UNEMPLOYED, aged 19 and with no career plans, Alexander Heights resident Dan Spasojevic took a chance and started his own business.
It was a steep learning curve for the now 22-year-old but he is reaping rewards after Halwest Property Services expanded to Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney earlier this year.
A property manager friend saw an opportunity for Mr Spasojevic to provide property cleaning services and despite not having business experience, he decided to give it a shot.
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READ NOW“I didn’t really know what to expect,” he said.
He discovered the Federal Government’s Australian Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS), where he received support and advice on how to start a business.
“It’s real simple once it’s explained to you,” he said.
“I’m still learning, we’ve only been operating three years and it’s been a continual improvement.
“There were not many overheads so it was basically just everything from my pocket.”
Mr Spasojevic employs more than 20 staff across the country and manages the national business from Perth.
“It was really about bringing the right people together,” he said.
“It’s a lot of work every day that’s led to the opportunities.
“I just don’t like to say no, if there’s an opportunity I’m always going to say yes…and figure it out as I go.”
He encouraged others considering starting their own business to try it as ASBAS was a great help, along with an online tool that helps small businesses find out what support is available to them.
“I’ve been there and done that so I know what it feels like but there is lots of help out there, especially from the Federal Government,” he said.
“Every day brings its own challenges so it’s about having the right people around you.”
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