Advisors
Our team of Business Advisors is made up of exceptional professionals who have all operated their own business and are passionate about seeing our clients succeed.
Start House
Innovation solutions for all businesses
Innovation focused solutions for Start Ups, Scale Ups, Individuals & Teams. Supporting sustainability through innovation in product development, operations and business modelling.
- Programs
- Outcome based advisory
- Outcome based workshops
- Toolboxes
- Eco-system connections
- Pitch Nights
Self Employment Assistance Program - Previously NEIS
Previously NEIS
The Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEA) provides you with the practical and fundamental skills that you need to operate a business. This program is designed to encourage you to challenge the status quo, develop critical thinking skills and round out your ideas with a bigger picture in mind. We want to provide the pathway for you to succeed in business as well as give you real-world skills to take with you in any future venture.
- BSB4032 Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business
- Business modelling and review process
- Individual mentoring
- Group meetups
ServiceNSW Business Connect Program
One to One Business Advice
Service NSW Business Connect provides free, independent, tailored business advice from experienced advisors in one‑on‑one sessions. We offer practical insights and business skills development. Services also include events and resources on a range of topics for small business.
- Free entry to 1:1 business advisory program
- Meet advisors in person or online
- Generalist and specialist advisors
- Experienced and qualified
- Workshops, webinars, webcasts
- Connection to eco-system
Business Health Check
Check in with your business!
A business health check is a perfect way to clearly understand where your business is at and where you want to take it!
- Identify areas that need improvement in your business
- Analyse profitability of products and services
- Identify systems that need improvement to create efficiencies in business
- Set strategies to achieve goals
- Create a clear action plan to read your goals
Digital Solutions Program
Digital Made Easy
The Digital Solutions – Australian Small Business Advisory Services program works with small business owners to help them understand the benefits of digitising businesses and making the most of digital tools.
- how digital tools can help your small business
- websites and selling online
- social media and digital marketing
- using small business software
- online security and data privacy
Accelerating Regional Innovation Program | ARIF
Bridging the gap between the circular economy and
The Accelerating Regional Innovation Program (ARIF) supports talented founders to launch their start-ups and grow them into sustainable businesses. This project will assist in growing the ideas, talents and capabilities of entrepreneurs and new businesses in the Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Gas, Recycling and Waste Management industries.
- Unearthing Events to help SMEs find out how their circular economy innovation and business fit into a bigger economy
- A major regional pitch and demonstration event
- Circular Innovation Festival for individual entrepreneurs and SMEs in the broader Hunter community
- Bootcamps and workshops delivered in Singleton, Maitland, Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and online.
- A major Sydney pitch and demonstration event to showcase regional innovators and SMEs to potential investors and advisors.
Entrepreneurship Program | Soldier On
A true north program for the go-getters
The approach that was taken in developing the Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business is to provide you with the practical and fundamental skills that you need to operate a business. This course is designed to encourage you to challenge the status quo, develop critical thinking skills and round out your ideas with a bigger picture in mind. We want to provide the pathway for you to succeed in business as well as give you real-world skills to take with you in any future venture.
- BSB4032 Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business
- Business modelling and review process
- Individual mentoring
- Group meetups
Ethics in Business
July Business Fusion Event
Let’s hold our judgements and have a Hypo Ethical Dilemma Discussion! By hearing why people make decisions at different intersections that face us in business daily, we explore our own lines in the sand around ethics. A scenario is created where different people will be asked if they will engage with the business activity – or not – and why.
- A scenario is created where volunteer panelists will be asked if they will engage with the business activity scenario
- Each panelist will share their thoughts on "if they would take the job" and why
- There are 5 instances of "will you take the job?"
AI - People vs Robots
August Business Fusion Event
The great debate of balancing both in business! We all know that AI is having, and will continue to have, a major impact on humanity and business. Our guests will engage in a conversation around the pros and cons of AI, what tech sits under the AI banner and the intersection of Ethics and Technology.
