describes it. “Not everything worked every time,” she explains, “but by adopting this agile methodology we were able to better manage risk and, therefore, my fear of failure!” The app’s contributions to senior care in Australia has been duly recognised, being named as the winner for Best Workforce Efficiency or Quality Improvement in Aged Care and Joint Overall Winner at the 2018 National ITAC (Information Technology in Aged Care) Awards. Sue Brian Daisy Cow Soap, Vic For almost a decade Sue Brian has been products, lip balms, itch relief ointments single-handedly producing her natural and pets’ shampoos. The expansion has not soaps and bodycare products in regional meant any compromise on quality or ethics, Victoria for a growing number of loyal however, with all Sue’s products made from customers. organic cows’ milk and essential oils, none of “The business has survived which are tested on animals. predominantly through word of mouth Money was a struggle in the early years. and our loyal customers,” Sue says. “Our “Daisy Cow was seen as a hobby by my customers love our products and they tell then husband, rather than a business,” their families and friends, who tell their Sue explains, but this only made her more family and friends, and so it goes!” determined than ever to make the business a The increase in the brand’s popularity success. “Once stockists came on board and has enabled Sue to extend the range beyond we started generating consistent sales, I was the soap she originally created to help ease able to tap into money through our friendly her daughter’s eczema and the qualified bank manager and Daisy Cow has never aromatherapist now makes baby care looked back,” Sue says. 20 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
Rachel Golding Dinner on the Table, NSW Dinner on the Table is not just a able to educate our customers on the part catering business – it’s a social enterprise they play in the provision of innovative that provides nutritious catering and pre- disability support when they ask us to made meals for corporates, households cook for them.” and groups, large and small, the profits of Partnerships are important for Rachel, which are used to gift family-style meals who has four employees working in the to families living with disabilities kitchen and an administrative assistant Rachel Golding started the enterprise for operations. A local school for children in July 2014, and now that it is established and young people with disabilities helps it is experiencing significant growth. distribute their gifted meals and also “In the last eight months we have collects their compostable waste for grown the catering side of the business, their gardens and grows herbs used in increasing our revenue and providing a the kitchen. “We’re redefining the notion platform on which we can communicate of locally grown produce and positively our social mission,” Rachel says. “On a impacting vulnerable young people in the larger, and more personal, scale we are process,” Rachel says. Sonya Michele dog&boy, Vic Sonya Michele was so frustrated different. at being unable to find fashion Starting out in January 2016 Sonya accessories that really pleased her determined to keep the business debt- that she decided to just create her free, funding the start-up herself and own! growing the business gradually on the “Fashion is not a utility, it is an back of the income it generated. emotion,” Sonya explains. “I loved the “It means we have not been able way certain pieces in my wardrobe to do as much as we’d like when we made me feel, so each of our designs like,” Sonya says, “but the plus is we tells a story or evokes a feeling; have minimised our exposure.” something that connects the customer The careful approach has yielded beyond just fashion accessory and solid success. The enterprise has makes them feel good when they three full-time staff, as well as “a host wear it.” of amazing service providers who In such a crowded marketplace, help make our business a success” with established brands with loyal in Sonya’s words. It has recently followings, rather than trying to launched in the US and has its stock frantically out-do the competition, in more than 30 independent retailers dog&boy aims to offer something in its first season there. Ian and Deborah Fehler Escapegoat Adventures, SA Ian and Deborah Fehler took their love of biking and the outdoors into a business venture when they launched Escapegoat Adventures in January 2008. With the help of four instructors/guides, the couple conduct mountain bike tours, trips and skills training around Adelaide, and trips for experienced mountain bikers in the Flinders Ranges and New Zealand. Escapegoat’s efforts have also been instrumental not only in helping to promote biking as a healthy and green leisure activity but also in opening new venues for biking activities. One of these venues is the Cleland Conservation Park, which was opened to riders in 2010. “The work we put in then changed the opinions of many rangers and the management of national parks,” Ian says. The couple is happy to see so many new bike trails being built in recent years, a development which benefits not only the business but also bikers in general. “When we first started, there were very limited places we could take clients to mountain bike,” Ian explains. “Since then, we have seen a large number of new parks opened up to mountain biking – parks such as Sturt Gorge and Belair National Park have been opened up and have seen new trails built – in part due to the work we put in.” insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 21
