The Business Kick Starter Program supports both current and aspiring business owners by providing the knowledge, skills and support necessary to manage and expand their businesses successfully.
Over the course of four weeks, participants gain access to strategic workshops covering essential topics such as business planning, strategy, compliance, marketing, finance and innovation. Additionally, the program offers targeted mentoring sessions with an advisor to address individual business needs and foster growth.
If you would like to participate in the next Business Kick Starter Program, please contact our business support team to be added to the waiting list at business@cgd.vic.gov.au.
Testimonial from former program participants:
- “It gave me a good foundational knowledge to ensure the business is scalable and resilient.”
- “Overall, I was happy with the program.”
- “Accommodating staff and knowledgeable facilitators. Thank you.”
- “For a person who was in the ideation phase of his small business journey, all the sessions gave me enough confidence to embrace the journey further and to make it a reality.”
- "The program gave me confidence in pursuing my business idea and better direction. Whether it was information on registering business names, how to structure your business or marketing all the sessions helped me gain more confidence that I could give my business 100%."
Facilitators
Marcus Barber
Marcus Barber is a strategic futurist and strategy development consultant helping clients across all industry sectors.
His client list extends beyond Australia with international engagements in the USA, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Fiji, Philippines and across the ditch in New Zealand. Marcus has proven success in strategy design and planning, strategic risk and business development assisting For Profit, Government and Not for Profit organisations. His world-class facilitation skills are used by Boards and senior management teams everywhere.
Alex Sy (MBA)
Alex has over 30 years of hands-on experience in senior management and board advisory roles in small and medium-sized businesses in helping them grow and taking them to the next level. Alex focuses on key outcomes for his clients in the areas of improving business performance, managing growth and change, and business sustainability. He has successfully attained a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Alex is passionate about helping his clients grow and remain sustainable, and his mantra is: always think and stay positive and empower people to become effective Leaders.
Kiri Romero
Kirri Romero, Director and Chief Digital Strategist at The Online Fix, boasts over 20 years of diverse online expertise spanning finance, education, food, fashion and health sectors.
Kiri is a top-rated mentor for ASBAS, Business Resilience, and Partners in Wellbeing programs. She guides hundreds of businesses annually in honing their digital marketing strategies. Her foundational knowledge stems from her role in cultivating AustralianSuper's digital presence, and she now leverages this insight through her multi-channel consultancy. With a keen eye for emerging digital trends, Kirri adeptly helps clients seize evolving opportunities in the dynamic online landscape.
Questions?
For more information or questions and to register please contact Business in Greater Dandenong on 8571 1550 or email business@cgd.vic.gov.au.
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Who is the program for?
Aspiring entrepreneurs with a business idea and new business owners in Greater Dandenong.
Who can apply?
Greater Dandenong residents and new business owners within the municipality.
How long is the program?
The program runs over four weeks and will require approximately 12 hours of your time. Workshops will run for three hours. Additional time will be available for one-on-one mentoring sessions.
What is the cost of participating in the program?
This program is free for Greater Dandenong residents and new business owners trading in the municipality.
What will be the workshop times and topics covered in the program?
Introduction to Starting a Business - Wednesday 21 February, 5.30pm-8.30pm
• Understand the importance of a clear business concept
• Navigate the initial steps for a successful launch
• Explore permit processes and the available support services
• Access resources to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey
• Gain valuable insights into factors influencing business success or failure
Developing a Finance and Budgeting Strategy - Wednesday 28 February, 5.30pm-8.30pm
• Understand financial statements and management
• Create budgets and financial strategies
• Gain essential financial management insights
• Determine your start-up costs
Business Planning - Wednesday 6 March, 5.30pm-8.30pm
• Develop a tailored business plan
• Craft mission and vision statements
• Conduct market analysis and strategic planning
Social Media and Marketing - Wednesday 13 March, 5.30pm-8.30pm
• Leverage social media for business growth
• Implement effective marketing strategies
• Create compelling brand stories and marketing campaigns
• Explore innovative platforms and technology for business use
