A small business training program in the Macleay Valley is wrapping up its latest round, with participants saying the connections they made with fellow business owners were as valuable as the skills they developed.
The Business Bootcamp is a 12-week workshop series for small business owners in the region, covering topics including marketing, social media, finances and sustainability through practical, hands-on sessions. The program is created and delivered by local business owner Julie Humphris of Business Life Guide, and is funded by Kempsey Shire Council.
Kit, owner of Waves Campground at Crescent Head, said the networking opportunities stood out as an unexpected highlight.
“The networking was amazing. One business produces too many boxes and can’t recycle them quick enough. The next business can’t get a hold of boxes quick enough.
“It’s a great, simple networking opportunity, just right there.”
Kit said his commitment to the region runs deep.
“There’s a reason that I’ve chosen to settle in the Macleay Valley and specifically within Kempsey Shire and follow through to citizenship within Kempsey. Because I love it.
“I love the area. I love our community. I’m really proud to be a part of that.”
He also valued the access the program provided to support organisations and guest speakers.
“It’s great to put a face to the organisation and have a conversation that can actually tell us what support is available, how to access that support. And give us the best opportunities for continuing to grow our small businesses.”
Donna, from local business Macleay Air, said the program gave her something that’s hard to find when running a business — the chance to slow down and think.
“As a business owner, you get totally absorbed in everything that’s going on. It’s really hard to actually slow down and just think about the direction of the business, what you’re doing,” she said.
“It’s really good to sit in the room with a bunch of likeminded people. Nobody’s there judging, everybody’s there to support one another, and everybody grows throughout the program.
“So, I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about doing it.”
The program also brought in guest speakers from support organisations across different sessions, giving participants a direct line to resources for small business growth.
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