The Australian Centre for Business Growth: Helping Small Businesses Thrive in Tough Times
Small businesses are the backbone of the Australian economy, representing more than 90% of all businesses. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit them hard, leaving many struggling to survive. Many businesses have been forced to close their doors, while others are barely keeping their heads above water.
In these challenging times, the Australian Centre for Business Growth (ACBG) is playing a key role in helping small businesses not just survive, but thrive. The ACBG is a not-for-profit organization that provides practical assistance to businesses looking to grow their operations and increase their profits.
What is the Australian Centre for Business Growth?
The ACBG was established in 2014 as a joint venture between the South Australian Government and the University of South Australia Business School. Since then, it has expanded to work with businesses across Australia, providing a range of services designed to help them overcome the challenges they face.
The ACBG’s mission is to help small businesses realize their potential by providing them with the tools, resources, and expertise they need to succeed. It does this through a range of programs and initiatives, including coaching and mentoring, educational workshops, and access to a network of business experts.
How does the ACBG help small businesses flourish in tough economic times?
The ACBG recognizes that small businesses face unique challenges, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. To help businesses navigate these challenges, it provides a range of services tailored to their specific needs.
One of the ACBG’s most important services is its coaching and mentoring program. The program matches businesses with experienced coaches who provide one-on-one support and guidance. These coaches are experts in their field and have years of experience helping businesses grow and thrive.
In addition to coaching and mentoring, the ACBG also provides educational workshops on a range of topics, including marketing, finance, and leadership. These workshops are designed to help businesses develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.
The ACBG also hosts a range of events and networking opportunities, giving businesses the chance to meet and connect with other business owners and experts. Through these events, businesses can build valuable relationships and access new opportunities for growth and expansion.
Real – life success stories
The ACBG’s programs and services have helped many businesses grow and succeed, even in tough economic times. Here are just a few examples of businesses that have benefited from the ACBG’s support:
Success story 1: Austek Asphalt
Austek Asphalt is a family-owned and operated business based in South Australia. The company provides a range of asphalt services, from driveways and carparks to major infrastructure projects.
When Austek Asphalt turned to the ACBG for help, it was struggling to win new business in a competitive market. The ACBG provided the company with coaching and mentoring, as well as access to workshops and networking events.
Through the ACBG’s support, Austek Asphalt was able to develop a new marketing strategy that focused on its unique strengths and capabilities. The company also received guidance on tendering, which helped it to win new business and increase its revenue by more than 50%.
Success story 2: St Agnes Bakery
St Agnes Bakery is a small, family-owned bakery located in Adelaide. The bakery has been operating for more than 30 years, but in recent years, it had been struggling to keep up with changing customer preferences and the rise of online ordering.
The ACBG worked with St Agnes Bakery to develop a new website that enabled customers to order and pay online. The bakery also received coaching and mentoring on how to market itself more effectively, which helped it to attract new customers and increase its sales.
Thanks to the ACBG’s support, St Agnes Bakery was able to modernize its operations and stay competitive in a tough market. Today, the bakery is thriving, with a loyal customer base and a strong online presence.
Conclusion
The Australian Centre for Business Growth is playing a crucial role in helping small businesses flourish in a challenging economic environment. Through its coaching and mentoring, educational workshops, and networking events, the ACBG is empowering businesses to overcome the challenges they face and realize their full potential. By providing practical assistance and expertise, the ACBG is helping to ensure that small businesses remain the backbone of the Australian economy, today and in the future.