Posted on 15 Dec 2011
Please note: this is an old article
It was published in December 2011, so the information may be out-of-date.
Twenty years ago entrepreneurs were few and far between. Today you could be sitting right next to one as the opportunities that exist these days to make something from nothing are endless.
John Furphy is a great local example of this entrepreneurial spirit - creating his iconic engineering company many years ago.
The Gaylard family, who developed the Fairley's stores, is another well-known local example. In recent times Vera Fleming from the Chocolate Apple Factory in Shepparton East turned a problem of excess apples into a delicious treat and tourism product.
Then there's Scott & Nikki Medwell who developed the first vegan bed & breakfast called Bed & Broccoli in Katandra.
When they opened a few months ago Scott & Nikki were looking forward to occasionally hosting some like-minded vegans from time to time - in reality they are flat out handling current and future bookings.
"The concept was worked around the fact that I am a Vegan cook and thought others would like to try my products," Nikki said.
"We thought a B&B would be the perfect way to share our love of food with others. We didn't expect to be booked out and have just four hours between one set of guests leaving and another arriving. I guess they love the atmosphere we offer and the accommodation style - a renovated dairy - makes it a really unique product."
Greater Shepparton's Business Development Officer Lonnie O'Dwyer said she was really pleased to hear of the couple's success.
"We had an opportunity to assist Nikki with advice," she said. "Nikki also attended a few of our seminars, and took part in our mentor program. She really showed determination and was destined to succeed. Nikki has a vision and could see the end product.
"We recognise that different people have different approaches to how they go about achieving their goals when starting out. It is very important thought to have a comprehensive business plan in case you need direction as you build the business, which is where we can help."
Ms O'Dwyer said there were a number of programs around that were supportive of entrepreneurial thinking.
"The NEIS program is a great example - long-term unemployed can develop a successful business from an idea and it's a very popular program," she said. "GVBRaIN also continues to encourage and inspire our future entrepreneurs allowing for networking and partnership building through motivational guest speakers."
If you have an idea and you're just not sure if you should do it, feel free to phone
Lonnie on 03 58321100 or email lonnie.odwyer@shepparton.vic.gov.au