The Business Growth Centre is launching workshops to help individuals explore home-based business opportunities and turn their business ideas into reality.
The two day Bright Ideas Workshops will run during school hours (10am – 2pm) and have been specifically designed to give stay-at-home parents and other individuals a chance to explore new opportunities and determine if being in business is right for them. The workshops will also help identify current skills and what new skills participants will need to develop to be successful.
Business Growth Centre Manager, Brett Gleeson, believes that it is imperative to start a new business venture on the right foot, armed with the right information.
“There are many individuals within our city that are in a transition phase. They could be a stay-at-home parent looking for new opportunities, an individual with a new business idea or someone just looking to start something new,” Brett said.
“Whatever the motivation, we want people to be able to start their journey on the right foot. These workshops will give the attendees the information they need to make decisions about being in business and help them develop and grow their ideas.”
The workshops will explore ways to turn a hobby or passion into a viable business, easy ways to plan and set goals, the basics for setting up a business, time management and how to build on existing skills and gain confidence.
VET Quality Coordinator and Trainer, Mallory Gleeson, understands that it can be hard for some, particularly for stay-at-home parents, to re-enter educational settings and feels that it is important to provide learning environments that are accessible, comfortable and appropriate.
“When developing the workshop content, we were mindful that many of the potential participants may not have studied for some time. For these people, the thought of attending a workshop or course can be daunting and a big deterrent when it comes to starting something new,” Mallory said.
“We will provide a comfortable stepping stone where individuals can ease back into a learning environment, gain access to tools that will help them on their business journey and make valuable connections with like-minded people.”
The content of the workshops will be supported by valuable stories from award winning Lake Macquarie businesspeople including Jennifer Holland of Throat Scope, Amber Moncrieff of Hunter Plastic Surgery, Nathan Franks of Dynamic Business Technologies and Grace McLean of NFP Connect. These stories will provide the workshop attendees with a unique insight into what it takes to be in business; the sacrifices, the rewards, how to plan and kick goals, what to do with your ‘lightbulb moment’ and how to become organised and make it all work.
