Revisiting one of my favourite startup stories, Jarrod Robinson from Connected PE shares the value of AI powered tools for business. With thanks to Startup Central Victoria.
Read MoreThe Katherine Outback Experience is a wonderful example of how a business can be agile and adaptable. I caught up recently with Tom and Annabel Curtain during their Nothin’s Gonna Stop Us tour in Victoria.
Read MoreAs skilled stonemasons diminish in number, demand is once again growing for their services. Garden landscaping, heritage building restorations, and memorials for cemeteries are just some of the services that WT Jones Stone Masons in Kyneton delivers Australia wide. But how do you sell a thriving business?
Read MoreShayne Mostyn talks about why he decided to take his business online and how he attracted $50k subscribers on YouTube.
Read MoreJamie McAinsh from The Marketing Clan on the south-west coast of NSW talks about his ‘sea change.’
Read MoreIt is said that one in five city people are contemplating moving to the regions. A great decision! Who wouldn’t want to live the clean, green, lifestyle? There is just one important question. If they choose a rural town, how will these communities successfully engage with newcomers and maximise the influx of social capital?
Read MoreAn important aspect of being a leader, whether in your community, organisation or business, is to empower others; not necessarily to follow in your footsteps but to forge brave new pathways. How can we attract potential new leaders and help them to develop the confidence and skills required in a rapidly changing world?
Read MoreWith the power of authentic stories, author-speaker-facilitator Kerry Anderson, shares a valuable insight into the entrepreneurs that walk quietly amongst us, forging new opportunities and taking control of their own destiny in rural communities across Australia. Learn from the people that do it, not just dream and talk about it.
Read MoreBecoming a business owner doesn’t happen overnight, and often it can result from a collision between a hobby, accumulated skills, and destiny. How refreshing it was to recently learn more about Sarah Mostyn’s carefully staged journey with Windella Farm, a boutique dairy goat product business based in northern Victoria.
Read MoreWhy start a small business in a rural town? In 2012, Claire Morgan created Rupanyup Living in response to a long period of drought followed by a severe flood. The community needed a positive boost and Claire was up for the challenge. But, as she has discovered during the COVID-19 lockdown, the reason you start a business is not always the reason you continue.
Read MoreFor a tiny rural town, Minyip has a lot of interesting stories to tell. 22 years ago, the very first Community Branch of the Bendigo Bank opened in Rupanyup Minyip. The original Eureka Flag was discovered at a local property. The Flying Doctors, The Dressmaker, and The Dry have all been filmed in and around Minyip. And rumour has it that the ABC’s Heather Ewart is the next celebrity coming to town!
Read MoreCafes are a draw card in every rural town. They are a social hub for the locals and a great reason for travellers to stop. Not many cafes can claim to be named after a much loved television character though.
Read MoreEveryone deserves a second chance. Rural towns diversify and reinvent themselves. Vacant buildings are filled with new purpose. Unwanted household items find new owners. And people are given a second chance to work and provide valuable community service. I really do like second chances.
Read MoreIn a modern world and particularly during the current COVID restrictions, there is much more interest in where our food comes from, how it was produced, and appreciation of it being grown in our own regions. Could this be the ideal time to promote the opportunities in our rural towns and industries to all Australians?
Read MoreTwo central Victorian businesswomen - Suzanne Carroll from Cool Clutch and Elise Brown from Fair Dinkum Dogs - who sell their products primarily online, came together for a cuppa and a chat to share their experiences and some great tips.
Read MoreAs consumers we have recently witnessed scenes of empty supermarket shelves never seen before in our lifetime. A spotlight has been shone on local manufacturers and suppliers in every rural and regional community creating a new level of loyalty and appreciation.
Read MoreAs our city counterparts start to escape the ‘Big Smoke’ to explore rural towns are you aware that they may be scoping an opportunity to relocate by purchasing an existing business or setting up a new one? Kerry and Michael Kerr from Kerr Capital discuss the opportunities for our rural towns and businesses.
Read MoreCustomers understand the benefits of shopping local. They want to support their local businesses but protecting the health of their family and household budgets will take priority. Going back to doing ‘business as normal’ is NOT an option, it is a risk!
Read MoreChatting with small businesses across Australia I am keen to learn how they have fared during the COVID-19 period to date (noting that this is far from over). Some have pivoted, a few have packed their bags (and that is perfectly OK), and the lucky ones are punching goals. More updates will be added to the top of this post in the coming weeks.
Read MoreWalking away from a business is one of the toughest things to do. But when the results don’t reflect the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into it, or the pressures are impacting on your health and wellbeing; then it is time to rethink your future. This is a GOOD business decision to make, not a failure.
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