Australian Centre for Business Growth

This week, we wrapped up an intensive three-day ANZ Australia Business Growth Capstone event, marking the official launch of a new business growth journey for ten scaling companies.

These leaders have been awarded a 6-month ANZ Business Growth Online Platinum scholarship, designed to provide the frameworks, strategic clarity, and expert guidance needed to navigate the complexities of scaling an organisation.

A warm welcome to the latest Platinum cohort:

JS Welding Services (QLD)
Collins Booksellers (VIC)
Gippsland Paint Tech (VIC)
Holloway Air and Electrical (VIC)
Nationwide Waste Solutions (VIC)
Tropical Vets (QLD)
PhysioChoice (VIC)
Hahndorf Market (SA)
Buccheri Group (VIC)
Bespoke Foods (VIC)

Over the next six months, they will undertake our comprehensive Business Growth Online program, and regularly check in with Growth Experts Alison Taylor and Chris Procter, to stress-test their business models, optimise their operations, and build sustainable growth strategies.

Thank you to our partner ANZ for their commitment to supporting SMEs across Australia as they grow and scale. We look forward to following the growth journeys of this outstanding cohort over the coming months!

Missed one of our recent business growth webinars? You can catch up anytime.

The ANZ Australia Business Growth Webinar Series is designed specifically for business owners, founders, and CEOs looking for practical strategies to navigate the complexities of scaling a company.

You don’t have to be an ANZ customer to watch. Our library of past sessions is available to stream on-demand, allowing you to access insights from our Growth Experts and CEO guests whenever it fits into your schedule.

Explore the library, pick the topics most relevant to your current business challenges, and watch at your own pace.

👉 Access our on-demand webinar library here: https://centreforbusinessgrowth.com/categories/events/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer

Many CEOs without a formal degree have scaled a successful organisation - think Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, or Bill Gates.

But what allows these leaders from the 'school of hard knocks' to navigate the complex realities of company growth?

Many founders practice a 'ready, fire, aim' form of leadership. While that drive is essential, it often means they don't take the time to step back, reflect on mistakes, and identify what is stunting their company's growth.

This article explores how CEOs can combine real-world outcomes with established research, and use practices such as hiring for shared values or treating growth as a team sport to grow their companies.

The right knowledge, delivered at the right time, makes a massive difference to how a leader solves real-world business issues.

Read the full article here 👇
https://centreforbusinessgrowth.com/news-and-events/learn-from-the-school-of-hard-knocks/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer

How does a 44-year-old family business achieve a 334% growth in turnover and a 5x increase in revenue? 📈

By achieving clarity on who their real customers were and how to serve them better.

When Co-CEOs Emily Bradley and Steve Bradley took the reins at Design Group, they realised they were trying to be everything to everyone. While undertaking the ANZ Australia Business Growth Program, they found the strategic framework needed to identify their true target markets, expanding their focus from wholesale resellers to the trade professionals, architects, and end consumers who use their architectural hardware.

Today, Southern Design Group has grown from 12 employees to a team of over 100; established three distinct, highly successful brands; and is currently expanding into the US, European, and Asian markets as a Certified B Corporation.

As Emily puts it: “That change in mindset from thinking of the reseller as the customer, to seeing them as part of a larger ecosystem, helped us design better products, shape clearer brand identities, and ultimately reach the kind of customers who truly value what we offer.”

Read the full case study to see how Southern Design Group built the foundations for global growth 👇
https://centreforbusinessgrowth.com/case-studies/southern-design-group/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer

Are you ready to take your space company to the next frontier? 🚀

We're recruiting for our next Space Growth Ramp cohort!

Delivered in collaboration with Adelaide University’s Innovation & Collaboration Centre and supported by the South Australian Space Industry Centre, this face-to-face program is specifically designed for CEOs, founders, and managing directors who want to transition from a great technical product to a highly scalable business.

Over six months, you will work directly with our experienced Growth Expert Ann Angel to cut through the noise, identify your growth inhibitors, and build a concrete 3-year plan to scale your operations sustainably.

A limited number of partially funded places are available for eligible companies.

Don't let scaling hurdles hold your growth mission back. Secure the skills and knowledge you need to grow your space company.

Learn more and register your interest today 👇
https://centreforbusinessgrowth.com/sponsors/space/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer

Has the Federal Budget added another layer of pressure for scaling SMEs? 📉

After years of managing inflation, talent shortages, and global volatility, many business owners were looking to this budget for relief. Instead, an influx of new taxation and compliance burdens risks cooling the exact economic expansion Australia needs right now.

