Business Connect Advisors
Denise McClelland
Dip. of Health Coaching, Dip. of Fine Art (Photography)
Denise is a fun and energetic business owner with over 18 years of experience in the Health, Wellbeing and Creative Industries. She has built beautiful businesses in Ireland, Brisbane, and Canberra, before returning home to regional NSW to establish her second photography and digital studio space.
Focusing on commercial photography for the last 12 years, Denise has worked with small, medium, and large businesses and events throughout regional and rural NSW. She collaborates with clients to identify opportunities to grow and market their services and products. “I love to assist with small start-ups and online business, opening their doors from remote corners to all areas of Australia”.
Currently a Regional Arts NSW Mentor and educator to over 500 creatives, Denise understands the emotional impact of being in business and is educated in coaching with tools to help with resilience, stress management, time management, prioritisation, and being your best self. Her areas of specialty include Digital Marketing, Online Commerce, Retail, Start-ups, Creative Business, Alternative Health, Spa and Beauty, and Wellbeing, as well as thinking outside the box!
Bio
Denise is a fun and energetic business owner with over 18 years of experience in the Health, Wellbeing and Creative Industries. She has built beautiful businesses in Ireland, Brisbane, and Canberra, before returning home to regional NSW to establish her second photography and digital studio space.
Focusing on commercial photography for the last 12 years, Denise has worked with small, medium, and large businesses and events throughout regional and rural NSW. She collaborates with clients to identify opportunities to grow and market their services and products. “I love to assist with small start-ups and online business, opening their doors from remote corners to all areas of Australia”.
Currently a Regional Arts NSW Mentor and educator to over 500 creatives, Denise understands the emotional impact of being in business and is educated in coaching with tools to help with resilience, stress management, time management, prioritisation, and being your best self. Her areas of specialty include Digital Marketing, Online Commerce, Retail, Start-ups, Creative Business, Alternative Health, Spa and Beauty, and Wellbeing, as well as thinking outside the box!
Location
Blayney, Cabonne, Cobar, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan, Oberon, Orange, Parkes, Weddin, Dubbo Regional
Erica Haskard
Cert. IV in Legal Services, Cert. IV in Fitness
Erica has a career devoted to small business operations in the Far West of NSW. Specialising in start-up and micro-business operations. Erika is highly experienced in Childcare, NDIS & Social services sub-contracting, Fitness and Gyms, Hospitality and Tourism. Erica’s core passion is the development of business growth scalable and attainable within the operational constraints of business owners who remain working in their businesses. Erica’s intimate knowledge and understanding of the Far West’s business and economic culture enables businesses to leverage unique opportunities associated with large business expansion and investment, emerging industry and tourism to build sustainability and growth for local small business.
Bio
Erica has a career devoted to small business operations in the Far West of NSW. Specialising in start-up and micro-business operations. Erika is highly experienced in Childcare, NDIS & Social services sub-contracting, Fitness and Gyms, Hospitality and Tourism. Erica’s core passion is the development of business growth scalable and attainable within the operational constraints of business owners who remain working in their businesses. Erica’s intimate knowledge and understanding of the Far West’s business and economic culture enables businesses to leverage unique opportunities associated with large business expansion and investment, emerging industry and tourism to build sustainability and growth for local small business.
Location
Broken Hill
Business Issues
Disability Sector; Start-up; Book-keeping; Budgeting; Business planning; Digital presence; Social media; Insurance; HR, staffing, and retention; WHS; Strategic planning; Legal/leases/disputes
Specialist Industries
Education and Training; Accommodation and Food Services; Health Care and Social Assistance; Public Administration and Safety
Qualifications
BSB40620 Certificate IV in Legal Services – Paralegal
Diploma in Education
SIS30315 Certificate III in Fitness
SIS40215 Certificate IV in Fitness
CHC30113 Certificate III in Children’s Services
Experience
The Caff 2021 – present
Felicity Haylock
BCom, BCom(Hons)
Felicity is a Marketing Graduate (with Honours) from Dubbo, NSW. She graduated with Distinction from a Bachelor of Commerce – Services Marketing (Tourism and Hospitality) before pursuing her Honours Marketing Degree. Her thesis focused on small, independent businesses – examining what separated thriving businesses from those that fail.
She specialises in all things digital marketing – connecting and converting clients is her passion. A self-declared wordsmith, Felicity writes with purpose – enticing audiences to read on in her marketing communications. Her signature move is killing it on social media through captivating captions.
