How small business can change the world
As a small business die-hard, I want you to know that small business can change the world! I’ve seen some incredible small businesses do big things that have truly changed the world for the better. With passion, drive and a special kind of grit (that small business owners seem to possess) - they have embodied the change that they wanted to see in the world.
Leaders in the ‘change the world space’ all start with a single idea - what if we can do it better - then they go out there in the world and start doing it. In my 12 years of running my own business, I’ve worked with many small business owners who are all about bringing change to the world. I wanted to celebrate and amplify their stories sharing with you some of the ways these small businesses have brought about change in their worlds. Let’s go!
Mount Zero Olives
Sustainability at their core
The business that formed the basis of peach and possibly one of the most purpose-led leaders that I’ve worked with is Mount Zero Olives and Richard Seymour.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you might remember that the idea for my business started in an olive grove in the Grampians. That olive grove was founded by Richard's parents: Jane and Neil Seymour. Absolute pioneers of biodynamic farming and of the quality of food that Melbourne’s food scene is built on.
About ten years ago, Jane introduced me to Richard, who was running Mount Zero Olives. I’ve been on their board and working behind the scenes with MZ ever since.
Some of the things I love about this company:
their indigenous collaboration which harvests the most incredible pink lake salt
their commitment to showcasing Australian produce
their unrelenting passion for sustainability
their ethical approach to absolutely everything
their produce. It’s epic, and natural, healthy food
how they champion Melbourne’s good scene
the farm, and all of her beautiful olive trees
It’s been an incredible honour to work with this company for the last twelve years. One of the reasons I love working in small businesses is how many parts I get to work across. Richard and I have worked on business plans, websites, we’ve recruited together, I’ve written copy, and plotted and monitored their finances and business strategy for ten years and counting.
If you want to see how purpose-led business works? Look no further than Mount Zero Olives and know that I’ve played a small and important role behind the scenes. I’m so proud and privileged to be involved in Mount Zero Olives.
The Next Step Spinal Injury and Recovery
Advocating all the way
One of my most awesome and challenging moments from my twelve years as a business owner...and an awesome memory right here.
In late 2010, I had the great fortune of meeting these two incredible women. Sharon and Rhiannon. Mother and daughter, firecrackers, passionate advocates for people with spinal cord injuries.
These ladies had a dream to open a spinal cord injury recovery and wellness centre. I had the pleasure of working with them on the business plan, creating a not-for-profit, and then going on to raise $50K at a gala ball which became the foundation for the NFP to become real. It wasn’t easy. We worked our guts out. I devoted almost all of my time to making this dream a reality for six months. Mainly as a volunteer.
I learned so much from these two.
Rhiannon has a spinal cord injury and is a quadriplegic. Her sheer determination, the support of her mum and the right approach to recovery means that Rhiannon is able to do many things the doctors claimed she could never do. She lives an independent life with a significant amount of mobility won by her hard work, mindset and commitment to her well-being. The ladies wanted other injured Australians to have the opportunity to recover, in their own way.
The Next Steps Spinal Injury and Recovery has now been open for eight years. The wellness centre is a home for injured athletes from all walks of life. They train the whole person - mind, body and soul. They believe that anything is possible.
Words are important. Sometimes they can be the difference between independence and not having control over your body. Possible is a word that means a great deal to the sci community.
I am so proud to know these women. And so proud to have been a small part of the creation of this incredible wellness centre. Rhiannon is a life coach, model, speaker and more. You can follow her adventures on Instagram.
These humans are truly being the change.
Job Site Recyclers
Reducing waste for a better planet
This one is the manifestation of everything I dreamed about when I started Peach. I had the pleasure of meeting this man, Daniel Reaper of Job Site Recyclers in mid-2012. We had a few coffees and got to know each other.
I remember Dan saying to me “I don't know what you’re going to do, but I’m ready for you to do it for us”. To which I replied, “That’s ok Dan, I know exactly what I’m going to do for you, and I can’t wait”. We’ve worked closely together for the last ten years. I’m their CFO, occasional recruiter, marketer, copywriter, grant writer, board member and more. These are some of the things I’ve done for this incredible company:
Create multiple business plans and a financial forecast and monthly reporting system spanning ten years
Formed a shareholder's board, which I love attending
Lots of copy (I bet you didn’t know I write copy sometimes 😜)
Applied for and succeeded in winning a very large Victorian grant that created over 20 new jobs
Launched three websites
Facilitated the creation of a cutting-edge, custom-built software platform that has transformed their business.
This ten-year relationship has been so fulfilling for me. The business now employs 120 humans and is the most diverse workforce I’ve ever seen. There are people from almost every corner of the world employed there. The family-owned business services the construction industry and is changing the nature of the industry itself. Sustainability is at the heart of this business model.
They keep building sites clean (think bobcats, not brooms) and then they do something remarkable. They recycle 95% of the waste they take away. We celebrated a milestone recently that I can barely get my head around. They clocked over 2 MILLION cubic metres recycled. Picturing that amount of waste being saved from landfill makes my fingers tingle.
Dan, I am so glad you gave me permission to “do whatever it is you’re going to do” eight years ago. Thank you for showing me and us how good business can be done!
Project Rockit
Making an incredible social impact
This amazing world changer, gives me all the feels and makes me outrageously proud. The two incredible women in the first photo are Lucy and Rosie Thomas. Sisters. Besties. Big-hearted, talented, kind, giving and creative. The Co-Founders are recipients of an Order of Australia Medal, recognising their service to youth, and contribution to tackling bullying through their work leading Project Rockit, and some of the most humble people you'd meet.
We met through mutual friends and bonded over our mutual love of taking in the sights and sounds of our local bar. When I heard about Project Rockit I was watched and cheered from the sidelines. Occasionally contributing to their business over coffees and phone calls where we spitballed ideas and talked through the opportunities that were coming their way.
It wasn't too long after that, in 2013 in fact, that Project Rockit became a beloved client of Peach and we have worked together ever since.
As if working with Australia's youth-driven movement against bullying and hate at Project Rockit wasn't enough to keep my cup full? Working with these two humans has been an experience that has hit all of my feels. I adore these ladies. I adore their business and every one of their staff. I love their ideas and how they have grown so much with their business. You have taught me so much about inclusivity, equality and respect.
Rosie and Lucy, I am forever grateful for your friendship. Being one of your mentors is an incredible honour. If you want to see what purpose-led, social impact business is? It's right here, with Project Rockit and the Thomas sisters. PROJECT ROCKIT
I know your small business is set to change the world too! I’ll be holding a Masterclass with some actionable steps to make your business more purpose-led. Join my Masterclass: How small business can change the world, this coming Tuesday 28th February 2023 at 10am. I hope you can join us and become inspired to make your own change in the world.
If you want to know more about how we can work together you can find out more on my work with me page. I’m a business mentor who runs on pure heart, and I’ll bring the energy to make your dreams come true, check out my Signature One-on-One Program to see if it aligns with you too.
My first love is working with purpose-led business owners who are changing the world bit by bit. I always love to hear from like-minded thinkers, so drop me a message, you’re always welcome around these parts!
Fi x