- the pros and cons of AI
- what tech sits under the AI banner
- the intersection of Ethics and Technology
Organisational Structures for Business
September Business Fusion
What’s out there and how do different structures change my operations and customer experience? Most innovative business structures are less formal, more likely to allow creative input from teams and individuals. Some of the main purposes of organisational structures is to provide guidance to employees, clarity in reporting, decision making. What does this mean for super small teams, how can a business work more productively, more innovatively?
- What’s out there and how do different structures change
- Changes to operations and customer experience
- What does this mean for super small teams
- How can a business work more productively, more innovatively?
Working with Humans in Business
October Business Fusion
The perils of HR! Managing people in your business is one of the hardest and most time consuming things. We talk about how working with a team can go sideways quickly and how understanding other people is hard work.
- Human Resources
- Managing people in your business
- Understanding your team
Cultural Lessons in Business
November Business Fusion
Business through a different cultural lens Let’s explore how other cultures operate in business. Our guest speakers will discuss across culture examples of what can we can all learn and adopt into our own business.
- Increased customer engagement
- Better value propositions
- Stabilising people management
End of Year Business Fusion Celebration
December Business Fusion
Forecasted trends for 2023 Let’s celebrate, take a beat and consider the year that’s been. The Business Centre invites you to join us for an end of year celebration and reflect on the way we worked in 2022!This is an opportunity for you to mingle with our team, connect with local businesses and enjoy a drink or two! We will be taking a look at what worked in business and what didn’t! Our guest speakers will then share what forecasted trends could impact small businesses in the next 12 months. BYO Crystal Ball ;)
- What worked for business
- How to prepare for next year
- What the future holds
STEM Defence + Innovation Program 2022
Join us for the STEM Defence + Innovation Pitch
Students from Cardiff High School, St Philip's Christian College (Newcastle), and Newcastle Grammar School will be pitching their innovative defence based solutions as part of the 2022 STEM D+I program! Join us from 5pm at University of Newcastle Q Building on Thursday 22nd September to hear our future STEM Innovators talk through their projects.
- The 2022 STEM Defence + Innovation Pitch night
- Students will be pitching their innovative defence based solutions
- Hear our future STEM Innovators talk through their projects
Time to take action! - Cyber Security Q&A
Taking the right steps to minimise risk!
Join us for a hybrid event at The Business Centre, come in person and enjoy the networking, education and wine or join us on screen and view the following.
- How to identify, analyse and report business data through the creation of an internal framework
- Programs and applications available to mitigate risk and what a breach can look like including cyber insurance
- How to document and when to communicate a breach to customers and stakeholders
Chat GPT - faux or hero?
March Business Fusion Event
Take the time to weigh up your own thoughts and opinions on what your appetite is for AI in business and life. How to understand the many AI-based solutions such as chatGPT now being put forward to small business owners, to increase productivity and efficiencies, improve products, automate services, improve customer experience, and to utilise customer data.
- Explore the key components of AI and Machine Learning applicable to business
- Understand how to properly use platforms and AI tools using chat GPT as a case study.
- Reflect on your business and how you can apply value through AI to your services and products.
- Understand the future delivery of services and products through AI
How your Vibe attracts your Tribe
April Business Fusion
How do business owners respond to the ever-challenging and ever-changing HR and employment environment that faces every business owner? This discussion panel will cover the key issues all small business owners need to understand and find solutions for to create a business that engages people in it and improves how their products are delivered and how they can maintain this successfully.
- Remote Work
- Health and Safety
- Employee Burnout
- Recruitment and Retention
- Financial Constraints
Manufacturing today, tomorrow and into the future
April Business Fusion
How to understand the many AI-based and robotic solutions being put forward to SMEs in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector and the Trades, to increase productivity and efficiencies, improve products, automate services, improve customer experience and utilise customer data.
- Explore the key components of Ai and Machine Learning applicable to SMEs in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector and the Trades business.
