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by Phaedra Pym

Running a small or micro business on the Central Coast can be a lonely, isolating challenge for many. It can also be confusing for those new to business. Many, while good at what they do, lack the necessary business skills so vital to the successful running of any business. Whether you're feeling isolated and alone in your business or you just need some assistance or support to get to the next level; affordable, strategic and targeted help is just a phone call away at the Central Coast Business Enterprise Centre (CCBEC).

New workshops, targeted mentoring & business packages on offer this year

To cater to the ever-changing demands and expectations on business owners, the CCBEC has added a range of business packages as well as new workshops focussing on social media, recruitment and marketing strategies. Upcoming workshops include Facebook Rules, Social Media Domination for Small Business and Recruitment and Staffing Structures in addition to the existing workshops covering business fundamentals.

In keeping with the emergence and growth of specific industry and networking groups, such as Manufacturing Connect on the Coast, the CCBEC is also offering relevant workshops and mentoring services throughout 2012 targeting those specific groups.

CCBEC at a glance

A not for profit organisation funded by all levels of Government, the Central Coast Business Enterprise Centre (CCBEC) assists around 500 local small businesses a year in areas including finance and profitability, sales and marketing, developing an Internet presence and legal requirements. The assistance is offered in the form of:

• One-on-one business guidance and mentoring,

• Business workshops,

• Web seminars,

• Referral to specialists,

• Business building groups,

• Hosting of business networking events, and

• Business resource sourcing and customising.

An independent study conducted in August 2011 indicated that of the 500 clients the CCBEC works with annually:

• 36% are in infancy

• 25% have started growing

• 21% are established

• 13% are considering starting a business

• 49% are sole traders

• 56% operate their businesses from home

• 97% of clients rated the CCBEC’s service as excellent

• 99% indicated they would recommend the CCBEC’s services to other business owners.

Case Study One – 3 year established business

Scott Cairns of Crush Cosmetics Pty Ltd first approached the CCBEC as a two-year established home-based business following referral by a friend. Interestingly, Mr Cairns had not heard of the group prior to this. When asked why he sought the CCBEC's services at this time, Mr Cairns said he was seeking assistance due to the rapid growth the business was undergoing at the time and the fact that he had not had any formal business training to assist him to cope with that growth.

Mr Cairns said the experience with the CCBEC has since been “fantastic”. He said they assisted him firstly with a CCBEC established loan funded through the National Australia Bank to transform the business into a proprietary limited company. Since then, Mr Cairns has benefited from ongoing mentoring and monthly “check-in meetings” with Client Manager, Darren Chan. “Working from home you’re not answerable to anyone. Our monthly meetings with Darren give us the accountability we need to stay on track,” he said.

Case study Two – Start-up

Kathy-Maree Bartle of Books Alive Bookkeeping first approached the CCBEC as a start-up business 12 months ago. With ample bookkeeping skills under her belt but lacking in confidence, capital and an understanding of what it takes to start and sustain a small business, Ms Bartle approached the BEC. “Debbie Carroll (CCBEC Senior Client Manager) alleviated my fears of starting the business with no money but a lot of skills. I slowly got to know I’m not on my own,” said Ms Bartle of her early experience with the CCBEC.

12 months on, and Ms Bartle is in the process of starting a Central Coast Bookkeepers Forum following a suggestion from her CCBEC mentor.

Today’s business world on the Coast demands networking & collaboration

In offering more tailored workshops and mentoring services for specific Central Coast industry and networking groups, and spreading the word through the growing number of alliances on the Coast, it’s clear the CCBEC has recognised the need to ‘up the ante’ when it comes to making more small business people aware of their services.