When successful Devonport face painter Carolyn Henwood heard a radio ad for Government funded business support, it was just the spark she needed to begin growing her sole trader business into Caro’s Creative Crew!
While she had long-dreamed of scaling her business, Caro credits the support and knowledge gained from our Self-Employment Assistance program for providing the confidence and know-how she really needed to achieve it. Today she employs nine other artists in the Devonport area, offering face painting, creative activities and entertainment for local community events, parties and festivals.
“After hearing a radio ad about the Self-Employment Assistance program, I knew I had to find out more,” she said.
“I already ran Caro’s Face Painting but was keen to grow, add more artists and expand my services, but I didn’t have the knowledge or confidence to make those changes by myself.
“So, I enrolled. And wow! Everyone at My Pathway was beyond supportive. From the friendly staff who answered my first call, to the dedicated business trainers and especially my mentor, Jess, who offered me so much personalised motivation.”
Caro undertook a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and Business, juggling her study with the demands of her existing business as she learnt more about modelling her growing business, establishing it the right way, marketing it and running it sustainably.
“The course was structured, practical and directly relevant to what I needed,” she said.
“It wasn’t just useful, it was transformative. It gave me clarity, skills and confidence to evolve my business the way I’d imagined.
“Jess and Teresa understood that I was juggling a live business and offered flexible study options that worked around my busy schedule.
“Without their encouragement, I might’ve given up, so joining My Pathway has hands-down become one of the best decisions I’ve made to support my small business life.”
Caro selected this course from the tailored supports we offer in the Self-Employment Assistance Program, and was coached face-to-face throughout by local mentor Jess Jansz. Jess combines her formal training and local small-business experience to ensure the program supports reflect the unique business challenges that Tasmanians like Caro encounter.
“We offer Individual and action-focused support for each of our participants, which leads to growth and real changes for business owners in our region,” she said.
“I love supporting the people, products and services that make Tasmania unique and truly believe that small business is one of the things that makes our region so exciting.
“I’m really proud to have helped Caro grow such a great local business, and one that brings so much joy to our communities and events.”
To find out more about the supports available for the small business sector in Tasmania please visit our Self-Employment Assistance page or connect with your local small business mentors on 1800 319 588.
This story first appeared in the Advocate Newspaper.