Entrepreneur starts fresh on Coast after COVID business loss

A Melbourne man who lost his three businesses because of COVID-19 is excited for his new adventure, planning to move to the Coast as soon as borders open.

Steven Pace lost his three businesses in Melbourne because of the pandemic, now he is making a lifestyle change and moving to the Coast. Photo: Supplied

A Melbourne man who lost his three businesses because of COVID-19 is excited for his new adventure, planning to move to the Coast as soon as the borders open again.

Steven Pace spent close to a decade building a business empire in Port Melbourne but when stage four restrictions hit, he was forced to close everything.

Mr Pace started out with his innerwellness gym and then over the years opened a cafe, a beauty spa and a martial arts academy, all under the same name.

Initially, Mr Pace kept his cafe open for takeaway, but with takings of just $23.50, he officially closed up shop there too.

Vacancies surge ahead of JobSeeker extension, MP says

Australia's eye watering deficit revealed

Now, Mr Pace is planning to move to the Sunshine Coast as soon as the borders open for a change of pace and a hope for exciting new prospects.

"My partner lived on the Coast previously and loved the lifestyle," he said.

"So we are both looking forward to being on the Coast and trying to recharge and reconnect."

While Mr Pace has aspirations to open up businesses on the Coast in the future, he is keen to get his hands stuck into work as soon as he can.

"Now that all four businesses have come to an end, it's really hit me," he said.

Mr Pace is currently living off JobSeeker and said the loss of his businesses has had a huge psychological impact.

He is now keen for his newest adventure on the Coast.

"It'll be bit of a risk to move down, especially with the huge costs involved with moving so I'm hoping to find something pretty quick," Mr Pace said.

"It also makes it a bit hard having to be in quarantine and looking for a place when you're in a hotel for two weeks."

Mr Pace said besides some negative comments about him moving from Melbourne, most Sunny Coasters had been welcoming and willing to help.

If you have a job opportunity for Mr Pace, he can be contacted on 0435 869 465 or emailed at [e-mail].

Originally published as