- Understand how to properly use platforms and Ai tools using chat GPT as a case study in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector and the Trades.
- Reflect on your business and how you can apply value through Ai to your services and products.
- Understand the future delivery of services and products through Ai in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector and the Trades.
Taking Flight: Launching your Drone Business from the ground up!
June Business Fusion Event
Hear from Jackie Dujmovic, entrepreneur, former NSW Businesswoman of the Year Awards, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hover UAV and a mother who has proven that passion and persistence can take you to great heights. With a background in maritime work on Super Yachts worldwide, she made a career switch when she recognised the potential of drones to transform people’s lives and business efficiencies and started UAV Hover.
- Explore the key components of starting a drone business and how that is applicable to any business.
- Understand how drone technology is now being used across Australia and around the world.
- Reflect on your business and how you can apply some of the learnings from this start-up to improve value through technology to your services and products.
- Understand the future delivery of services and products through drone technology.
Making Circular | Bridging the gap between manufacturing processes and circular economy
August Business Fusion Event
We will look at whether traditional manufacturing processes are stifling innovation in the pursuit of cost savings and efficiency gains. And answer the question, is advanced manufacturing the long-awaited super-hero, poised to revolutionize reclamation, remanufacturing, and re-engineering?
Hot Property | Top Real Estate problems facing small businesses
August Business Fusion Event
Small business owners have a lot on their minds: solving problems for customers, growing their teams, and developing new partnerships. But there are a ton of not-so-exciting tasks that go into running a business as well. Among the most time-consuming (and expensive) is finding and securing real estate.
- Lease terms are long and often require a personal guarantee
- Making sure your lease protects your interests rather than exploits them
- Your business growth can be tough to predict, will you add 10 people this year or 50?
- Unless you own your building, your office space costs don’t add value to your business
- Rents go up as areas are re-developed, and possibly if your landlord catches wind that you’re doing well
Creating your brand story
September Business Fusion
Brand storytelling is an important part of your marketing strategy, it helps you evoke emotions with your direct audience and establish a relationship with them. Brand storytelling can set you apart from your competitors, so you are memorable and in turn able to convert your audience to customers.
- Why your brand story is important.
- How to tell your brand story.
- How to use your brand story to help you attract the right audience.
Commercialisation - from idea to Investment
October Business Fusion
Explore the intricacies of raising capital, delving into funding options for startups, strategies for expansion, and fostering new innovations.
- Fund Raising choices
- View of Investor risk and returns
- Preparation and pitch to put you in the best position for funding
Start your own Business
October Business Fusion
Our proposed 'Start Your Own Business' event is designed to provide attendees with vital insights into entrepreneurship, covering critical topics such as financial viability, value proposition development, and the intricacies of legal and structural components in business establishment. This event aims to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate the complexities of starting a business, contributing to their professional growth and our company's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship.
- Financial Viability
- Compelling Value Proposition
- Structural and Legal Essentials
Grant Writing - Government Grants - Fact or Fiction
October Business Fusion
What are government grants and why do they exist? This session explores the different types of grants, funding and incentives that exist, and where to look for them. Be warned! There will be myth-busting around grants and how to sort usual gems from reams or information. We will look at tips and tricks and things consider when looking, writing and applying for a grant. Something people forget is the management and report and remittance side so we cover that too.
- Do and don'ts when considering grants
- How and where to look, without being scammed
- Top tips for writing and applying
TwoSixFive Live - The Emerald Ruby
Newcastle Live Sites
With the support from the city of Newcastle, we are excited to be part of the Livesites program, showcasing creatives in business. Come and join us, bring your lunch and support Locally Made and Played. Meet The Emerald Ruby!
22nd September 2023 | The Emerald Ruby
29th September 2023 | Alex Mangano
6th October 2023 | Nikita Rohalskyi
TwoSixFive Live - Alex Mangano
Newcastle Live Sites
With the support from the city of Newcastle, we are excited to be part of the Livesites program, showcasing creatives in business. Come and join us, bring your lunch and support Locally Made and Played. Meet Alex Mangano!
