Success
Stories

Starting my own business has been such a positive change in my life. I can now work my own hours and I love what I am doing!

I recommend the Self-Employment program to give you the necessary skills needed to start a business, as I initially struggled with my Financial Plan, but this program allowed me to grow my knowledge and confidence, to make good decisions based on the financial data.

I am really passionate about serving people good food and I feel so fulfilled now.

Amanda is the proud owner of Eyre Peninsula Produce, a small family farm in Whyalla in the Eyre Peninsula, supplying chemical free products to the community. Amanda's passion for freshly harvested, chemical free food is so evident and has kept them busy with monthly markets, weekly newsletters/recipes and ongoing Food Orders and deliveries.

Amanda says that "Small Business Coaching has been GREAT! I HAVE LOVED the support from Warren and Mimmo who have helped steer me in the right direction."

These mentors have also alleviated a lot of her fears as she would second-guessed herself, but their advice has given her confidence to get out there!

The Self-Employment Assistance program has given me confidence to undertake my business in a professional manner. I have felt supported by an extremely effective training company in a group of like-minded people.

The best advice I can give anyone starting their own business is to appreciate it is such a deep and soulful journey, which is going to take a lot from you. Being your own person also has a lot to give. There will be good days and there will be bad days, but overall, you will get to say at the end of your life you did what really spoke to you.

Tanya started Creative Space Art Therapies to assist her clients with grief and loss, allowing them to express their feelings freely through art therapy. The Self-Employment Assistance Program helped her to define her business needs, set goals and understand her unique qualities as a service provider through the planning and mentoring processes provided.

When asked what advice she’d give to those looking to start their own business, Tanya said, “Never underestimate the importance of being you as part of your business. Many other people may be doing the same thing or something that is similar, but what sets you apart from them is the experience, knowledge, passion, vision and personality that you bring to your business. All of this shines through in your products/services and this is what I believe is your best marketing tool, so it is essential to embrace and develop it!

The Self-Employment Assistance Program has made a huge impact on the way I run my business. When I made the jump into running my own business full-time, I felt a bit lost as to where to even begin. The program helped me to create structure in my business processes which I found particularly helpful regarding finances. As an artist I would often undertake projects for the love of creating and put little thought into profit. The program has taught me about valuing my time and how to turn my passion into a sustainable career.

Troy started his web design and development business Dreamweave Digital in May 2022. The Self-Employment Assistance Program helped to fund his endeavours when he first started out, and gave him the advice, inspiration and motivation to succeed.

With almost instant success, Dreamweave Digital has worked with over 30 clients’ websites, social media, branding and more to help them achieve the online digital presence of their dreams.

When asked to give advice for new business start-ups, Troy said “Do everything. Do it all. Work all day and all night. Go out and network. Drop off flyers. Meet people. Talk yourself up. Promote everyday. Twice a day. Announce every achievement. Don’t be shy to promote yourself. Make mistakes and learn from them. Then, when you reach the point that your business runs itself, take a break.

The Self-Employment Assistance Program helped Presten launch his business Painted Studios on a scale he could not imagine! Since starting his business in September 2022, Present had sold over 100 artworks and recently secured a commission through the company that rebuilt the World Trade Centre worth $25K!

Presten said “If you have a passion or a dream of starting a business, then do it! My mother and grandmother taught me everything I know about art and I am so grateful for the passion they ignited in me. It feels good to be able to keep this important tradition alive in our family and hopefully pass it onto the generations ahead.

Sarah came to the Self-Employment Assistance training overwhelmed and frozen in “fear mode” before she started the program. Now, after completing the Small Business Training, she feels more confident to seek out help as she is making practical steps towards research and management going forward. Sarah has gained so much confidence since completing the program and has begun to enjoy the process of starting her business The Botanical Healer, rather than rushing and worrying about it.

Sarah said “I have received a great support network from both the Auctus staff and those in the classroom. The group shared their experience with different aspects of the business that was helpful.

Ausma started her small business AZU Bespoke Finishes after working 15 years in both commercial and residential spaces. Her experience in this area allowed her to enhance her ability to decipher and realise a client’s creative vision through unique custom finishes. Her talent in her field has been recognised twice, by winning the Master Painters Awards for Excellence in both 2019 and 2021!

Ausma says, “The Self-Employment Assistance Program has helped me feel supported and less alone on my journey. The information and guidance I’ve received from my mentor has helped me level up, and become more aware of what improvements need to be made and look at the direction it’s heading in.”

Running a business isn’t for the light-hearted, but if you have the drive and your heart is in the right place, it’s definitely worth it!

Yvette started her small business Oceanside Health & Wellness to support, encourage and empower individuals in their journey towards living authentically and realising their best lives. The Self-Employment Assistance program allowed her to receive not only the advice and support she needed to get her business up and running but allowed her to assist people struggling with mental illnesses as well.

When asked what advice she would give to others starting their own business Yvette said, “Be open minded and use any resource to gain knowledge in all areas to improve your competencies in order to deliver a successful business model.” Her small business mentor commented that, “If there was such a thing as a bundle of positive energy in one’s own abilities, that could be bottled, Yvette would have all the ingredients at her disposal. She has all the personal skills and experience to make this business work. The business, simply through Yvette’s bucket loads of enthusiasm, drive and determination, is on its way to achieving self-reliance by the time her contract expires.”

Megan came to Auctus Self-Employment Assistance in August 2022 with her business idea of floristry. After completing a Certificate III in Floristry at TAFE SA, Megan loves to relay messages of love, kindness, compassion and celebration through the gift of flowers.

The program has been instrumental in preparing a solid foundation for her business, and has fast tracked her into a position of success in ways she couldn’t imagine! Most of all, it helped her learn the greatest thing… confidence! The Self-Employment Assistance Program gave her the confidence to put a 30 year dream of owning a florist business into reality.