Small Business Loan & Development Melbourne VIC
October 2019
What is your business? How long has the business been operating?
I am running a security company for last two months. Recently I got my biggest job ever with a client for over 1000 hours per week of security services. We do static security and crowd control.
What were you doing before you made contact with Many Rivers? What was your previous work experience?
I was running a training business. There was always the idea of having a security business because it has great returns. I would like to be one of the top security companies in Australia at some stage.
Who referred you to Many Rivers? When?
It was in 2016 when I was doing the NEIS program with Sarina Russo. I was introduced to Gina to help me take my business idea to the next stage.
Why did you want to go into business?
I was a past professional sportsman playing field hockey in Pakistan and now I am representing Australian Pocket Master Over 35s. Deep down I am a business person. I love business and my experience as a professional sportsman help me out a lot.
What services did you receive from Many Rivers? How did it help?
I got a loan of about $3500 for a small business and a financial plan, contract documents, ideas for sales. Gina helped me stay motivated. She has been an amazing help. If I need help, I know I can go to Gina and Many Rivers. Easy to approach and I know it is a “help zone”. Anytime I need it, I know Gina can assist.
What did you find the most useful about the assistance from Many Rivers?
Gina’s availability to help. Many Rivers is the best resource with loans and knowledge to start businesses. They also help me stay focused and support me to reach my goals.
Did you get a loan from MR? How did you use the loan?
Yes. The loan helped me pay for registrations and insurances licenses and advertising as part of the application. It’s a 10 month loan
Do you have any current employees? If so, how many employees?
Yes. I have security contractors, about 30 on my books now.
What has been the biggest challenge to date?
Finding loans. Cash flow. I like challenges and I approach everything positively. I now have capital for cash flow to cover 200 hour per week jobs but larger ones is hard. In the beginning, it was getting the security company license that took about three months to get. It is hard to get.
What has been the biggest success to date?
Biggest success is I am happy running my business. I am looking forward to work each day. What I planned two years ago I have done and that makes me feel good. I have reached the goals I set and am excited about the future.
What has been the biggest change for you/your family since you started your business?
My family lives in Pakistan and I support them from Australia. I guess it is being able to support them and also achieve my goals.
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Trying to reach good benchmark in the security industry. I want to run a top security company. The is a full-time proper business that I want to keep building.
We want to encourage more and more people to take that first step towards building on their business ideas. We’re here to support you the whole way. Please take the Small Business Self Assessment and see if we are right for you.
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