- Support local artists
- Listen to something different
- Get away from your work screens
- Decompress in your lunch break
TwoSixFive Live - Nikita Rohalskyi
Newcastle Live Sites
With the support from the city of Newcastle, we are excited to be part of the Livesites program, showcasing creatives in business. Come and join us, bring your lunch and support Locally Made and Played. Meet Nikita Rohalskyi!
- Support local artists
- Listen to something different
- Get away from your work screens
- Decompress in your lunch break
Demystifying Virtual Assistants
The inside scoop on all things Virtual Assistants!
Virtual Assistants or VAs can add a lot of value to your business, they can assist with remote administrative, creative, or technical support to businesses and individuals.
- How VAs can add value to your business
- How to effectively work with a VA
- How to effectively collaborate and communicate with a VA
Money Matters!
Financial Literacy 101 for your business
In this month's Business Fusion, join us to gain invaluable insights into the fundamental financial reports that drive business decisions. Do financial statements leave you feeling puzzled? Are terms like "cash flows," "profit and loss," and "balance sheet" a mystery to you? Our workshop is designed to demystify these critical financial documents and give you the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.
- Statement of Cash Flows
- Profit and Loss Statements
- Balance Sheets
Sustainability and Circular Economy vs Fast Fashion
May Business Fusion
The awareness around “Fast Fashion” and its impact on the environment is rising. Is this a positive and marketable opportunity for small businesses and artisan makers to make a positive impact while also improving their market share?
- Current trends in clothing and retail trade and counter approaches to fast fashion
- Approaches and opportunities, in reuse, upcycling, repurposing, slow fashion and repair
- Current findings from the fashion industry in Australia and pending regulations on product stewardship
- Challenges for retail in covering “shades of green” approach to sustainability
The Night-Time Economy
June Business Fusion
Through Vibrancy Reforms, regional communities will be supported to increase live music and performance by removing certain regulations and providing incentives to venues and councils.
- Vibrancy Reforms boosting the Hunter's night economy
- How they benefit live music, dining, creative sectors and workers
- Current night-time reforms and initiatives that will offer sector regulation
Start Your Own Business
Start Your Own Business
A condensed online course to get you prepared for starting your own business. Learn the practical steps around compliance, goal setting, planning, marketing and financial viability.
- Online program
- Set your own pace
- Practical information
- Compliance
- Planning
- Marketing
- Financial Viability
- Startup toolbox
Business Model Canvas
Business Model Canvas
Test your new or existing business model by using this proven methodology, explore the 9 areas of business using the canvas provided.
- Online program
- Test your business model
- BMC toolbox
BSB40320 Certificate IV Entrepreneurship and New Business
Think Big and Question Everything Business
Built by our team of Advisors and Trainers, the Cert IV in Entrepreneurship has been designed for those who want to step into leadership roles. Learners are encouraged to think big, learn from current best business practice and question the status quo.
- explore new concepts on innovative
- develop critical thinking skills
- develop solid systems and business models
- get the management of processes, procedures, platforms
- develop a meaningful proposal in starting a business
Business Disruption Webcast Series One
People, Financial, Operational, Market + Rep Risk
This webcast series addresses key issues faced by business owners in times of disruption. Hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on the topics of People, Financial, Operational, Market and Reputational Risk. These webcasts were live events held during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 but the content is suitable during all times of disruption.
- Practical advice for business owners
- Industry information from a guest speaker who helps businesses get found on Google
- Conversation around what businesses can do to survive and thrive during times of disruption
- Top five tips for success from the expert guest speaker
- Ask and Answer questions on the live chat
Business Disruption Webcast Series Two
NDIS, Mental Health, Tourism, Innovation +Regional
This webcast series addresses key issues faced by business owners in times of disruption. Hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on NDIS, Mental Health, Tourism, Innovation and Regional Business. These webcasts were live events held during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 but the content is suitable during all times of disruption.
