Business Kick Starter Program

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.