Economic Gardening in the Illawarra is a local initiative to help grow the economy from within. Its primary aim is to invest resources in Illawarra businesses that have the potential for faster growth.
Experience has shown that businesses that have the best chance of achieving growth are those that are managed by inspirational and entrepreneurial leaders who are keen to adopt 'best practice'. Business owners who are 'hungry' to grow and have a passion to expand sales and jobs are highly eligible candidates for the Economic Gardening Program.
RDA Illawarra was instrumental in securing funding from Industry & Investment NSW for the 2010 Economic Gardening program and is delighted to have the opportunity to work with Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour City Council, Kiama Municipal Council and Industry & Investment NSW on rolling out the Economic Gardening program across all three local government areas this year.
The Economic Gardening initiative is a high growth business program for local entrepreneurs who are looking to drive their businesses to achieve increased profits and sustainable growth. Business coaching, interactive targeted workshops, business diagnostics and financial benchmarking all form part of this valuable program.
Economic Gardening aims to identify business people with a strong desire and aptitude to grow their businesses and provides these budding entrepreneurs with a package of professional business assistance that would normally be too costly for most small
businesses.
The program helps business operators to:
► Develop strategic business plans;
► Manage finances for growth;
► Implement effective customer management systems;
► Use the internet to fast track business growth;
► Use search engine optimisation and online advertising;
► Understand their worth in the market;
► Identify niche markets for their business;
► Look at creativity and innovation in their business; and
► Use targeted marketing strategies to grow their business.
A typical program runs for around six months and involves a number of business development workshops focussed on strategies to achieve growth. These are mainly held after hours and include opportunities for networking and exploring business-to-business opportunities. The program also includes one-on-one coaching at your premises, provided by a business specialist.
Key areas covered by the program include:
► Integrated management principles through business simulation exercises;
► Diagnostic approach to identifying priorities and gap analysis;
► Strategy formulation and planning;
► Advanced marketing techniques; and
► Web based marketing tools and social media.
There have been some outstanding success stories among participants since the Economic Gardening program commenced in 2006 - including expansion of both markets and employee numbers. Indeed, most participants have found that their enterprise has benefited long after the completion of the program.
Ideally, we are looking to help fast track smaller businesses that have sound business models, are no longer start ups and are yet to mature to the second stage of their development. These businesses can have upwards of five to 10 employees, but often have only one or two staff.
More information for and contact details can be found at the Economic Gardening website.
