Like a boss: Helping Canberrans reach their entrepreneurial potential

Posted on 3 September, 2015

It’s a dream held by many: to quit the corporate world and become your own boss.

Yet as tempting as it may be to step away from the office and start a new business; it’s often dismissed as too far-fetched.

Not according to Georgia King and Amy Nerio, who launched their own successful businesses at the tender ages of 22 and 26.

The local duo say they want to help Canberra’s budding entrepreneurs reach their potential with a new one-day conference, The Women’s Collective, which aims to bring passionate leaders in their fields together to share their knowledge in small business.

“I’ve noticed there’s an amazing entrepreneurial atmosphere in Canberra,” says Amy, who owns Nerio Communications.

“It’s one of the first cities I’ve really seen that has celebrated young entrepreneurial women, and everybody’s incredibly supportive to one another. This event is very practical support for people starting out in business, which is a world that can be quite intimidating if you don’t know your brand or business well, so it’s an opportunity to gain advice and inspiration from people who have done it all before.”

Canberra entrepreneurs Georgia King and Amy Nerio.

Speakers at the event, to be held at QT Canberra, include Emma and Carla Papas of popular health and wellness website The Merrymaker Sisters; branding expert Jane Weinert of Kindle Branding; and our very own Amanda Whitley, founder and director of HerCanberra.

Topics covered at the conference range from social media tips, communications skills, branding and personal image, with the aim to give Canberrans the tools and tips to create, change or adapt their own business.

Georgia, who owns nanny agency GLK Nannies, says there is a rising generation of people motivated to work for themselves.

“I think specifically for Canberra it’s very achievable because you’re not a small fish in a big pond so it’s easier than if you were to start a business in somewhere like Sydney or Melbourne, which can be overwhelming,” she says.

“It’s so much easier to meet and connect with people here.”

Despite the conference title, Georgia and Amy say blokes can attend too.

“It’s really for anyone who wants to develop and strengthen their business or dream, network with influential women, and meet other amazing business owners,” Georgia says.

the essentials:
What: The Women’s Collective
When: Saturday 10 October, 9am – 5pm
Where: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra City
How much: $135, includes food and drinks
Web: https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/TheWomensCollective

Slider image: Shutterstock