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small business leaders
2019
edition
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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
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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
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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
IB E
SCR
SUB !
NOW
Australia’s leading source of small business
stories, issues and pertinent knowledge from
entrepreneurs, industry insiders and experts.
DAILY NEWS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
insidesmallbusiness.com.au
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.au2019 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 11VSBC 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.auVSBC 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.
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Partner Gold Sponsor Silver SponsorTop 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.
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Policy Wording. BizCover™ Pty Ltd (ABN 68 127 707 975; AFSL 501769). © 2019 BizCover. BC1183Asha 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.auMegan 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.”
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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.auRachel 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 21Taryn 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.auKerrie 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 23Helen 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.auYou can also read
