A vital education and information initiative to benefit all businesses!

Grow Local had the pleasure of interviewing Rachel Downey—Business Owner and Operator about her experience with the Program.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?
A: Juiciest is a locally owned and operated business that first started mid, 2018, When I first started, I still had a full-time job, and originally only wanted a side hustle. The more time when on the more I loved it, and I’m proud to say, I found my passion! As business was building, I then went part-time at my “real job” Two years on, now it has grown into a full-time job.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?
A: Through word of mouth from other business owners.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?
A: I always love to learn new things, and I’m never shy about asking for help.  Every new piece of information can help you succeed.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?
A: Opportunities! To meet new people, network, and meet other business owners, I get really excited about new opportunities. 

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?
A: It is most important to learn every day. And to develop your business and self, my theory is that you need to work harder on yourself than you do in your business because that’s how you grow.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?
A: One of my massive goals, is to supply fresh cold-pressed healthy juices into hospitals and on mine sites, I have made small steps towards it, I haven’t achieved it yet….but it’s still in my sights. In the near future, we will be expanding into Darwin, I have had the thought of franchising and maybe going international. I have not come this far, to only go this far!. What this space!

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?
A: Thank you for the opportunity for being involved with the program and I will continue to be involved from afar, it is so important to help small businesses succeed. The opportunity that is given to you by just attending a workshop or networking event is just amazing and I would encourage all to join.

Grow Local had the pleasure of interviewing Operations Manager Carly Watton about her experience with the Program.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?
A: ITP Northwest is a local accounting firm based in Karratha and Hedland. We were established in Hedland in 2013 and in 2020 acquired the Karratha office.
We are a full-service accounting practice offering bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, business and finance solutions. We value technology and strive to offer affordable and tech- savvy options for clients. With cloud computing, we have developed our online services with zoom training and zoom and digital taxation services.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?
A: We actually moved into the old KDCCI building, and from there learnt about all the programs on offer.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?
A: The quality of events is great! As a small business, it is hard to find the diversity in training that is on offer by the Grow Local Program. Attending the workshops means that we have the opportunity to engage and grow, which as a small business we don’t always have the resources for expensive training courses.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?
A: A lot of skills that aren’t a qualification plus attending the workshops is great for networking and meeting like-minded people in the business community.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?
A: You get so much more than the actual course, you get to relate and interact, network, and bounce ideas around, sometimes a problem shared is a problem halved.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?
A: We have some very exciting things in the works for 2022 – We are looking to expand to Broome before July. We have also had a recruitment drive and are excited that we will have some new faces to join the team this year. As we have grown, we are now working with key stakeholders to deliver content through the Port Hedland Chamber in Hedland and hopefully will be offering more of this local training options in Karratha in 2022.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?
A: The program is so much more than just an educational tool, we’ve made some great friends as well as business connections by interacting with the program!

Grow Local had the pleasure of interviewing business owner, Sharon from Extreme EDGE about her experience with the Program.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?
A: Xtreme Edge is a proudly independent locally owned business that has been trading in Karratha since August 2016. We have a passion for providing excellent service and product range to Karratha and its surrounding areas. We always strive to offer a vibrant shopping concept and experience, with our focus always being on you – our customers. We offer products to support our lifestyles in the Pilbara. We are Surf, Swim, Watersports, Skate, Sports, Leisure, Shoe’s, Sunglasses, Fashion, equipment and accessories and much more. We cater to you. Last year we expanded our operations and opened Xtreme Skate. We are able to offer a concept skate shop that has been well received and supported by our customers. Personally, as the owner, It is important to me that I can provide not only for myself and my family financially, but also for my team and young people entering the workforce who can learn a diverse role and develop skills that are transferable. Another passion of mine is to support the community that supports me, we like to give back to our community as much as we can. Retailing is all about creating relationships, sharing success, and helping each other to succeed!

