She runs a social media services business and has been operating it for three years, recently reaching that milestone in March. What began as a gentle step back into work after raising her family has evolved into something far greater than she ever expected. She never thought the business would last this long, but now it shows her journey and growth. What started as a small idea has since become a source of independence, confidence, and opportunity, opening doors she never imagined possible.

“Lisa, my coach from Many Rivers, supported me for about 18 months. She helped me in so many ways I did not even realise I needed. She also guided me through getting a business loan, which I did not even know Many Rivers offered. Paying that off felt incredibly empowering” – Silvana

I have had a couple of coaches over the years, and Lisa, my coach from Many Rivers, supported me for about 18 months. She helped me in so many ways I did not even realise I needed. She also guided me through getting a business loan, which I did not even know Many Rivers offered. Paying that off felt incredibly empowering.

The biggest difference over time has been simply knowing someone was there for me either every month or every fortnight. When you are a sole trader, you do not have anyone to bounce ideas off. Having someone who could say Have you thought about this or Here is something that might help made such a big difference. It was like having someone in my corner not a business partner, but a coach who genuinely had my best interests at heart.

Lisa also helped me apply for a grant, and I received 7500 dollars. With that, I finally had a professional website built. I had tried to do it myself, but I really did not know what I was doing. As a small business owner, setting aside money for something like that is tough, so receiving that support meant the world to me.

Starting the business

Since starting out, I have held a long term contract with a government department, which has been there from the beginning. With encouragement from Many Rivers, I branched out and picked up a couple of private clients as well. It is nice to have that mix. Government work can be repetitive over the long term, so having private clients brings variety. As a contractor, income naturally goes up and down, so having additional clients has helped create a bit more stability.

Growing the business

Over time, my business has definitely grown, especially in terms of clients. Adding private clients alongside my main contract has given me more balance and security in my work. Right now, it is still just me running the business, but the income I generate has allowed me to support my family, which is incredibly important to me.

The biggest challenge for me has been learning the business side of things. Having consistent support through Many Rivers helped me take things step by step instead of feeling overwhelmed and giving up. I am also a carer for my husband, so balancing everything can be a lot. That support helped me keep going.

Running this business has made a big difference to my family. Financially, it has given us more independence. Having a second car has completely changed our daily life. My husband has medical commitments four days a week, and before that, I would often be stuck at home. Now I have more freedom and flexibility.

Personally, I have grown so much. Being able to generate my own income and not rely on my husband has boosted my confidence enormously. Paying off my business loan in six months was a huge achievement and gave me a real sense of independence.

Looking ahead, I have a contract secured until the end of 2027, which gives me stability. But I also know things change, so I want to keep branching out. I would love to combine business with travel in the future. I am taking things slowly, not rushing, and focusing on continued personal growth.

What I am most proud of is being able to generate my own income independently. After many years focused on raising my children and supporting others, this business feels like something I have truly done for myself.

My advice for anyone just starting with Many Rivers is be patient and trust the process. Ask as many questions as you need. There are no silly questions. Trust that the people supporting you are experienced and genuinely want to help. Being honest, giving it time, and building a strong relationship with the right coach makes all the difference.