Business Advisors

Court Sayer-Roberts

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Accommodation & Food Services, Manufacturing, Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Retail Trade, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Arts and Recreation Services, Financial and Insurance Services, Transport, Postal and Warehousing.

Business Issue Specialties – Business planning, Budgeting, Start up, Business Disruption, Bookkeeping, Banking and finance, Strategic Planning, Pricing & Costing, Taxation Issues, Crisis Management.

Court is a qualified small business financial counsellor who has over 20 years management experience including 9 years at senior management level within the food manufacturing industry within New Zealand and Australia overseeing the production and launch of major food brands and products.

Court has experienced firsthand the challenges that rural businesses face, having been through drought periods himself with both SunRice and his own businesses in Leeton, which includes small business consulting, and owner/operator of a café and catering business.  Court also codeveloped a federally funded small business support program for small businesses experiencing financial hardship.

Court works closely with small businesses in building and coaching high-performing teams and individuals to meet their goals, as well as help develop business relationships with their key stakeholders through changing environments. This means helping simplify business processes and understanding finances to make informed decisions.

Court provides small business advice in the local government areas of Leeton, Griffith, Narrandera, Hay, Edward River, Murray River. He can also assist with navigating the extensive range of government assistance packages presently available.

Qualifications

Diploma of Financial Counselling

Diploma of Hospitality Management

Small business experience

Business Connect 2022- present

Regional Small Business Support Program – 2020-2022

Lisa LaMaitre

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Healthcare and Social Assistance, Retail Trade, Education and Training.

Business Issue Specialties – Market research, Start Up, Strategic Planning.

Lisa has 30 years of business expertise from developing, building, and operating four businesses across the sectors of IT, healthcare, retail/rental, and events. Additionally, she has 35+ years of retail experience, 30+ years of staff management and training, and has operated a business as a franchisee. Lisa has competed in and won business innovation ‘hackathon’ competitions.

Lisa founded a multi-award winning complementary health practice in Canberra in 1997. She is a qualified Remedial Massage Practitioner and Sports Trainer. Lisa has been Massage teaching staff at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), has been part of CIT’s Massage Industry Panel, and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) updating the nationally accredited Massage training package.

Lisa prides herself on being a clear and inclusive communicator. Lisa is a consummate networker, collaborator, and community builder. She is an experienced business mentor, teacher, and lecturer who meets clients ‘where they’re at.’

Lisa has taught business, innovation, and entrepreneurship locally, nationally, and internationally. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Psychology, Neuroscience and Biology), an Advanced Diploma Applied Science (Remedial Massage), and Certificates in Training and Assessment, Retail Management, and Retail Operations.

Qualifications

B.Sc. Adv.Dip.App.Sc. (Rem.Mass)

Cert. IV TAE

Cert. IV Retail Management

Cert. III Retail Operations

Small business experience

Technology Masters 1993-present

Therapy Masters 1997-present

LaMaitre Enterprises 2006-2010

Canberra Wise Women 2015-present

Colin Taggart

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Accommodation & Food Services, Information Media, Telecommunications.

Colin is an online media specialist and a marketing and communications professional who has started, managed and successfully sold advertising agencies and technology companies in Europe.
He has extensive public relations experience liaising with local and national media on behalf of clients.

Colin has proven expertise in launching new businesses and developing branding, marketing plans, websites, social media, and e-commerce strategies. For many years he was the publisher of the Wagga Wagga City Council Official Visitors Guide and worked with Riverina Regional Tourism, publishing The Riverina Holiday Guide. He has also delivered services to businesses as a digital advisor for the ASBAS Digital Solutions program.

Colin has a profound understanding of the hospitality and tourism sector. He has strong links within the Wagga business community as a former board member of the Wagga Business Chamber, the Business Enterprise Centre, and the Riverine Club. He has extensive public relations experience liaising with local and national media on behalf of clients. He publishes magazines and websites for RAAF Base Wagga and Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka, to welcome families and personnel to Wagga.

Peita Charman

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Sales & Marketing. Wholesale & Retail Distribution. Financials, MYOB & Xero. Information Technology. Process Improvement & Operations.