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?
A: From the KDCCI staff, initially, we met to discuss the Try Local voucher where we were asked to participate in that, from there we were introduced to Grow Local.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?
A:It’s just a good community-based avenue to get to know others and support the community.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?
A: So much! I think the best one I have attended so far was ‘Managing the busy’ with Hazel Wemper! After that workshop, I reorganized my whole office, something so simple that has improved not only my productivity but the productivity of team members that need to use the space also. Coming to the workshops also helps me focus on management and it helps me learn more things that I didn’t think I needed to know, this creates a huge ripple effect that flows onto my staff. These workshops and being able to network with other local businesses helps our whole business in so many ways. We have been able to grow and offer a comprehensive product range for our customers.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?
A: For gaining information, assistance and to generally be a part of the local business community. The avenues it opens are just fantastic. It increases your exposure – you get to meet and interact with like-minded people.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?
A:Stay tuned!…  We’ve got something really exciting planned; it’s going to be big news!  We’ve got a lot going on! Watch this space!

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?
A: The Grow Local Program is positive and easy to be a part of and I feel like I get a lot of support which is fantastic.

Grow Local had the pleasure of celebrating the recent success of the newly branded Impact Digi.

Q: Tell us why you decided to rebrand?
A: After almost a decade in business, Karratha-based marketing company, Impact Media has undergone a brand transformation. Now known as Impact Digi, business owner, Tamara Bin  Amat says the change was made to better reflect “who we are and what we do.”

Q:Was it a hard decision to rebrand?
A: Yes! I had been thinking about it for a long time and it wasn’t easy to let go of Impact Media, but it was right for the business. I love the new colour palette, which incorporates the colours of the Pilbara, and the positive feedback has been overwhelming. We still have the same team and the same values so in that respect it’s business as usual.

Q: What’s the significance of the new name?
A:  Firstly, ‘Digi’ is a play on the word ‘Indigenous’. As a 100% Aboriginal-owned business, we are proud of our cultural heritage. Secondly, ‘Digi’ is also short for digital, which is one of our key services, alongside design and communications. Thirdly, the acronym ‘ID’ is a reference to identity. We are passionate about helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses to grow and strengthen their brands.

Q: What’s the significance of the new name?
A:  Firstly, ‘Digi’ is a play on the word ‘Indigenous’. As a 100% Aboriginal-owned business, we are proud of our cultural heritage. Secondly, ‘Digi’ is also short for digital, which is one of our key services, alongside design and communications. Thirdly, the acronym ‘ID’ is a reference to identity. We are passionate about helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses to grow and strengthen their brands.

Q: How have you found the Grow Local events?
 A: I’m a big fan of networking and learning as much as I can about succeeding in business. The Grow Local workshops are always a great opportunity to meet with other local business owners and update my skills. It’s a bonus when I can pass on this information to help my team

Q: Tell us about some of your highlights during 2021
A: This year has been busy for us – not just with the rebrand. We were recently named as a Semi-Finalist in the 2021 Economic Development category of the WA Community Achievement Awards. We were also invited onto the National Creative Services panel for Rio Tinto, and we became a preferred supplier to Wirra Hub.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?
 A: We’re excited about the next chapter! We look forward to continuing to help our clients in Karratha and beyond with quality products and excellent customer service in the future. We’re really focusing on expanding our digital marketing and social media management services with new experts joining our team!

Grow Local had the pleasure of interviewing Station Manager Kay McLaglen about her experience with the Program.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?
A:  SCA is committed to delivering the best entertainment, music, sport, comedy, and big events. SCA has the largest regional commercial radio footprint in Australia with stations in all states and Territories. In each market we are intrinsically involved with the local community through content, news, and fundraising initiatives.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?
A: We were introduced to the program through our connections and support with the KDCCI

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?
A: We see the program as an educational tool to give staff and our business a new opportunity to learn and develop skills. 

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?
A: New knowledge, we find Grow Local delivers safe space for learning. By attending the workshops, we also gain new connections through networking with like-minded people.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?
A: For one, it’s a free service that is beneficial especially to small to medium enterprises – it gives you as a business a chance to invest and upskill your staff at no extra cost. The program also keeps up with trends that the business community need.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?
A: To keep investing in my staff through education and training and give them all the tools they need to grow and succeed.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?
A: I think the Grow Local workshops and events are well executed and well presented. I’m looking forward to seeing what is in store for the next 12 months. I would encourage all businesses to take parktin the workshops especially the small business owners as the Grow Local Program is a great initiative to gain help and support, as well as being excellent for networking.

