Helping small businesses succeed
Territory Government Small Business Champion Ross Nowland has a burning desire to help small businesses in Central Australia succeed.
“I’m particularly passionate about helping businesses in remote and regional parts of the NT,” he says. “I love what I do.”
Ross and four other Alice Springs-based Small Business Champions – Susan Chambers, Bridget Dooley, Sam Hill and Lincoln Van Der Zwaag – cover a vast stretch of land south of Tennant Creek to the South Australia border, which means their “patch” is larger than many countries.
They steer businesses, towards the extensive suite of Territory Government programs and support available through other agencies and organisations.
Ross is enormously proud that more than 90 percent of the businesses helped by Small Business Champions under the Aboriginal Development Program survive longer than three years – the average deadline for small business failure in Australia.
Free help is on hand for businesses in every sector.
“There are lots of amazing and inspiring businesses throughout the region,” Ross says.
“We’re there if needed from the start right through to success. We’re very outward looking and we work hard to maintain our profile by attending all sorts of business events and make ourselves easily available to businesses either on a one-to-one basis or through networking events.”
Small Business Champions have notched up many successes over the years, but Ross is particularly pleased with plans to resurrect a tourism venture in Central Australia this year.
“The place has been closed for three years, but the new owners are investing in it and diversifying what they offer.
“The project will contribute greatly to the Territory economy.”
Ross is a proud Territorian – he was born in the tiny Arnhem Land community of Milingimbi, where his father was the community superintendent, and most of his extended family still live in Darwin.
He has worked for the NT public service for 30 years, including many years as a Parks and Wildlife ranger.
Get in touch with our Small Business Champions by calling 1800 193 111 or email businessinfo@nt.gov.au