Peita is a Sales and Marketing specialist with over 25 years of experience in Australia and SE Asia.
She has assisted and motivated hundreds of small businesses and large organisations to grow, adapt and innovate in sales, communications, marketing, operational efficiency, and process improvement.

With a keen ability to deeply understand each unique business or organisation, and its’ challenges, she has provided advice and support across industries in banking and finance, retail and wholesale, government, and not-for-profit organisations.

Her background spans working for large consulting firms, global technology companies and customer relationship management providers.
She has extensive knowledge of Information Technology, Consulting, Strategy, Operations and Business Strategy.
Peita has a focus on people and building long-term relationships and is a subject matter expert who actively helps to lead, plan, conduct workshops, provide coaching and advice on specific areas of need or align different capabilities across small and large organisations.

With relevant and real-world experience, Peita is also a General Manager across multiple business functions in her own successful national business she started 15 years ago.
With a collaborative and engaging communication style, she enjoys helping people and businesses to succeed and is valued by her clients as a trusted advisor.

Karen Dempster

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Tourism Product development and Training. Tourism Marketing and distribution assistance. Marketing and sale strategies – general. Communication strategy – general. Business development and diversification.

Karen is a highly skilled tourism and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience. She has worked in the public and private sectors across accommodation, transport, tour operators and attractions, including many years of private business ownership.

Equipping her with the knowledge and experience to provide one-on-one advice and assistance to businesses in the tourism sector. Karen is a strategic thinker that targets all facets of managing a business to grow destination, brand awareness, revenue and customer engagement. With many years of business management experience and delivery of training programs relating to this sector, Karen is an asset to any business requiring advice and assistance in the tourism field.

Fiona Latham-Cannon

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Retail Trade. Tourism. Information Media and Telecommunication. Accommodation and Food Services. Administration and Support Services. Arts and Recreation Services. Other Services. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services. Transport, Postal and Warehousing. Wholesale Trade.

Business Issue Specialties – Social Media. Marketing. Digital Presence. Sales. Info Technology. Technology. Wellbeing / Mental Health. Seeking Grants. Business Planning. Start Up

Fiona Latham-Cannon holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) with more than 40 years of business experience spanning 5 different industries. Over 30 years, she has operated a 3rd generation family retail business operating multiple outlets in major shopping centres.

Fiona is also well-positioned to advise Restaurateurs, having been one herself for around 5 years. She has driven 2 business-to-business operations in the wholesale industry and holds office-bearing positions on two Not-For-Profit Organisations’ Committees. Her most recent business activity centres around her multiple-award-winning marketing agency.

Fiona specialises in making businesses look great and perform well online while ensuring business owners have the tools they need to become consistent digital advocates for their businesses. She creates and ensures business branding and marketing strategies can be seamlessly implemented and that digital communication between business and customers/clients is simplified, on point and brand.

Fiona offers knowledge and training with a toolbox full of helpful business resources, making daily digital marketing implementation easy. She possesses expert knowledge of Social Media Creation using channels such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. She teaches simple through to advanced Graphic Design techniques maximising business advertising effectiveness using Canva. She helps create effective Online Advertising strategies using Facebook and Instagram to reach the preferred audiences. Fiona has useful iPhone Photography experience with teachable editing skills.

Small business experience

NSW Business Connect 2023 – Current

Digital Business Solutions, Australian Small Business Advisory Service 2021-2023

Executive Committee Member – Several Not-for-Profit Organisations 2018-Current

Tall Red Poppy Marketing – Founder 2014 – Current

Marketing Coordinator and Sales Support (Wholesale & Professional Services) 2012-2013

Managing Director (Retail) 1999-2012

Restauranteur (Hospitality) 1992-1997

Marketing and Operations Manager (Retail & Wholesale)1989-1998

Edwin Smith

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Social Media Marketing. Social Media Best Practice. Content Creation. Instagram Reels. Tiktok.

Edwin’s spent the last 10 years working in social media, where he ran the Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok accounts for some of the biggest shows on TV, including Survivor, The Voice, I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, Love Island, 10 Sport and many more. During that time, Edwin also worked directly with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Off the back of this, Edwin has an intricate knowledge of what makes each platform tick.

These days, Edwin specialises in organic social media for businesses, having worked with over 300 people in the last 3 years under his small business The Social Sandwich.