Taryn Watson FitRight Physio, WA FitRight Physio gives assistance to physiotherapists looking to run their own women’s running exercise classes by offering back-end services such as booking systems and private-health rebates, as well as its own physiotherapy-led group classes. “I set out to provide the needed operational support for physiotherapists so that they can be more free to focus on their work as physiotherapists,” says founder Taryn Watson, a physiotherapist who decided to set up the venture despite her relative inexperience in business. “As far as I’m aware, there are no other physiotherapists who have had the mindset of scaling a women’s exercise class business like this. Physiotherapist-led group classes, which have the benefit of being rebatable on private health, are relatively rare, and it’s even rarer for the same company to run classes at multiple locations.” Scaling a business is something that Watson knows all too well. She herself struggled with the venture in the early days – Taryn started the business in Tim Hirst November 2014 – as she was trying to learn everything about business. Eventually, GPN Vaccines, SA she decided to change her mindset from a small-business mindset to that of a growing business and started outsourcing some aspects of the work. “Each year up to two million children die “The business is much more ready and capable now to scale on a larger level,” from pneumococcal infections,” Tim Hirst says. Taryn says. So, he set up GPN Vaccines in September 2017 to develop a life-saving vaccine that mimics naturally acquired immunity. In so doing, the vaccine is expected to protect against the many strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae that cause disease – something current pneumococcal vaccines are unable to do. Today GPN employs 10 contractors/ organisations to perform key development tasks, eight of which are based in Australia. On the day of incorporation, GPN Vaccines had no cash and was already incurring expenses, but its work has inspired private investors from around the world alongside Australia’s preeminent research agencies and state governments. “As chairman and CEO of this newly formed company, I felt a huge sense of responsibility to make all this work, and yet at the same time I was buoyed up by the trust and belief of such a talented team,” Tim recalls. “Thirty days later, my heart rate returned to normal as cash commitments came in and my confidence that the project would be able to attract investors came to fruition, albeit with technology still at an early pre-clinical stage of development.” An independent Contract Research Organisation deeming GPN’s vaccine superior Ben Grant and Josh Kempton to that of the world’s largest pharmaceutical Grounded, NSW company is proof all the hard work is paying off. By providing certified compostable soft business owners, which they believe plastics through “radically transparent” will support the sustainability of their means of sourcing, manufacturing and businesses and respective supply supply, Ben Grant and Josh Kempton chains, as well as of the planet. set out to disrupt the packaging sector As the business is so new, Ben and through their venture Grounded, which Josh are working on developing a more they officially launched in February this robust supply chain for Grounded so year. it can deliver its solutions on a larger As business owners, Ben and Josh scale. “We are about continuous value transparency and ease of supply improvement, by committing ourselves with their products. “We genuinely care as business owners, to educating and about our solutions and the impact up-skilling in this sector, and working that they create, and we only work with with the world’s leading manufacturers materials that present game-changing and suppliers to deliver the best opportunities for businesses and possible outcome for our clients,” says consumers,” Ben says. Ben, who is excited about a couple of They have also made it a point to projects in the works with what he share info about circular economic describes as “some quite high-profile practices with their fellow small- businesses”. 22 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
Kerrie Allen Guerilla Establishment, WA Formal education has been described by time, services or products, and we offer back some as “a mile wide but an inch deep”, but what support we can in return. So, we can Kerrie Allen was determined to dig deeper engage the people and services without the to make a more meaningful impact with need for cash payments.” regards to learning. So she founded her not- This value-exchange model has enabled for-profit venture Guerrilla Establishment Kerrie to overcome the inevitable funding in March 2015 to up-skill students, and cashflow challenges that confront graduates and industry allrounders through all NFP organisations. Securing a 10-year workshops, mentoring and events hosted in “peppercorn” rent sponsorship from a casual, peer-focused and inclusive studio Finbar Property Group has given Guerrilla environment. Establishment longevity and sustainability, To help all their clients realise their allowing Kerrie – who runs the business potential, Guerrilla Establishment uses alongside two other working directors with non-conventional practices. “We have built the help of two volunteer ambassadors our foundations on a strong value-exchange and interns – to focus on getting constant model,” Kerrie explains. “We receive support feedback from her community and from industry members, in the way of their delivering them what they want. Selina Tomasich Hair Aid, Qld Selina Tomasich founded Hair Aid in Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines and 2010 to provide free training in haircutting Indonesia. for people living in critical poverty and “Our organisation grows not by what girls rescued from prostitution and the sex we receive but what others gain,” Selina trade. says. “With the empowerment of seeing “This skill can then be used to start a their own worth they can create a better micro business and create an income to life for themselves, become heroes in their support themselves and their family,” communities and be the positive ripple Selina explains. effect of economic growth that can change The not-for-profit organisation also their own