However, challenging macro environments can also act as a catalyst for strategic pivots. In the article, our director Ryan Williams breaks down how proactive leaders can respond, from managing the rising cost of regulatory compliance to exploring critical strategic options like unlocking capital tied up in commercial property and hyper-focusing on operational productivity.

Market shifts require discipline. The CEOs who protect cash flow, scrutinise capital allocation, and stay agile today will be the ones positioned to scale and capture market share tomorrow.

Thank you to Dynamic Business for sharing Ryan's views on how the 2026 Federal Budget is affecting SMEs' economic outlook.

Read the full article here 👇
https://dynamicbusiness.com/leadership-2/expert/oped-budget-fails-to-deliver-for-smbs-but-there-may-be-a-silver-lining.html?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer

Meet the Expert: Brad Carr 👋

If you are looking to scale an e-commerce business, Brad Carr is someone you want in your corner.

As a serial entrepreneur and e-commerce powerhouse, Brad has spent over 12 years building, scaling and successfully exiting some of Australia and New Zealand's biggest online retail brands.

Having navigated the entire business lifecycle, from ground-level startup to international acquisition, Brad knows exactly what it takes to overcome the hurdles of a rapidly scaling company. It's this firsthand experience that makes his strategic insights so invaluable for business owners looking to take their next big step.

When he isn't behind the keyboard driving strategic growth, you can find Brad enjoying the Gold Coast lifestyle, offshore fishing, or following his passion for motorsport. 🎣🏎️

Learn more about Brad's journey 👇
https://centreforbusinessgrowth.com/people/brad-carr/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer

Is your South Australian business ready for the spotlight? ✨

We are incredibly proud to announce our Major Sponsorship of the 2026 South Australian Premier’s Business & Export Awards!

As part of our sponsorship, we are offering the Australian Centre for Business Growth Scholarship Award to a company the judges consider to have considerable growth potential. The deserving winner of this award will receive a fully funded scholarship for a business growth program tailored to their company's needs. 📈

To our amazing alumni: We strongly encourage you to apply! This is the perfect opportunity to showcase how much you have grown and be recognised for the contributions you are making to South Australia's economic wellbeing.

Every great business has a story worth celebrating. Whether you are a fast-growing start-up or an established industry leader, this is your chance to shine alongside the state’s best.

Nominations close on Friday 12 June.

Submit your nomination today 👇
https://sabusinesschamber.com.au/awards/home?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer

South Australian Business Chamber

What does it take to scale a workforce from a garage start-up to a global enterprise? Or build a thriving company culture over 25 years? 🚀

Theory is great, but when it comes to hiring and structuring your team for scale, nothing beats real-world experience.

Next week, as part of the 2026 ANZ Australia Business Growth Webinar Series, host and Growth Expert Sarah Curtis-Fawley is sitting down with two leaders who have successfully navigated the complexities of building growth-ready teams:

Jason Ruth (COO of Southern Design Group): With over 25 years of experience leading people development, business, and culture, Jason has mastered the art of helping talented people do brilliant things (and knowing when to nudge them toward a well-earned coffee break!).

Chris Procter (Growth Expert and Former CEO of Sealite): Chris knows firsthand the capability challenges of scaling up. He successfully oversaw Sealite's expansion from a humble garage-based start-up into a world-renowned, international manufacturer of marine and aviation navigation aids.

If you are a business owner looking to bypass the theory and get practical steps on how to define roles, lift team capability, and hire right, this free session is for you.

Secure your virtual seat for Thursday 👇
https://centreforbusinessgrowth.com/news-and-events/register-growth-ready-employees-building-capability-before-you-scale/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer

📅 Date: Thursday, 4th June 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM (AEDT)
💻 Location: Online via Zoom (Free)

Are you selling more but making less? 📉

It is a common trap: believing that increasing revenue automatically equals success. But as the old saying goes, if you are selling pants for $1 but losing 25¢ on each pair, the more you sell, the faster you go broke. To win in business, you need both a good offence (sales) and a strong defence (profitability).

In our latest article, we are busting seven major myths about revenue, profitability, and business growth, including:
❌ "My accountant can worry about the profit."
❌ "Being profitable means we are ripping off customers."
❌ "There’s a silver bullet to fix my margins."

Read the breakdown and discover how small marginal changes can boost your bottom line.👇
https://centreforbusinessgrowth.com/news-and-events/busting-seven-myths-revenue-profitability-business-growth/?utm_source=fb_page&utm_medium=Australian+Centre+for+Business+Growth&utm_campaign=publer