Grow Local had the pleasure of interviewing Jodi Porteous & Kari O’Brien from Northwest Accountancy,
about their experience with the Program.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?
A: At Northwest Accountancy, we are not typical accountants.  We want to serve our clients quickly, efficiently, and be friendly and like their family.  We want our clients to trust us enough to ask questions without being scared to ensure that they get the best advice we can give to succeed.  We want all of our clients to be successful.

Good bookkeeping is one of the keys to a successful business, and that means your books are up to date in a timely manner and reflect what is happening in your business.  Once you have good bookkeeping, then you can also run reports that you can rely on, read regularly, and know what you are looking at.  Lodging and paying your taxes and employee obligations on time is one of the most important responsibilities of a business owner, and with that,  good cashflow is another key to success,  and by having good cashflow habits you can make significant improvements to your business.

Successful tax preparation is where the client understands what they can and can’t claim, and are prepared to keep the documentation necessary to substantiate claims.  Success is lodging on time, getting refunds on time, or paying to the ATO on time. Success is great communication without the jargon, which easily provides the why and the how.

Northwest Accountancy is proudly local, and loves to support the community.  We have been based in the Pilbara for over 20 years, and our staff live, work, volunteer and play locally.  We like to encourage all members of the community, as well as our staff to volunteer, give back and strive for excellence by furthering their education, understanding or awareness.  We have a bank account dedicated to community – to build and foster relationships within the staff community, client community and local area – supporting donation and sponsorship requests.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?
A: We have been active members of the KDCCI for many years, and support all of the training and events that are hosted by them.  They are always relevant, useful and fun to attend.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?
A: We know that personal and professional growth helps the business grow.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?
A: By better understanding key components of running a business, Grow Local has opened our eyes to things that we need to tweak and also shown us that we are on the right track.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?
A: For a start, it’s free training!  Sponsored training means that we can access things we need to know about, for the cost of a couple of hours of time.  It also gives you access to meet with other like minded business owners and also meet with the presenters, to see how they may be able to help you move your business forward.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?
A: We have just set up some online training where clients can access pre-recorded videos of general advice and information, to reduce the amount of time it takes them to research.  We have taken our whole business online in the past 18 months, and this has enabled us to work more remotely, and service more clients.  We are looking to expand our client base, to help business owners do the tax they need to do, as well as helping them run their business better.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?
A: It’s been great to mingle with others, to learn, and network.  Every session we attend is important.

Grow Local had the pleasure of interviewing Katliin Priilinn from Barber Kat about her experience with the Program.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?

Hi, my business is called Barber Kat and I’m an appointment based barber working out of a modest hairdressing salon at Hedland Place. I try my hardest to make sure every one of my clients, big or small, will get up from my chair looking and feeling 10/10. I enjoy working for myself after years of being an employee, it gives me a chance to do things how I see fit and do what’s best for my customers.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?
A: Word of mouth promotion via the Grow Local Program Manager.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?
A: My first workshop was about LinkedIn with Jo Saunders. When it popped to my email I thought it would be good to educate myself about something I’ve never used before but always had an interest in.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?
A: Lots of valuable knowledge and the chance to meet likeminded people. Small and big business owners who are all there to learn something new, just like me.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?
A: It is an amazing opportunity to take a couple hours off work and join the professionals you invite for the very well organised workshops. The best part is that you do the thinking for us by choosing all the good workshops that we just have to sign up to and attend. Good way to meet other likeminded business owners as well. And there’s food!

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?
A: I’m always striving to be bigger and better!

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?
A:  I would like to thank you for putting on these awesome workshops and supporting local businesses with the knowledge they didn’t know they needed. Also I really appreciate getting good books to read as a gift from your workshops. It’s really amazing and I hope more people will learn about your program! Thank you so very much, Barber Kat

We recently caught up with Richa Joshi from Dual Nation to find out how participating in the Grow Local Program has impacted on her business.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?

Dual Nation is a passion and heart centered e-commerce business that serves diversity, equity and inclusion – with designs that gives multinationals, multiculturals, binationals, biracials the option of proclaiming their pride in their rich lineage. These designs are placed on different merchandise options, and are amazing conversation starters.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?

I found out about the ‘Grow Local’ initiative, via the advertising done on social media by the KDCCI. I got to attend the launch of this program, and was very impressed by how much support, structure and forward thinking this group of members were. I attended a few of the workshops and networking events, as and when time permitted, and was once again blown away by the quality of deliverables offered by this initiative.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?

