We recently had a chance to talk with Daniel Orr - a recipient of a scholarship from the City of Charles Sturt to access Business SA's Encore Program. The program is for people aged 35 or above looking to either establish a new business or grow an existing one.
This 12-month government-funded program helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality or where a business already exists - provides support to create a sustainable business model.
Dan regularly engages with our Economic Development team and without this support, may not have found out about the program application process.
We wanted to learn more about Dan’s learnings from the Encore Program.
How did you hear about the program?
I originally applied for the Business Support Program, which I heard about at various Western Business Leaders events and workshops. While completing the grant application, this journey evolved. In discussion with the Economic Development team, we transferred my application to participate in Business SA Encore Program.
What motivated you to apply and what were you hoping to get out of the program?
I was aware of my lack of knowledge in some areas like finance tax and setting up a business the right way. I’ve got the creative side and know what I'm trying to do but it's more of the actual business side of setting up that plan and goals and actions, the financial side of things and going through that process.
I knew it was important to have a plan in place for me to scale and to move. The long term plan if for me to go full-time in my business, but I've got to start taking further actions on the business, not just in the business.
I was hoping the program would keep me accountable in achieving my goals.
I wanted to get a bit of guidance on actually starting a business and the fundamentals behind it. Getting a mentor was a big part of signing up as well.
Can you tell us more about your business?
Fenix Media is an independent digital content creation studio, offering consulting and professional services.
My business primarily focuses on brand story videos – passionately telling business stories is what I’m all about.
Can you give us some examples of how the program has helped you?
The program has given me a pathway forward and I understand the actions I need to take to achieve my goals. I now strategise timelines and use SMART goals to build out daily tasks into actions and meet those goals which ultimately, scale the business.
I’m now more confident in my business idea and direction forward.
I wanted confirmation I was on the right pathway, confidence to keep going, and have mentor support for reassurance.
I think my mentor has helped with that a lot of well. We had some very open and frank discussions about my business to begin with.
It's given me the confidence to scale up and grow the business in a way that will allow me to be successful.
What has your mentorship experience been like?
I had a great mentor in the program – personality wise and things in common like marketing and golf. Mentorship is all about building the trust and building that relationship.
I listed finance as something I needed more support in the fundamentals of starting a business. I also understand it’s up to the participants to drive that. Because the mentors aren't running the business for us. It's up to us to motivate ourselves to organize meetings and catch up and ask the right questions.
My mentor and I both worked in the city, so scheduling our meetings was really easy - we caught up for half an hour, every month. He was very supportive and always willing to catch up when I was available. I had a really good experience.
What were the main deliverables in the program and how did they help you?
We had to deliver a business plan for review at the end of the program, while learning about the various aspects of business each week.
I only have a very basic business plan prior that I outsourced to assess the market.
Now I’ve submitted my business plan and will have an opportunity to present this for feedback. It’s good to get some people with experience in business to provide feedback and guidance for a pathway moving forward.
How did you manage your time and commitment to the program?
Currently I’m juggling my full-time government job and my business. I completed the course work mostly after hours and I work on my business on the weekend.
I’m in a transitional phase - to build that out and build the clients out, build my processes, and scale from there.
I’ve also begun a mini-MBA in marketing to further support my learning.
What is your advice for other entrepreneurs?
Instead of thinking about grant money as a cash or money to spend on a website or something like that; my advice would be to think about using grants or scholarships as an opportunity to learn something. The program is probably more valuable than the actual monetary amount.
The scholarship was well worth the time and experience.
Do you find the environment of City of Charles Sturt to be supportive of the entrepreneurs and business owners?
The City of Charles Sturt has been really supportive - you listen to businesses. The team always make efforts to chat at Western Business Leader events and even having this opportunity to interview and follow up is really great.
What is next for your business?
I now know how to scale the business and know the next steps to take.
Perhaps I will apply for the business support program for website or SEO support in the future. The next step is having a strategy around applying for grants and expanding to other projects.
Another next step would be to find someone I mentor in the creative industry who's done it before and that's where I'm at next.
How has your business evolved throughout the program?
In true entrepreneurial style I’ve also started a passion project in wine – I’ve got some grapes and wine and barrel at the moment waiting for that to be bottled in the new year. I’ll be doing a brand marketing strategy soon.
My plan is to combine and merge Fenix Media with wineries and doing video marketing for wineries.
You can learn more about Dan and his business, Fenix Media at: https://www.fenixmedia.com.au/
Encore is taking enquiries for their February 2024 intake.