Business Station general manager Mark South and chief executive Kim Charles chatting to Denise Cahill
Camera IconBusiness Station general manager Mark South and chief executive Kim Charles chatting to Denise Cahill Credit: Supplied/Supplied

SHOP LOCAL: Business Station receives $5.68m over three years

Denise S. CahillWestern Suburbs Weekly

Business Station chief executive Kim Charles and general manager Mark South have just received a Federal Government grant to deliver digital business training for small businesses in three states.

1. What is the role of Business Station?

We’re a not-for-profit organisation that’s been going for 10 years. We have business incubators in Gosnells and Joondalup and offices in Fremantle and Subiaco that we rent out. We provide business advisory and office space that is affordable as well as workshops to teach digital solutions. We work closely with the Small Business Development Corporation to deliver business workshops across Perth.

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2. How will the Federal Government contract, the Business Station recently received, benefit small business?

We got $5.68 million over three years to service WA, NT and Queensland. It’s specifically to build digital capacity for small business. There are four focus areas: website development and selling online, digital marketing through social media, use of small business software packages and data privacy and security.

3. Why is it important for us as consumers to support local business?

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy. They’re the ones that support your community groups, football clubs, netball associations and they are the ones who will employ our children. The bulk of employment is generated by small business, not big business. With our support they make more profit, employ more local people and deliver more services back to the community.

4. What is your advice to small business owners to get through tough times?

Don’t be afraid to learn, especially in the digital space and stay focused on your goals and dreams… keep the passion. Don’t be afraid to change what you’re doing, always be open to look at new ways to do things.

5. What is your local coffee shop?

We’re on the road a lot but love High on 55 on High Street, Fremantle, McDonald’s in Success, Muzz Buzz in Jandakot, Dome in Gosnells and the Coffee Club at 140 William.