The workshops that were on offer were relevant and thought provoking – hence I kept attending the workshops. The Program Manager’s attention to service was exemplary, such a high level of care is being offered.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?

Most of all the workshops have given me a chance to re-learn a lot of different ideas, and techniques. The workshops have also given me a chance to meet other like-minded business owners, and network.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?

I believe that in small regional and remote communities; success comes not in ‘capturing’ some other businesses ‘customer segment’ ,but in finding avenues for collaborations, and partnerships – that benefit the business owners and result in an even better customer experience. Thus, being able to meet other like minded business owners, as well as learning from the workshops will aid and assist in this idea.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?

I am hoping to expand my business, by adding in ‘Diversity & Inclusion’ workshops/courses as well as launch a podcast in the same vein.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?

I’ve really enjoyed the workshops I have been able to attend through the Grow Local initiative , as well as the workshops I have attended as part of the Pilbara Women in Business initiative. I have had the privilege of being a guest speaker at the latter initiative as well. I commend the staff and team for this program, as I truly believe that small business owners are the backbone of any community. In empowering these owners, adding knowledge to their already present skill sets can only mean continued, and long lasting success for them – in turn success for the community of Karratha.

We recently caught up with Shaun Burgess from the Karratha Business Enterprise Hub to find out how participating in the Grow Local Program has impacted on their business.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?

We are all about promoting a strong business community in the Pilbara. Assisting people with a vision and the passion to succeed, we help them realise their dreams. We do this by connecting people and organisations with talent, ideas, and resources so they can achieve their goals.

Now through the Enterprise Hub we have the ability to extend our support even further into the community giving access to the Karratha Enterprise Hub and its state-of-the-art facilities including a boardroom and hot desks.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?

Through our connection with the KDCCI. 

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?

We took the opportunity to professionalise our approach to business and the training enables us to provide information to those who utilise the Karratha Enterprise Hub. We also like showing our support for programs that build local businesses – especially micro to small businesses.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?

Knowledge and a greater connection to the community through networking.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?

The program is run professionally and designed to help increase the skills of the community. The workshops are always helpful and informative.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?

We will always be an incubator for micro to small businesses and allow them a space to facilitate their own workshops to pass on their skills. We will continue to foster collaboration with like minded business owners and provide an inspirational and creative working space that is better than a coffee shop.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?

We would love to see more of the community engage with the program. It’s free and a great way to increase your knowledge and skills.

We recently caught up with Sue & Tamara from Signswest Karratha to find out how participating in the Grow Local Program has impacted on their business.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?

Established in 1997, the business has grown to cater for the ever-changing Pilbara business landscape. We are a full-service sign company, from concept and design, through to production, manufacture, and installation. We provide high quality signage to the mining, construction, marine, Government, and private sectors within the Pilbara and have done so for many years.

Signswest have been recipients of multiple awards including Small Business Awards for various categories in Karratha & Port Hedland & Silver Medalist in the Australian Sign Industry Awards, but that does not stop us working constantly to improve and become a better business.

We are major supply partners to Pilbara Iron (Rio Tinto), Roy Hill, BHP, Dampier Salt & Pilbara Ports Authority.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?

Through our KDCCI partnership.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?

To gain useful information to help our business continue to grow and keep up to date with changes that effect small business.

We are also attending to support the program. There has always been information we have come away with that we can use in the business.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?

Information that aligns with local and small business in the Pilbara. It is easy to underestimate or overestimate your business, the workshops give you the tools to look a little deeper into your business.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?

Highly recommend this program to all businesses and we are lucky to have this platform available to us in the Pilbara, where quality information and guest speakers are available. I recommend sending key employees in your business to these workshops as part of their professional development.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?

We have just completed our new policies, procedures, and OH&S manual, which we will roll out in January to all staff in all locations. This is a great example of how Grow Local and the workshops have directly contributed to our business. We also expect to expand our employee base in early 2021.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?

We encourage all businesses to take the time to attend the Grow Local workshops, they provide a platform for both businesses and employer/employee’s professional development. The workshops do not cost and are open to all businesses.

Following on from her recent win at the Business Excellence Awards for Best Aboriginal Business, we caught up with Jane Tittums from NAANDA to find out how participating in the Grow Local Program has impacted her business.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?