Edwin’s claim to fame is that B-grade Aussie celebrities sometimes like his Instagram photos. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, has a huge collection of fun shirts and will try to make you laugh at least 2 (two) times when you speak with him.

Gabrielle Browne

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry experience – Health care and social assistance, professional, scientific and technical services, information media and telecommunication, accommodation and food services, administration and support services, retail trade, education and training, mining, arts and recreation services.

Specialties – Sales, marketing, start-up, business planning, business disruption, commercialisation and innovation, market research, strategic planning, digital presence, budgeting, social media, technology, pricing and costing.

Gabrielle Browne is an experienced business leader with over 15 years’ experience in the entrepreneurial landscape, having co-founded a successful Animal MedTech startup.

Gabrielle has also established a small business consultancy, leveraging her expertise to guide and mentor entrepreneurs through the intricacies of business development, fostering sustainable growth and success.

Gabrielle has a passion for innovation and strategic thinking, with extensive involvement in leading research and development initiatives, focusing on steering concepts towards Minimal Viable Products (MVPs), including crafting marketing strategies and positioning brands for success.

She was a finalist for the IWIB Businesswoman of the Year 2018 and was nominated for the IWIB Best New Business Award in 2023.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Gabrielle supports mentoring programs such as Rare Birds and Mentor Walks, where she provides guidance and support to aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals.

Additionally, she has developed and delivered numerous workshops on business planning, financial management, and marketing strategies, empowering small business owners to achieve sustainable growth.

Gabrielle is committed to helping small businesses navigate challenges and achieve their goals, whether they’re a startup business or an established business seeking to grow and or adapt their business.

Small business experience

Andrew Wales

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services; Retail Trade.

Business Issue Specialties – Start up; Marketing; Sales.

Andrew has been the founder of several successful businesses since 2001, including Planet Footprint (International environmental reporting firm), Australia’s Oyster Coast (leading Australian oyster brand) and Outcomes Corp (economic development firm delivering labour market programs on behalf of the Australian government).

Andrew has significant experience across all areas of business including planning, marketing, sales, financial management and internal management systems development. His expertise is in the startup and early growth phase of business – taking an idea and progressing it through to the formation and operation of a successful, profitable enterprise.

Andrew has worked across Australia, as well as in the United States and Asia. Aside from his work with Business Connect and Outcomes Corp, Andrew’s current focus is on development of a broad-reaching initiative that will deliver operational supports to grass roots sporting clubs and leagues to improve their viability and social impact.

Qualifications

BSc (Hons)

Small business experience 

2001-2006: Managing Director – Omega Environmental Pty Limited

2006 – 2012: Managing Director – Planet Footprint Pty Limited (Australia)

2009 – 2012: Director – Planet Footprint LLC (USA)

2012 – 2019: Director – Andrew Wales & Associates

2019 – Present: Managing Director – Outcomes Corp Pty Limited

2022 – Present: Managing Director – Hiring Innovations Pty Limited

Naomi Ingleton

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Specialties – Accommodation and Food Services, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, Wholesale Trade

Business Issue Specialties – Access to finance/Grants, Budgeting, Business Planning, Business Disruption, Commercialisation and Innovation, Export/Import, Market Research, Marketing, Pricing and Costing, Sales, Start-Up, Strategic Planning, Time Management.

With a rich and diverse professional background, Naomi Ingleton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her role as a business mentor. Naomi is a seasoned leader with a deep passion for regional tourism and small business development. Her multifaceted expertise spans across business development, Tourism, Hospitality, Food Manufacturing, Wine, Agriculture, and Complementary Medicine.

Naomi’s journey is marked by significant achievements in project management, corporate communications, and creative team leadership. She has a proven track record in product development, branding, event coordination, and social media engagement, consistently driving success and innovation in each endeavour.

A dynamic public speaker and mentor, Naomi has excelled in roles that involve mentoring, consulting, and team inspiration. Her leadership skills have been pivotal in guiding teams towards achieving targets across various business areas. Naomi’s experience in national distribution, export management, direct marketing, and tourism management further enriches her mentoring capabilities.

