Business Growth Centre

www.businessgrowthcentre.wa.gov.au

1. Tell us about your business

The Business Growth Centre provides mentoring, business support and access to training to small business owner across Western Australia. Programs such as Small Business Solutions, Green Business Skills, Aboriginal Business Mentoring, Networking and Tourism are offered in Perth, Bunbury, Margaret River, Busselton and Albany with more locations coming soon.

2. When and why did you start your business?

The Business Growth Centre was established in November 2008, after recommendations were received by the Dept. of Training & Workforce Development for funded assistance for small business owners. Originally named the 'West Coast Small Business Training Institute' the Institute re-launch this year as the Business Growth Centre expanding the program range offered.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with your business?

This year we have launched new programs, a fantastic new website, introduced social media to the mix and expanded the team.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

The challenges we face in growing the business is staff. As the plan is to expand throughout Western Australia, finding business champions in each region can be challenging. But when we find them... rewarding

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

Linked In has just started to work for us, especially for networking events. But the best form of promotion for our organisation is referrals and word-of-mouth. We use testimonials and local business people to be advocates of the program we deliver.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

Advertising in the community newspapers and the West were the least successful with ads being lost in the clutter of messages.

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

People..I love the people we deal with on a daily basis. When we really help a client turn their business around..it's a really good feeling.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

Kevin Sheedy inspires me. What he has done for Aboriginal people in football is amazing.

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

Grow, expand and receive more government funding to help more small business owners grow and prosper.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

Have a business plan (on paper) that gives a clear direction for the business.

Visit us at: www.businessgrowthcentre.wa.gov.au