Small business: Work-life balance is possible, says Geraldton mum

A Geraldton woman who participated in a program that helps Australians start their own business says it helped her family achieve the lifestyle they were looking for. Cindy Neal said the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme helped her and partner Chadd move away from stay-at-home parenting duties and casual work to running an earthworks business they’re rapidly expanding. Now, they can pick their children up and take them to after-school activities and focus on family, she said. That wasn’t always the case. “Chadd would do a 12 o’clock shift on a bread run and then get a call saying ‘Can you do concrete tomorrow’,” she said. Cindy said mentoring offered through NEIS, as well as income support they received while on the program, were key. “If it wasn’t for NEIS I don’t think we would be in the position we are today,” she said. “Our goals would still be the same, but it would be a marathon instead of a sprint.” Cindy said they were required to develop business plans as part of the program — she focused on childcare, but then shifted to the earthworks business. There were challenges with running a business, she said. “We have to manage our super, we don’t get that opportunity to just put our leave in and expect we’re going to get paid for that period.” Managing finances and deciding whether to develop the business further were also important, she said. “We have invested so much money back into our business. We’re not taking holidays — we have decided to go out and buy a tip truck.” After starting out with basic residential gardening gear, they now have earthmoving equipment and are focusing on things like retaining walls. “For every bid of effort we put into this business, we’re getting paid for it in return,” Cindy said. “For us to come this far in a year and three months, I think that’s quite impressive and it just all comes down to NEIS, it’s been our rock.” Individuals not in employment, education or training who are interested in running their own business may be eligible for New Business Assistance with NEIS. People who are interested can check the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website or contact Pollinators, located at 134 Marine Terrace.