- Practical advice for business owners
- Industry information from a guest speaker who helps businesses get found on Google
- Conversation around what businesses can do to survive and thrive during times of disruption
- Top five tips for success from the expert guest speaker
- Ask and Answer questions on the live chat
Business Disruption Webcast Series Three
topics go here
This webcast series addresses key issues faced by business owners in times of disruption. Hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on NDIS, Mental Health, Tourism, Innovation, Regional and Rural. These webcasts were live events held during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 but the content is suitable during all times of disruption.
- Practical advice for business owners
- Industry information from a guest speaker who helps businesses get found on Google
- Conversation around what businesses can do to survive and thrive during times of disruption
- Top five tips for success from the expert guest speaker
- Ask and Answer questions on the live chat
Build and Manage your Team - NDIS Business Webcast
Filmed event
Kate Mole The Business Centres NDIS specialist business advisor, talks to Tracey Archer from Grow With You about how to bring on and manage new staff members. Our guest; Tracey Archer from Grow With You, has 20 years’ experience in Human Resources having worked locally and internationally in large Financial, Legal and Health Service Organisations.
- Values and Culture Fit
- Common issues faced with NDIS based business teams
- Practical tips for onboarding and managing your team
Start your Business
This webcast series addresses key topic for those who are looking to start a business. This series will cover a range of topics that will assist you in starting a business. Hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on the topics of People, Financial, Operational, Market and Reputational Risk.
- Practical advice for business owners
- Industry information from a guest speaker
- Tips on starting a business
- Ask and Answer questions on the live chat
Grow your Business
This webcast series addresses key topic for those who are looking to grow their business. This series will cover a range of topics that will assist you in taking your business to the next stage. Hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on the topics of People, Financial, Operational, Market and Reputational Risk.
- Practical advice for business owners
- Industry information from a guest speaker
- Tips on growing your business
- Ask and Answer questions on the live chat
Adapt your Business
This webcast series addresses key topic for those who are looking to adapt their business. This series will cover a range of topics that will assist you in taking your business to the next stage. Hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on the topics of People, Financial, Operational, Market and Reputational Risk.
- Tips on adapting your business
- Practical advice for business owners
- Industry information from a guest speaker
- Ask and Answer questions on the live chat
Cyber Security
Cyber Security for Small Businesses does not need to be a scary thing. This webcast series showcases addresses a range of ways that your business can implement to protect your cyber security. Hear conversations between our team and key industry experts to ensure you can be equipped in safeguarding your business against unwanted intrusion.
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Managing cybersecurity through practice and having strong policies in place
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Incorporating Cybersafety practices into your culture
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How to prevent attacks
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Top tips for implementing a strategy to manage risk in your business
Sustainability in your Business
This webcast series addresses key topics for businesses who are looking to go digital. Learn about how digital tech can improve your workflow, customer experience and profit margins. In this series you will hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on all thing digital operations in your business.
- How digital tech can help your small business
- Most popular solutions used in businesses
- How to measure the success of digital solutions in a business
- Tips for success in implementing digital tech into your small business
Digital Operations for your Business
This webcast series addresses key topics for businesses who are looking to go digital. Learn about how digital tech can improve your workflow, customer experience and profit margins. In this series you will hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on all thing digital operations in your business.
- How digital tech can help your small business
- Most popular solutions used in businesses
- How to measure the success of digital solutions in a business
- Tips for success in implementing digital tech into your small business
Business Big Bang Theory
Welcome to the Business Big Bang Theory
Hear conversations between our team and key industry experts on all things small business whatever stage of business you are in.
- Available on all platforms!
- Hear from a range of different industry experts
- Topics range from HR to Cyber Security
Cyber Security Podcast Series
Addressing issues facing SMEs with cyber security
Our Cyber Security Culture podcast series will address key issues facing SMEs with cyber security. In each episode, you will hear from key cyber security industry experts on a range of topics.
