Business owners in the local area are constantly feeling the pinch when pursuing greater success for their company, as navigating the maze of the business world can become an unassailable challenge, more so than ever.
Running a business can sometimes feel like it's every man or woman for themselves. That's where the Better Business Partnership (BBP) comes into play.
Funded by the Willoughby, Ku-ring-Gai and North Sydney Council, the Better Business Partnership is an award-winning free support program for local small and medium-sized businesses on their journey to becoming more successful through sustainability.
Amanda Choy, a Willoughby local, stands as the face of the operation. Joining the BBP in 2016 after jumping from the Eastern Suburbs to the North Shore in the early 2000s.
"I wanted to change course directing my career and skills to what I felt would be more beneficial to sustainability.
"I started a sustainability consultancy and learned about BBP through my local council, I went along to an event, I met my predecessor, and we clicked."
As program coordinator, Amanda takes the reins on almost everything inside BBP.
"I describe what I do to be doing everything, from basic admin and support to strategic planning and recording. I'm the back office and the face at the same time."
The Better Business Partnership has successfully worked with over 1000 local North Shore businesses over the last ten years. Acting as the coach in the corner, bringing managers' or owners' attention to government schemes or rebates that suit the particular business. Today the challenges for these businesses pose both new and old threats.
"Coming out of Covid many businesses went straight into staff shortages. We offered web seminars on how to attract and attain business staff. We see ourselves as a sustainability coach. We know owners are busy trying to keep doors open, managing staff, customers and supply that they're not focused on all the support on offer. We act as a funnel catching these offers and pinning them to the relevant business."
Amanda also discusses how business sustainability can be achieved through simple environmental changes, relevant given the fast-approaching El Nino summer.
"The big opportunity has been rising energy costs. Through using a grant or a rebate to implement energy efficient equipment or solar, we've done a lot of work educating businesses on renewable sources."
Another busy aspect of Amanda Choy is she is also the coordinator for the bi-yearly Better Business Awards. A great way to reward those member businesses in our community that go the extra mile. Celebrating businesses that not only succeed as a business but those that focus on sustainable initiatives.
"The great thing about the awards is anyone who comes along walks away inspired, hearing about businesses who are also inspired. They gain appreciation by the breadth and width of the BBP."
With the recent 2023 awards held at the Glasshouse, Artarmon.
Amanda Choy continues to carry the BBP flag with unwavering passion, with the goal of helping local businesses succeed through sustainability.
Visit bbp.org.au for more information and to get your business involved.
