After a 20 year career in menswear sales, Neil developed a back injury related to spending long hours standing at work.
Neil saw a need to assist businesses in Toowoomba with their advertising and thought starting his own graphic design business would be an excellent way to find work which would not strain his back.
When Neil discussed his idea with Centrelink, they suggested the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS).
The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme helps eligible unemployed people start and run their own small business. Through the scheme, you get training, support and help to become self-supporting and independent in the first year of your business.
When Neil started the scheme he completed a 13 week small business course through Toowoomba’s Business Success Group.
When he completed the course he also received mentoring from Business Success Group. ‘Business Success Group encouraged me to never think too small’, Neil said.
Neil then started C & G Design as a home based business.
Neil’s business has since expanded and is now called CGD Group which also includes a copy shop.
CGD Group’s work is award winning and can be seen around the world. CGD Group designed the Australia Zoo logo.
Neil said, ‘ten years ago we started with one person and zero turnover. As more businesses found us it became clear we needed an office, so we shared an office with another business and we eventually took over the entire area.
‘Now we have five staff and a turnover of $350 000. We have customers from Melbourne to Cairns, Brisbane to Perth and most places in between. Recently we started exporting our printing services to New Zealand.’
Running your own business lets you be your own boss and gives you the freedom to work from home. It also allows you the flexibility to choose your own work hours and work practices.
The New Enterprise Incentive Scheme is available to people with disability and can help you get started.
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