SESSION ONE: From Idea to Mainstreet: The Real Journey of Starting a Business
Starting a business in a regional town takes courage, resilience, and a willingness to learn quickly.
Behind every shopfront is a story of ideas, risks, unexpected challenges, and the support of a local community.
In this interactive session, small business mentor Shelley Cox (Your Business Compass) will facilitate a guided conversation with three Riverland business owners about the realities of launching and growing a business on a regional mainstreet.
Our business panel discussion with Waikerie businesses
Tanya Starling – Louey & Me Fashion Boutique, a locally loved retail destination bringing style and personality to Waikerie’s mainstreet
Jo-anne Cain – Soul Essence, supporting wellbeing in the community through holistic health and wellness services
Jade Leske – Waikerie Garden & Landscape Supplies, a family-run business helping locals create and maintain beautiful outdoor spaces
Together they will explore:
• how their business ideas began
• the realities of opening their doors in a regional town
• lessons from the first 12 months of business
• what has worked to attract and retain local customers
This honest and practical discussion will offer inspiration and real insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, regional business owners, and those passionate about supporting thriving mainstreets and regional economies.
EVERY DELEGATE RECEIVES A START UP GUIDE
SESSION TWO: YOUR BUSINESS COMPASS
Shelley Cox is the founder of Your Business Compass and a passionate advocate for thriving regional main streets. With experience building a co-working space, retail collective, and mentoring hundreds of small business owners, Shelley brings practical, grounded insight into what actually makes regional businesses sustainable.
In this hands-on session, Shelley will explore five free, practical actions to grow your brand locally, with time built in to work out your own immediate action plan, and the structural foundations needed to ensure that growth doesn’t lead to burnout.
This workshop is designed for small business owners, economic development professionals, and community leaders who want stronger, more resilient main streets.