As a successful entrepreneur, Naomi has founded and led businesses to new heights, securing significant investment and grant funding along the way. Her advocacy for regional tourism and small regional businesses showcases her commitment to fostering growth and development within local communities and guiding entrepreneurs to navigate their own business challenges.

Naomi Ingleton is more than just a mentor; she is a visionary leader and an inspiring guide, ready to help businesses and individuals achieve their fullest potential.

Qualifications

Bachelor Health Science (Western Herbal Medicine)

Training & Assessing Certificate 4

Certificate 4 Horticulture

Trade Certificate Commercial Cookery

Small business experience

Ingleton Consulting PTY LTD 2019 – current

King Valley Dairy – Myrtleford Butter Factory 2007 – 2017

Dig’n’food 2002 – 2019

Heidi Haywood

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Experience – Administration and support services, Education and training, Health care and social assistance, Accommodation and food services, Education and training, Professional, scientific and technical services.

Business Issue Specialties – Sales, Marketing, Start-up, Business planning, Strategic planning, Time management, HR, staffing, & retention, WHS, Pricing and costing.

Heidi possesses 25 years of experience in business development across diverse sectors both locally and internationally, including finance, insurance, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, higher education, events, hospitality, and innovation.

Her primary focus is on facilitating leadership growth, optimising team dynamics and retention, fostering improved communication, and enhancing customer experience.

In her early 20s, Heidi achieved millionaire status through her first overseas business and gained recognition for outstanding customer service in the education and training industry. She has successfully founded and developed two additional businesses within the education, training, and L&D sectors.

With a track record of working with individuals from over 100 different nationalities in coaching, leadership, and training contexts, Heidi is committed to championing diversity in the workplace. She has also delivered teachings on business, entrepreneurship, leadership, team dynamics, and public speaking on both national and international platforms.

Heidi’s qualifications in HR, Management, Marketing, Sales, Australian Migration Law, Trauma-Informed Practices, Psychometric Profiling Tools, Coaching, Team Dynamics, and Workplace Training & Assessment attest to her comprehensive expertise and readiness to make substantial contributions in her field.

Qualifications

Kirsty Harrison

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Experience – Administration and support services, Mining, Public administration and safety, Transport, postal and warehousing.

Business Issue Specialties –Start-up, Business planning, Strategic planning, HR, staffing, and retention, WHS.

With over 30 years of experience in government and private sectors, Kirsty is a proud Gomeroi / Adnyamathanha woman rooted in diverse industries including construction, mining, professional services, and defence.

Throughout her career, Kirsty has developed strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills through managing her own small businesses. Kirsty’s expertise spans supply chain and contract acquisition, successfully planning and executing projects from inception to completion, delivering significant organisational benefits. Kirsty has a proven track record in program and project management, change and transformation, and risk management in both domestic and international environments.

Passionate about supporting small to medium businesses, especially within Indigenous communities, Kirsty actively engages in Indigenous business networks. She specialises in startup support, emphasising governance and assurance tailored to business size and complexity.

Formally qualified in risk management, WHS management, change management, and business management, Kirsty is committed to continuous learning and dedicated to advancing business through training and development for sustainable growth and success.

Kirsty identifies as Aboriginal, First Nations, and Indigenous. If you are seeking support from Kirsty and are outside Kirsty’s area, please be aware that support will be conducted remotely.

Qualifications

Diploma of Procurement

Cert IV Business Administration

Cert IV Procurement

Murra Indigenous Business Management Program

Company Directors Course AICD

Yarpa Grow Program

Small business experience

The Contract Option (2018 – present)

Nisette Gorton

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Experience – Administration and support services, Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance.

Business Issue Specialties – Sales, Start-up, Business planning, Market research, HR, staffing, and retention, WHS, Bookkeeping.

Nisette has over 20 years of experience across a range of industries, including animal health/veterinary, agriculture and food production, technology, not for profit, and international business.

Nisette has a passion for helping small businesses define or redefine their “why”, and design their operations to maximise time and profitability. Nisette brings an entrepreneurial spirit and strategic acumen to a range of businesses and problems. With experience in start-ups and scale-ups, specialising in driving growth and operational excellence across diverse sectors, she brings a robust background in sales, market research, and operational systems.

