Harvesting business success
Palliative care nurse Marian Flynn wanted a total change in life.
So she opened a juice bar.
It was the beginning of a roller-coaster ride in the often testing world of business.
Marian started with a shop called The Harvest Press at Coolalinga on the outskirts of Darwin.
She prospered in the first year but by the end of the second was in significant debt.
“I knew absolutely nothing about business,” she says. “I nearly lost everything.”
Marian then moved to 39 square metre takeaway premises in Darwin city centre - but had dreams of growing.
After 2 years she relocated and now operates a full-serviced café on the corner of Knuckey Street and Austin Lane.
She then accessed Territory Government grants through the Pivot and Business Growth programs.
Crucially, she was also given one-on-one help from small business champion Robyn Secrett.
The Northern Territory Government’s small business champions have helped hundreds of businesses at all stages of development throughout the Territory.
“Robyn is fabulous,” says Marian. “I can’t praise her enough. She told me what grants and programs were available and how they could be used to develop the business.
“I would encourage all other businesses to use a small business champion.”
The Harvest Press now caters for a growing band of loyal customers and has a thriving outside catering arm.
Government grants have helped The Harvest Press establish a new website with online ordering and the installation of a servery window.
“The busy office worker will soon be able to order online and pick up their orders through our servery window.”
Marian was born in Ireland and emigrated to Australia nearly 11 years ago. She has lived in the Territory for 8 years.
You can get in touch with our small business champions by calling 1800 193 111 or email businessinfo@nt.gov.au.