NAANDA aims to help bridge the gap from Centrelink to financial stability. Through employment, training, mentoring and support, our people gain skills and confidence. We create opportunities and sustainable employment for local Indigenous people and others in the community. NAANDA is specialists in pest and weed control, facilities management (cleaning and gardening), labour hire & power tools repairs and maintenance.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?

As an active and engaged member of the KDCCI, I keep across what is happening with the Chamber and follow what each program, including Grow Local is up to.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?

I loved the idea of the one event providing both professional development and networking. It is done in the one place and covers topics that people want and need to know.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?

A big amount of professional development. I have gained confidence in being able to talk to the ‘big players’ and have a discussion. I can do things at a higher level because of the knowledge that I have gained by attending.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?

If you are not in it, how can you win it? The professional development opportunities are gold, so why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?

We have expanded and will continue to do so. We are passionate about keeping people local by giving them work opportunities to keep them in the community.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?

I really like organization of the events as I can come straight from work.

The networking element of the Grow Local events is fantastic – the networking is also a form of professional development. I have made good connections and contacts from the events. I have also seen people grow and develop from engaging in the workshops and their own personal growth has been great.

We recently caught up with Laurie Miller  from Pilbara Bakehouse to find out how participating in the Grow Local Program has impacted on his business.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business?

Pilbara Bakehouse opened in January 2019 modelled of the famous Ningaloo Bakehouse in Exmouth. We have the retail bakery and café located in Hedland place as well as our wholesale HACCP factory in the LIA. The Bakehouse is presently the only wholesale bakery in the Pilbara, providing a fresh local alternative of bread, pies, cakes & other baked goods, delivering throughout the Pilbara daily, including Karratha, Dampier, Roebourne, Wickham, Port Hedland and Onslow.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?

The Grow Local Program Manager introduced me to the Grow Local Program and then she helped to open opportunities and connections with key people.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?

I was interested in the networking element and was hoping to gain contacts, which I have.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?

The Organizing and Planning workshop that I attended really helped give me information that I can use in my business. The presenter, Andy Tan was good, and the session was informative and helpful.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?

It is important to be engaged within the community and to support local businesses. The program is supported by bigger companies so there are networking opportunities here as well. The workshops that are available are great training opportunities for me and staff as well.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?

As a local business, Pilbara Bakehouse is aiming to provide a fresh alternative of bread, cakes, pies and other bakery goods to service the Pilbara. Our aim is that the business will continue to evolve with a focus on growing and expanding the wholesale division and creating more job opportunities for locals and indigenous workers. We will continue to build and maintain key relationships with our customers throughout the Pilbara.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?

Being a part of the Grow Local program has been a valuable experience for both me and my business. The workshops and networking opportunities alone have been great for introductions and starting conversations. To be out in the community, supporting and working with other businesses and Grow Local is important for everyone.

We recently caught up with Aleesia Millward  from Pilbara Building Company to find out how participating in the Grow Local Program has impacted on his business.

Q Tell us a bit about your business?

As the name suggests we are a Pilbara based building company and we offer construction, project management, commercial fit-outs, and consulting services.

We established the business in 2018 and since then we have been instrumental in the completion of several high-profile projects, including – the KFC Refurbishment, Hungry Jacks and the new Woodside Bay Village Transient Accommodation. Prior to this we were also part of the team that successfully completed the Karratha Health Campus.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?

The Program Manager came out to visit us and we quickly built a fantastic relationship, which we appreciate. Navah is friendly and engaging and explained to us the benefits of the Grow Local program so we started attending Grow Local workshops and found them to be interesting and enjoyable.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?

Two years into building our business, we are open to services and ideas that would help us grow our company. We found that Grow Local came along just at the right time for us, as we had been discussing procurement options, but hadn’t taken many steps with the larger resource companies. The Grow Local manager told us they could assist with these procurement challenges, so it was a no brainer for us to give it a try.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops? 

We have picked up new business knowledge, but it has also been good for refreshing existing knowledge. We have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to network with other local businesses and engage with visiting procurement teams. The atmosphere at the workshops is relaxed and the people we have met there have all been friendly, so we make sure we attend as many as possible.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?

Grow Local is there to support our local business community. It is a well thought out program that takes into consideration what we need locally to succeed. Its good having Navah come out and visit our business so she can see what we do, and we can tell her what we would like support with at Grow Local events.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?