Felicity’s heart is with small businesses – she loves seeing the impact she has on the little guy. She’s worked with small business for 20 years. Her industries of expertise include retail, tourism, hospitality, financial services, education and construction. When small business owners work with Felicity, they experience growth – more reach, more engagement and more conversion.
From humble beginnings serving customers in her family toy shop, Uncle Pete’s Toys, Felicity ventured to Sydney to complete her degrees before returning to Central West NSW.
Bio
Felicity is a Marketing Graduate (with Honours) from Dubbo, NSW. She graduated with Distinction from a Bachelor of Commerce – Services Marketing (Tourism and Hospitality) before pursuing her Honours Marketing Degree. Her thesis focused on small, independent businesses – examining what separated thriving businesses from those that fail.
She specialises in all things digital marketing – connecting and converting clients is her passion. A self-declared wordsmith, Felicity writes with purpose – enticing audiences to read on in her marketing communications. Her signature move is killing it on social media through captivating captions.
Felicity’s heart is with small businesses – she loves seeing the impact she has on the little guy. She’s worked with small business for 20 years. Her industries of expertise include retail, tourism, hospitality, financial services, education and construction. When small business owners work with Felicity, they experience growth – more reach, more engagement and more conversion.
From humble beginnings serving customers in her family toy shop, Uncle Pete’s Toys, Felicity ventured to Sydney to complete her degrees before returning to Central West NSW.
Leanne O’Sullivan
BCom(Ec), GradCertPsych, GAICD
Leanne is a digital marketing ‘all rounder’ and has worked across various geographies and industries, always with a focus on customer experience, evidence-based strategy, innovation, and ROI.
Leanne is happy getting her hands dirty in all areas of business or setting strategy at a high level. Leanne is a self-described digital sherpa and wears that hat to assist businesses on their road to good business health.
With hands on experience and know-how in lead generation, brand awareness and social media marketing, Leanne understands what is required for an online business to succeed. Having walked in the shoes of a small business owner for over 30 years Leanne’s firsthand experience starting, running, growing and adapting her business in parallel with those of her clients means Leanne has the skills and knowledge to navigate a range of business issues and challenges across all sectors.
Leanne can adapt her approach to work with your needs and the stage you are at in your business. Leanne is particularly passionate about growing regional, rural and remote business communities and empowering business owners to discover their unique selling proposition and showcasing that with a digital strategy.
Book Leanne to guide your thinking so you can own your success.
Bio
Leanne is a digital marketing ‘all rounder’ and has worked across various geographies and industries, always with a focus on customer experience, evidence-based strategy, innovation, and ROI.
Leanne is happy getting her hands dirty in all areas of business or setting strategy at a high level. Leanne is a self-described digital sherpa and wears that hat to assist businesses on their road to good business health.
With hands on experience and know-how in lead generation, brand awareness and social media marketing, Leanne understands what is required for an online business to succeed. Having walked in the shoes of a small business owner for over 30 years Leanne’s firsthand experience starting, running, growing and adapting her business in parallel with those of her clients means Leanne has the skills and knowledge to navigate a range of business issues and challenges across all sectors.
Leanne can adapt her approach to work with your needs and the stage you are at in your business. Leanne is particularly passionate about growing regional, rural and remote business communities and empowering business owners to discover their unique selling proposition and showcasing that with a digital strategy.
Book Leanne to guide your thinking so you can own your success.
Location
Cobar, Mid-Western Regional, Narromine, Dubbo Regional
Nalinda Ranaweera
MBA
Nalinda has extensive experience in international business development, innovative start-ups, international logistics and import/export.
As a Business Development Consultant, Nalinda has excellent communication skills, growth strategy experience, and a strong ability to build relationships.
Nalinda is qualified with MBA in Business Administration and is a licensed Customs Agent.
His specialties include supply chain optimisation, strategic procurement and contract management and strategic business planning.
Innovative business start-up is Nalinda’s key strength having built his own business in food production and business development within the FMCG sector.
Nalinda is an accredited Mental Health First Aid officer.
Bio
Nalinda has extensive experience in international business development, innovative start-ups, international logistics and import/export.
As a Business Development Consultant, Nalinda has excellent communication skills, growth strategy experience, and a strong ability to build relationships.
Nalinda is qualified with MBA in Business Administration and is a licensed Customs Agent.
His specialties include supply chain optimisation, strategic procurement and contract management and strategic business planning.
Innovative business start-up is Nalinda’s key strength having built his own business in food production and business development within the FMCG sector.
Nalinda is an accredited Mental Health First Aid officer.
