What do a building inspector, plumber, energy efficiency consultancy, makeup artist and native foods business have in common?
These small businesses in the local area have been successful in securing a ‘co-worker’ space at the Stretton Centre.The co-worker program helps fledgling small business grow to the next stage through business support and advice in a supportive business focussed environment.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo who worked alongside the Stretton Centre, the Gawler Business Development Group and Business SA to obtain funding for programs designed to support small businesses in the greater Gawler area attended and spoke at the announcement of the successful small business for the program.
“At the Stretton Centre small businesses are able to access a number of training and mentoring programs which will help small business learn from experienced business operators.” said Mr Piccolo.
The program seeks to promote economic activity across all sectors and offer new job opportunities for people who either wish to change careers or where their jobs no longer exist because of their industry restructuring.
“By fostering these small businesses, the aim is help then grow and employ additional people.”
“The ultimate goal is to see these grow to such a point where they establish their own commercial premises in the area and new small businesses take their co-worker spaces.”
“Unfortunately many small businesses fail in the first two years; the co-worker program will help small businesses with a sound product or service to grow to a long term sustainable position.The successful Businesses are as follows:Johnson Plumbing and Gas Operated by Ben Johnson Ben started Johnson Plumbing and Gas in July 2016, operating from his home in Hewett.
An experienced plumber, he offers all plumbing and gas services for clients and has performed maintenance on properties managed by the Gawler branch of Elders Real Estate.
His vision for Johnson Plumbing is to build a reputation as a trusted family business, utilising newspaper and online advertising to build his brand. Ben plans to use the Stretton co-working space to build his network and knowledge.
Red Centre Enterprises -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/red-centre-enterprises-a1a16b110/ /
https://www.facebook.com/redcentreaustralia/
Operated by Paul Keily and Nadia Matko
Paul and Nadia have operated Red Centre Enterprises since 2014, specialising in the management and Marketing of Australian native produce and products. These products include native wild-harvested and farmed plants, meat and fish, herbs and spices, ingredients in medicine, cosmetics, nutria-pharmaceuticals and ‘bush tucker’.
Eventually, Paul and Nadia aim to create multiple brands and Market Australian native products internationally. The business invests a share of its profits into improving the standard of living, education, health and wellbeing of Indigenous Communities, with a view to establish a charity to continue this philanthropic work.
Quality Building Inspections -
http://www.qbinspections.com.au/
Operated by David Hall
David Decided to pursue building inspections as a trade after many years in the construction industry, and established his business in February 2016. David inspects buildings and pre-purchase real estate, providing his customers with an in-depth report on the property afterwards.
David hopes to eventually employ multiple inspectors and pest controllers, and sees the potential of franchising down the track. He anticipates that Quality Building Inspections will hire its first employee in the next year.
Down to Earth Sustainable Solutions -
Operated by Rachel Brdanovic and Tom Brdanovic
Since late 2009, husband and wife team Rachel and Tom Brdanovic have utilised their respective expertise to offer energy consulting services. Down to Earth Sustainable Solutions has residential, industrial and commercial clients around South Australia and make recommendations on how their clients can save money on energy use, and looking into other energy sources.
Rachel and Tom are passionate about the environment and want to build awareness of this as the core of their business. They are also hoping to eventually employ local people to give back to the community.
The 5th successful applicant is Mylan Nguyen from Sapherra’s Beauty - 0420 511 775 / mnguyen1281@yahoo.com.au. Mylan is a Freelance Makeup Artist who specialises in body art, face painting, henna tattoos and make up consultancy.