Nisette excels in translating market insights into actionable strategies that fuel business expansion and enhance performance. Having navigated the complexities of small business management and HR/staffing, Nisette is adept at building high-performing teams and optimising organisational structures. Her expertise in bookkeeping ensures meticulous financial oversight and compliance, contributing to the sustainability and profitability of ventures. An advocate for Ag-Tech adoption and implementation, Nisette has successfully led initiatives that integrate cutting-edge technologies into agricultural practices, promoting innovation and efficiency.

Her commitment to circularity, and income diversification, underscores a focus on sustainable practices and resource optimisation, aligning with the evolving demands of modern agriculture and small businesses in general.

Qualifications

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Small business experience

Piroutette Advising (2022 – present)

Dylan Mottlee

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Experience – Accommodation and food services, Information media and telecommunication, Retail trade, Administration and support services, Arts and recreation services, Education and training, Financial and insurance services, Professional, scientific and technical services, Wholesale trade.

Business Issue Specialties – Sales, Start-up, Business planning, Commercialisation and innovation, Strategic planning, Time management, Digital presence, Information technology, Competition, Pricing and costing, Intellectual property, Social media.

Dylan Mottlee, a proud Darug man, has extensive experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial sectors. He is dedicated to promoting business growth and innovation across various industries. His journey includes strategic marketing roles at companies like Google Australia, as well as entrepreneurial ventures that challenge market conventions.

Dylan excels in leadership and strategic development, with a track record of founding and successfully selling businesses, including an innovative car review platform. His expertise in marketing and strategy disrupts industries primarily dominated by larger monopolies, showcasing his ability to innovate and engage effectively with the market.

Dylan is committed to supporting businesses of all sizes. His expertise includes digital marketing, SEO, PPC, and Google Ads. He is passionate about empowering First Nations businesses and ensures a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all clients, providing tailored solutions that honour cultural integrity.

In addition, Dylan actively mentors and coaches business owners, helping them navigate complex markets with strategic insights. With a focus on sustainable growth, he helps clients achieve long-term success and thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

Dylan identifies as Aboriginal, First Nations, and Indigenous. If you are seeking support from Dylan and are outside Dylan’s area, please be aware that support will be conducted remotely.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Business and Commerce – Western Sydney University

Small business experience

CarExplore (2024 – Present)

Skipbin Dotcom (2020 – 2023)

Dorothy Christopoulos

  REQUEST TO BOOK

Industry Experience – Financial and insurance services, Education and training, Retail trade, Accommodation and food services, Administration and support services, Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Arts and recreation services, Construction, Electricity, gas, water and waste services, Health care and social assistance, Manufacturing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Wholesale trade, Transport, postal and warehousing.

Business Issue Specialties – Sales, Marketing, Start-up, Legal/leases/disputes, Business planning, Business disruption, Commercialisation and innovation, Market research, Strategic planning, Time management, Budgeting, Competition, Succession planning, Banking and finance, Crisis management, Insurance, Intellectual property, Bookkeeping, Pricing and costing.

Dorothy is a highly skilled small business advisor with over 25 years of experience supporting small businesses across Australia and New Zealand. She has worked with leading accounting firms, including PwC, and operated her own consultancy.

Throughout her career, Dorothy has collaborated with businesses across diverse sectors, including retail, wholesale, manufacturing, and health and beauty. Specialising in strategic thinking and creative problem-solving, Dorothy focuses on identifying the root causes of business challenges and providing practical, results-driven solutions. She emphasises implementation, guiding teams through change by documenting policies and procedures, offering tailored training, and highlighting actionable steps to ensure lasting improvements.

Her approachable and authentic communication style enables her to build strong relationships quickly, making her an effective mentor and advisor. With over 1,000 LinkedIn connections, including accountants and small businesses owners, Dorothy can connect businesses with valuable resources and opportunities.

Dorothy holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Marketing. She is also an experienced presenter, having delivered numerous training sessions on cash flow, communication, sales, and marketing. Growing up in her family’s business has given her unique insight into the challenges small business owners face, fuelling her passion for helping them succeed.

Qualifications

Master of Marketing

Bachelor of Economics

Small business experience

Empowering Accountants (2021 – present)

Christopoulos Consulting (2018 – 2024)