We have recently been awarded the Design and Construct Contract for a local electrical merchandising company and are currently working with the Architect and Consultants to ensure we deliver a top-quality facility that exceeds our client’s expectations. We will use this upcoming opportunity along with our current projects to continue to build a successfully and well-respected local business. We are also hoping to be in a strong position to start uploading our business capabilities to the resource portals to tender for larger scale contracts in the future.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?

Only that I would encourage other businesses to check out the program or get in contact with the team and see if they can help with their business. Its free, so you’ve got nothing to lose.

We recently caught up with Matt Sear  from Best IT Business Solutions to find out how participating in the Grow Local Program has impacted on his business.

Q Tell us a bit about your business?

We are an IT Solutions company that has offices in Karratha, Broome, Kununurra and Perth.

We specialise in supporting regional business and NFP’s with a range of services, based around streamlining business software and procedures.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?

We met Navah, the Grow Local manager, through our existing relationship with the KDCCI. I was invited to present at a Grow Local workshop in May via Zoom application.

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?

To help educate the people of Karratha on issues such as Cybersecurity, engage with other local business people and learn through the valuable workshops. Both being a presenter and an attendee has been very valuable. The networking and business 1:1s that we have had with the program has been incredible.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?

Each workshop I take part in, I learn something new. I think that’s what is so good about having a diverse range of businesses, people and workshop topics with Grow Local is that you can share different ideas and hear about business ideas you perhaps have never thought of or tried before.

I am personally mainly based in Broome, but it’s been great being able to send my Karratha team to the workshops and know that they can meet other like-minded business people and develop their skills and contacts network.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?

As I said, I feel it is a great way to connect to like-minded business and set up partnerships in a professional environment. Since we began our involvement, the Grow Local program manager has referred 12 new business opportunities to us, which helps with our business growth goals, and we hope it continues well into the future.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?

The next big challenge our company faces is educating business and end-users on the importance of Cybersecurity. Cybercriminals are regularly adapting and increasingly using advanced methods of scamming people out of money. This increased risk is seeing thousands of dollars lost across the northwest, and we are dedicated to helping prevent this in the future. We can assist with the design and implementation of business systems based around ISO compliance to help keep your data safe and secure.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?

We would just like to say a warm thank you for the energy and the people involved at Grow Local, you make it inviting to be a part of. Thanks for your support so far and we look forward to what’s in store next with the program!

We recently caught up with Cam Gaspar from EBM Insurance Karratha to find out how participating in the Grow Local Program has impacted on his business.

Q Tell us a bit about your business?

EBM is a general insurance brokerage in the North West. We act as Insurance and Risk partners serving our local business community.

Q: How did you find out about Grow Local?

I met the Program Manager Navah at a KDCCI business after hours event back in October 2019 at Kaw Engineering. Navah introduced herself to me and I found her to be very passionate and inspiring. She was very proud to be spearheading the Grow Local program. We arranged a meeting for the following day, during which we quickly identified business opportunities and support the Grow Local program could provide free of charge. 

Q: Why did you decide to participate in the program?

Being new to town, I knew the program was a great opportunity to network and gain support to grow and develop. I began having regular meetings with the Program Manager and through these meetings we outlined what the program could assist me, and came up with a referral program to bring clients to my business. Year to date Navah has referred a large number of business to EBM Karratha and I am extremely grateful to the program for this.

Q: What have you gained from our workshops?

I have obviously gained knowledge and business insight through the workshops, but equally as valuable, through the networking opportunity they provide, I have gained new business contacts and been able to start building close local business relationships that I hope to expand on at future workshops.

Q: Why would you recommend us to other businesses?

I would recommend the Grow Local program to all businesses, big and small, because it is a very positive and engaging experience. It is always good to learn new skills, or refresh existing knowledge, but the social interaction opportunities are a huge plus for me.

Q: What do you have planned next for your business?

I am going to take advantage of all the support opportunities available to continue to provide exceptional service to new and existing clients, so EBM insurance becomes the local “go to” branch for  everyone’s insurance needs.

Q: Is there anything else that you want to tell us about your experience with Grow Local?

I just want to say the program has been excellent so far. You made coming to a new town very welcoming and easy and I look forward to participating in whatever the program has planned for the future. Thank you