Supporting small businesses through September Startup

About 7500 businesses across the Northern Territory will get a crucial helping hand. ALL THE DETAILS

Territory small business owners and operators will be able to access a range of support services and information throughout September.

The Business Enterprise Centre in conjunction with the NT government is hosting Startup September to help guide businesses through the maze of obstacles that can hit strike at unexpected moments.

BEC chief executive Graeme Sawyer said just under half the NT’s estimated 15,000 small businesses do not generate a profit.

A remarkable 98.8 per cent of all NT businesses are small to medium enterprises and 50 per cent of the NT’s workforce is employed with an SME.

Startup September promoter and Business Enterprise Centre boss Graeme Sawyer.

Now in its second year, Startup September is a series of free evening workshops which can be attended in person or viewed online across the Territory.

Sinead Lavelle and Charlie Jagst took part in last year’s SuS, and within months had their own cosmetic injectables business, Territory Aesthetics.

“We’re keen to emphasise the importance of these type of events in getting businesses off the ground,” Ms Jagst said.

“We did Startup September remotely because we were working full-time and seeing other business owners get up and talk about their journeys was probably one of the most helpful things for a start-up.”

Her business partner Sinead said as well as the big picture, Startup September helped business operators prepare for operational challenges.

Territory Aesthetics owners Sinead Lavelle and Charlie Jagst.

“We learned about financials, social media, even search engine optimisers,” she said.

“Even just finding out what the best business type was for us whether it be sole trader, partnership, or a company - it’s an amazing resource and great knowing there was support available afterwards.”

Prue Williams, owner of Plaza Wellbeing Centre in Alice Springs, said the business support offered by the BEC and the resources available through Startup September help guide operators through the pitfalls of running a business.

Attitude for Men owner Darlene Chin runs one of the NT’s best small businesses. Picture: Che Chorley

“The support we have received has been invaluable to us and provided the confidence we needed to keep going, especially through Covid and other external factors that have impacted our business,” Ms Williams said.

“The ongoing individual support received through Business Enterprise Centre has helped us improve and strengthen our business.”

Mr Sawyer said a number of tools are offered by government to support startups including the Business Growth Program and ASBAS Digital Solutions which provide free workshops and federally-subsidised access to expert consultancy support.

“Support for Territory business owners is definitely improving, and with the right funding, the right collaboration between government, non-profits and the business community, I think it could be world-class.”

For more information go to startupseptember.com.au.