- Listen on the go
- Available on all podcast platforms
- Here from industry experts about a range of topics
- Learn at your own pace
Your Instagram Business profile | Webinar
The essential steps for Instagram Business Profile
In this webinar, participants will be guided through the essential steps of setting up and optimising their Instagram Business Profile. Instagram has emerged as one of the most powerful social media platforms for businesses, offering a visually engaging space to connect with customers, showcase products or services, and drive engagement. In this session, participants will gain insights into leveraging their Instagram profile effectively for business growth.
- Setting up their Instagram Business Profile
- Optimising their Instagram Business Profile
- Leveraging their profile effectively
Caption Writing for Instagram | Webinar
Master the art of caption writing
This webinar is focused on mastering the art of caption writing for Instagram. In this session, participants will discover the formula for creating engaging and effective captions that captivate their audience, drive engagement, and ultimately, boost their business on Instagram. From defining content pillars to implementing compelling call-to-actions (CTAs), participants will learn how to leverage the power of words to enhance their Instagram presence. Whether they're looking to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, or boost sales, mastering the art of caption writing will be a valuable asset in their social media marketing toolkit.
- The formula for creating engaging captions
- How to captivate their audience
- Implementing compelling call-to-actions (CTAs)
Instagram Reels | Webinar
How to create Instagram reels
In this session, participants will gain guidance on creating, editing, and optimising Instagram Reels to engage their audience, amplify brand visibility, and drive growth on Instagram. From defining content pillars to mastering basic editing techniques, this webinar will cover how to get started with Reels and how to use the features within the platform to increase brand awareness
- Creating, editing, and optimising Instagram Reels
- Defining content pillars
- Mastering basic editing techniques
What do we post next? | Webinar
Maximising your social media for 2024/25
Do you struggle with ideas for quality social media content? The calendar is packed with interesting, engaging and unusual days that are often overlooked. This workshop shows you how to use event calendars and almanacs to identify the special days and events that resonate with your target market. Knowing these and celebrating them with your followers is a fun, simple and effective way to lay out a social media foundation plan that is dynamic and relevant to your audience. It will also help you answer the question, “What do we post next?”
- Plan a social media content calendar
- Source content ideas from event calendars and almanac
- Align your marketing mix to special days
- Leverage free AI to help write posts
Serviced Offices
Office space for your business
Looking for a space to run your business from? The Business Centre offers Serviced Offices in the heart of the Newcastle CBD!
- Serviced offices located in Newcastle CBD
- Range of sizes available
- Suitable for teams up to 5
Business Toolboxes
Templates to start, scale and innovate
Our toolboxes were created so business owners could implement change in their business at their own pace, using tried and true business tool templates.
- Acceleration for your business or team
- Business Disruption to Recovery
- Ideation for your business or team
- NDIS Service Provider business
- Start your own business
- Scale Up your business
- Strategic Planning session
Virtual Tenancies
Admin support for your business
Professional Virtual Office experience with options suited your business needs—perfect for businesses that operate from home, want a Newcastle address or are frequently on the road and need a cost effective professional image.
- Address Only Package
- Phone Answering and Address Package
Event Space
Event space in the Newcastle CBD
Our event space is the perfect space for your upcoming corporate event. This space has been designed to accommodate a variety of corporate occasions, from conferences and seminars to workshops and networking events. Equipped with the latest audiovisual technology and customisable seating arrangements, our venue ensures a seamless execution of your event.
Meeting + Board Rooms
Meeting + Board Rooms in the Newcastle CBD
We understand the significance of a conducive and inspiring environment for successful business gatherings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative meetings. Our meeting rooms are designed to elevate your professional engagements and ensure a seamless and productive experience.
Talk to an advisor now
You've come to the right place, we're here to work with you to make sure you succeed
Book a meeting Call (02) 4925 7700Our advisor locations:
Central Coast, Hunter and Mid Coast or we can come to where you are.
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