Location
Bathurst
Business Issues
Banking and finance; Budgeting; Business planning; Export/Import; Market research; Pricing & costing; Sales; Start-up; Strategic planning; Technology
Specialist Industries
Information Media and Telecommunication; Manufacturing; Retail Trade; Transport, Postal and Warehousing; Wholesale Trade
Qualifications
Masters (MBA) Business Administration
Diploma computer studies
Licensed Customs Agent
Experience
Islebound Australia
Rebecca George
BA Tourism Management / BA International Studies
Rebecca’s extensive experience in the tourism industry spans two decades. She has worked in domestic and international tourism and across many sectors, including accommodation, transport, tour operations, attractions and events. In 2016 she founded a small business that represents tourism products across the world; developing and implementing a strategic plan that increases awareness and drives sales across the Australia and New Zealand markets. Rebecca is looking forward to using the knowledge and experience she has acquired from working with medium and large organisations, to help small businesses grow and achieve their goals.
Rebecca holds a double-degree in Tourism Management and International Studies.
She is also an Accredited Mental Health First Aider.
Bio
Rebecca’s extensive experience in the tourism industry spans two decades. She has worked in domestic and international tourism and across many sectors, including accommodation, transport, tour operations, attractions and events. In 2016 she founded a small business that represents tourism products across the world; developing and implementing a strategic plan that increases awareness and drives sales across the Australia and New Zealand markets. Rebecca is looking forward to using the knowledge and experience she has acquired from working with medium and large organisations, to help small businesses grow and achieve their goals.
Rebecca holds a double-degree in Tourism Management and International Studies.
She is also an Accredited Mental Health First Aider.
Location
Mudgee
Business Issues
COVID-19 Disruption; Business planning; Marketing; Sales; Social media
Specialist Industries
Accommodation and Food Services; Arts and Recreation Services; Tourism
Qualifications
BA in Tourism Management and International Studies
Accredited Mental Health First Aider
Experience
Tourism by George (2016-present)
Russell Meadley
Cert. IV in Small Business Mgt., Dip. in Human Resources
In his professional career Russell has held various roles in the plumbing/construction industry, apprenticeship recruitment and supervision, IR, training, HR, safety and energy assessing. He has worked with the not-for-profit sector in addition to commercial entities and been in senior management roles. He has extensive knowledge of a large number of industries including hospitality, construction, metal trades, administration, retail, mining, sustainability and horticulture. In recent years he has also assisted with disability services, allied health, point-to-point and service businesses.
Russell’s experience as a mentor allows his clients to strategically identify key actions and build their business skills and knowledge. With a focus on sustainability and resilience, he helps businesses to plan for and recover from major disruptive events.
As a Business advisor for ten years Russell is a foundational resource in the Regional Economic Landscape, having supported hundred of businesses on their journey from ideas through to large businesses.
With extensive experience of the processes required to start, manage and grow small businesses, Russell is highly focused on sustainable viable growth through the focus areas of finances, budgeting, cashflow and business planning.
Bio
In his professional career Russell has held various roles in the plumbing/construction industry, apprenticeship recruitment and supervision, IR, training, HR, safety and energy assessing. He has worked with the not-for-profit sector in addition to commercial entities and been in senior management roles. He has extensive knowledge of a large number of industries including hospitality, construction, metal trades, administration, retail, mining, sustainability and horticulture. In recent years he has also assisted with disability services, allied health, point-to-point and service businesses.
Russell’s experience as a mentor allows his clients to strategically identify key actions and build their business skills and knowledge. With a focus on sustainability and resilience, he helps businesses to plan for and recover from major disruptive events.
As a Business advisor for ten years Russell is a foundational resource in the Regional Economic Landscape, having supported hundred of businesses on their journey from ideas through to large businesses.
With extensive experience of the processes required to start, manage and grow small businesses, Russell is highly focused on sustainable viable growth through the focus areas of finances, budgeting, cashflow and business planning.
Location
Bathurst
Business Issues
Business planning; Digital presence; Strategic planning; WHS; Start-up; Seeking grant; HR, staffing, and retention; Budgeting; Information technology; Community Transport; Disability Sector
Specialist Industries
Health Care and Social Assistance; Accommodation and Food Services; Professional, Scientific and Technical Services; Education and Training; Public Administration and Safety; Retail Trade
Qualifications
Diploma in HR
Certificate IV in Small Business Management
Certificate IV in TAE Workplace Training and Assessment
Certificate IV in Safety
Accredited Mental Health First Aider
Experience
Your Sustainable Links (2016 – present); Bathurst Australiana Frames (2012 – 2014)