Meet Rachel Swan, the owner of five small businesses: Dales Professional Tree Service, Lake Macquarie Tree Specialist, Rach All Trade, Deceased Estate Consultants, and Mind Out of the Gutter, based in the Lake Macquarie and Greater Newcastle region.

Rachel started these businesses after seeing gaps in local services and wanting to create opportunities for herself and others. Her businesses range from tree services, renovations, and deceased estate services to gutter and solar panel cleaning. She is also working on starting an NDIS company to provide culturally safe care for Indigenous people.

“The business coaching has been amazing. Bruce has gone above and beyond to help me with planning and day-to-day tasks. He has also shared great ideas that have really helped me grow my businesses.” – Rachel Swan

Read more about Rachel’s business journey so far:

Rachel’s Business

I have five businesses. They are Lake Macquarie Tree Specialist, Mind Out of the Gutter (which is a gutter and solar panel cleaning service), Rach All Trade (for renovations and all kinds of services), Deceased Estate Consultants, and Dales Professional Tree Service. I established these in May and June this year because I saw there was a lack of these services in the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle region. I also want to start an NDIS company because I see a gap in Indigenous care.

Working with Many Rivers

What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? What was your previous work experience?

My background is in NDIS and child protection. I loved helping the community, but child protection work was very stressful, and I saw some difficult things. I took a six-month break and then decided to start my own businesses. I also wanted to show Indigenous women that they can do anything.

How did you find out about Many Rivers?

My job provider referred me to Many Rivers, and that’s how I met Bruce, my business coach. He has been absolutely amazing! I have had endless support from him, and Many Rivers has stood by me through my whole business journey.

Why did you want to go into business?

I wanted to follow my interests, fill the gaps I saw in local services, and create opportunities for myself and others.

What services did you receive from Many Rivers? How did it help?

The business coaching has been amazing. Bruce has gone above and beyond to help me with planning and day-to-day tasks. He has also shared great ideas that have really helped me grow my businesses.

What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?

The business coaching and the referral to IBA have been the most helpful. The tools Bruce gave me, like the cashflow and business plan kit, helped me see the business clearly and turn my ideas into reality.

Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?

No

Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees? Are they full-time or part-time?

I have three casual employees at the moment. I am also looking for more staff because I want to give more opportunities to Indigenous people.

Biggest Challenge

The hardest part has been getting my name out there and earning the community’s trust. It has also been challenging working in industries that are mostly male dominated.

Biggest Success

My biggest success is how quickly the businesses have grown. With Bruce’s support, I’ve been able to reach my goals and turn my ideas from paper into reality.

Biggest Change

Starting these businesses has given me so much confidence. I am a mother of four, and running these businesses has completely turned my life around in terms of financial stability and flexibility.

Future Goals

In the short term, I want to get my NDIS company up and running within a month and employ more Indigenous people. In the long term, I hope to build a strong name in the community and keep providing consistent services.

Thank you Rachel for sharing your business journey with us. We wish you the best of luck with future endeavours and business success.

We love to encourage people to take the first step towards kick-starting their small business ideas. Do you have a business idea?  

CLICK HERE to see if Many Rivers is right for you

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