Women moving into the SSHED
Posted on Wednesday, May 2004
What does a former BT Financial Services manager , a former customer services manager, an award winning artist and a former English rugby league marketing executive have in common?
They're each women who are using a successful Business Accelerator to launch and grow their own small business.
They are the first women to move into what, until late last year, had been a male bastion of business enterprise.
Bronwen Batty , Diane Miller , Melissa Williams , and Monique Baumann started out as home-based businesses. But after separately becoming tenants at the SSHED business accelerator in Sutherland, their businesses began to take off.
The SSHED is a $2.4 million initiative by Sutherland Shire Council to fast-track business growth and success, by helping new entrepreneurs expand their expertise and build better businesses .
'These four businesses are as diverse as you could imagine. And yet the combination of the workshops, mentoring and the enthusiastic environment have had a remarkable impact on each of their businesses,' explained SSHED Chairperson, Ms Kelly Knowles.
They have each, at least, doubled or tripled their clientele.
· Vacation Valet - Diane Miller , offers a home and pet valet when you have to leave home for holidays, weekends or business - including delivery to and from airports, feeding pets, watering plants, collecting the mail and a holiday P.A..
· Creative Stars - Monique Baumann - an events management and marketing company handling all aspects of sponsorship, management and special events.
· VisionLife - Bronwen Batty - offering personalised financial planning services plus a planned personalised online service for time poor clients.
· The Creative Moo - Melissa Williams - an innovative graphics and marketing company creating unique, fun and breakthrough designs and concepts.
'The most significant effect has been confidence and enthusiasm. It's inspiring and energizing being around other like-minded business people,' explained Diane Miller .
'The workshops have identified new products we can develop and new niche markets.'
Bronwen Batty agrees: 'There's so much positive energy in the SSHED. It's a very motivating and professional environment. I came out of corporate life but the support here, in terms of the business training and planning sessions, has been exceptional.'
Info rmation:
Liz Lette , Marketing, SSHED
PH: 02 9545-7777, Email: liz.lette@sshed.com.au
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