15 Oct Smith Street Cafe
“Connecting with Karen has proven a crucial part of this journey for me. From brainstorming the ins and outs of what I wanted my business to incorporate and achieve, to helping me consider the greater picture of balancing my values and family life with the responsibilities and requirements of my business, Karen’s services have been invaluable.” – Cas Burke, Smith Street Cafe.
assisted by Business Advisor Karen Dempster
Smith Street Cafe, originally known as Lola and Maeve, is a charming vintage-style cafe offering premium coffee and artisan eats in the Illawarra region. The business began as a mobile coffee and food vendor, with a vision to serve the local community. Owner Cas Bourke, who had no prior experience running a business, started her journey during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two years, she has worked closely with Enterprise Plus Business Advisor Karen Dempster to bring her ideas to life.
Karen provided support in developing the initial business concept, product offerings, and a comprehensive business plan, including cash flow projections, pricing strategies, and marketing. Through collaborative sessions, they explored opportunities to diversify the business model, and as a result, Lola and Maeve quickly expanded to serve weddings and events, creating additional revenue streams. Karen’s guidance also included helping Cas navigate the complexities of business management during the pandemic, building resilience and adaptability into the business strategy.
With the support and mentorship from Karen, the business has now evolved into Smith Street Cafe, operating from a permanent location within a busy reinvigorated part of Wollongong. This transition marks a significant milestone, offering stability and growth opportunities for the business. The new site allows Smith Street Cafe to host private events and music event in addition to its regular cafe operations from Wednesday to Sunday. The business has achieved positive cash flow and shows a promising future for further growth and diversification.
Outcomes:
- Assisted with the development and implementation of the new business concept, product offerings, business planning, and marketing strategies.
- Transitioned from a mobile vendor to a permanent location, increasing stability and growth potential.
- Expanded services to include private events and music nights, successfully balancing positive cash flow and future growth opportunities.
For more information on Smith Street Cafe.
Contact Karen to schedule your free business advice session.