society.” recruits and coordinates volunteer Selina has built networks and attracted hairdressers to work with community stakeholders to fund the venture, despite organisations, church groups and the not having any previous experience in the like to put on Hair Aid Community Cuts hair and beauty industry. She runs the events, at which they offer free hair cuts whole operation with just three employees for a few hours every six weeks for those – “a financial wizard, a PR guru and a VA in impoverished in communities in extraordinaire”, as she describes her team. Jen Harwood Happy Hair Brush, NSW Happy Hair Brush solves the problem of hard-to-brush hair and sensitive scalps. “We believe that one brush can do the job for every hair type,” says the venture’s founder, Jen Harwood. “Our brush is designed to painlessly glide through long, curly, thick, tangled, matted, knotty, afro, biracial and sensory heads of hair.” Jen is fighting the fact that the industry has brainwashed people into thinking their hair is a problem and they need a specific brush to fix it. “What’s been wrong with hair brushing for the last 50 years is stupid brushes,” Jen avers. To overcome such scepticism, Happy Hair Brush offers a 100 per cent money-back guarantee, or “happiness guarantee” as Jen calls it. Barely a year into operations, over 10,000 brushes have been sold – the idea was conceived in January 2018 and officially launched four months later . “We are on the way to our goal of setting one million women and kids free from painful hair brushing,” Jen says proudly. The achievements of this small but growing business, which currently employs five people on a part-time basis, saw Happy Hair Brush win the National Award for Best New Business at the Small Business Champion Awards in April this year. insidesmallbusiness.com.au – INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS 23
Helen Tricarico Healthy On The Inside, Qld Helen Tricarico is an artisan kombucha regular market to now having my product producer who provides a modern twist in wholefood stores and a shared retail on this age-old beverage, using a range of space means constant re-engineering and carefully selected teas and botanical herbs growth of my product, sourcing of finance, such as white tea, green tea, oolong, ginseng, grappling with production space, sourcing of hibiscus, ginger, lemongrass and yerba mate. ingredients, and gaining new business skills,” “These unique blends allow me to brew Helen says, citing membership of various a uniquely different kombucha to what industry groups and the support of other you might find on a supermarket shelf,” businesswomen, including the Females In explains Helen, who makes use of as much Food community, as great contributors to her local produce as possible, taking advantage success. of Bundaberg’s rich agriculture heritage to Helen has racked up a number of source locally produced ingredients. highlights in the short time she’s been As a solo business owner who set up operating, among them being able to Healthy On The Inside in July 2016, Helen quit her corporate day job to focus on the admits scaling up has been a challenge. business and being a part of the region’s “Moving from home delivery to a largest food festival. Stephen Curtis Homefresh Experience Cooking, SA From a pop-up trial class Stephen their fun cooking classes for kids and adults, Curtis set up at Westfield Marion including those with special needs. Homefresh in January 2012, Homefresh also cooks fresh daily ready meals, originally came through its growing pains aimed at seniors but now gaining popularity – early-stage cashflow issues, among younger working adults. trying to grow too quickly Homefresh is also loved and very well and inexperience in business supported by the landlords of local shopping acumen – to be operating centres as Stephen’s trips bring in traffic from out of a purpose-built facility outside their usual catchment areas and mums since June 2018 and now use their retail outlets and cafes at the centre fine-tuning in preparation while they wait for their kids. for becoming a franchise “The broad appeal of my product mix operation. now means people who need to eat (that’s Stephen is proud of the fact everyone!), people interested in learning that he is founder of the only to cook and families looking to educate cooking school in Australia that and provide fun activities for kids, all find incorporates the teaching of how to Homefresh warm, friendly and inviting,” shop for fresh ingredients as a core lesson in Stephen says. Krystal Sagona Interior Flow, Vic Founded in February 2015 Interior run her own business was to address Flow offers a more holistic approach to the poor standards of maternity leave the interior design of commercial and in the architectural industry. She is residential property. currently looking for a senior interior “We focus our design values not designer and wants to offer the role to just on form, function and aesthetics a mum returning to work. but on the wellbeing of the person “We would like to be a leader in occupying the space,” founder driving and supporting working Krystal Sagona explains. “We look environments for parents returning to create healing environments that to work in what is a mostly male- are community-centric and allow the dominated industry,” Krystal says. people within them to thrive.” Initially Krystal doubted that she Formal training as an art therapist had what it took to own and run her drives Krystal to suggest colours that own business, but persevered and promote vitality and wellbeing, and winning one of House and Garden’s she incorporates feng shui where Top 50 Rooms awards in 2017 was a possible for a comprehensive mind, huge boost. body and environmental connection. “It meant I felt recognised in the Another reason Krystal wanted to industry nationally,” Krystal says. 24 INSIDE SMALL BUSINESS – insidesmallbusiness.com.au
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