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"I first came into contact with Business East around 9 years ago when I was trying to put together my first business plan. John from Business East came to our property and I went through what I wanted to achieve with our lavender plantings.

He advised me on the best way to start creating a business plan and looking at the business idea from a realistic point view and not one through rose coloured glasses.

Having that contact over the next 9 years whilst developing our vision should not be underestimated. Knowing that you have resources to draw on and that no large consultancy fees were attached made the daunting process of starting a new business a little less stressful at a time when every dollar counts towards your success.

In our case we started our business in October 2014 from nothing, we have gone on to create 18 new jobs in a regional area, substantial economic benefits to local community, a new visitor experience, GST and Tax revenue that simply didn’t exist prior to this time.

We are very thankful for being able to access the services offered by this dedicated and passionate team."

"Some years back I was starting up my business. I wasn’t sure where to begin and someone steered me in the direction of John at Business East.

Over successive Monday mornings, John was patient and helped me navigate the intricacies of getting my business 'off the ground'.

There were many cups of coffee and John was never too busy to talk to me and offer support. I thoroughly enjoyed my association with Business East and the networking opportunities that were offered.

I have gone on to win many Awards, which shows that being given a solid start can pay dividends later on. That was 14 years ago.

Thanks John for your support."

"Thank you so much Business Eastern Shore, you have been so supportive of my business. Seminars held at the Bellerive Yacht Club and Blundstone Arena provided much needed information on all areas of business with some truly wonderful guest speakers, members of the Board have been approachable and have so many varied skill sets. 

John Beard was instrumental in negotiating for me the purchase of the assets of established portrait business in Richmond called “Olde Time Portraits”. This was a dream come true as I had worked for the business 25 years earlier. John also provided reassuring phone calls through the Covid period, our business was impacted due to lock downs and border closures, email newsletters provided link to services required at this time. 

My name is Helena Blundell a well known Tasmanian photographer having 30 years experience as a wedding Photographer, a contributing  photographer for the magazine Tasmanian Life, have a Diploma of Visual Arts (majoring in Photography) and Cert 4 in Design (Graphic design.)

Olde Time Portraits is now located at Blackmans Bay Beach and offers costume themed portraits for the whole family and in multi sizes. Themes include Wild West, Saloon Girls, Convicts, Gangster, 1920s and Classic Victorian. they also offer Chidrens portraits and cake smash first birthday shoots.

Thank you John for making my dream come true!"