Getting people moving is what this Whyalla local is all about. So, when Katrina Spigiel needed to get her business moving, she came to the South Australian Business Chamber for flexible business advice and tips for her pilates studio through the South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme (SAYES).
The South Australian Business Chamber Executive Director, Membership and Enterprise Development Dave Slama reminds us that ‘SAYES’ is all about saying yes.
“We want South Australia’s young entrepreneurs to give their business ideas a real go, especially those in the regions.
“The South Australian Business Chamber has been coming up to Whyalla every month for over a year now, providing support for business owners in conjunction with Whyalla Business and Tourism, and financially supported by Whyalla City Council.”
Founder and Owner Katrina Spigiel started her pilates journey with Breathe Education in May 2021, graduating with a Certificate IV in Pilates Matwork and Reformer. She began Bloom Pilates six months ago with outdoor classes whilst still working her day-time job.
“I couldn’t wait to open my own studio but needed to renovate the space to teach the special type of pilates called Reformer.
“I opened for my first semi-private and private reformer classes at the end of April. I am very appreciative of the love and support provided by friends, family and clients in the space that I have been able to create.
“It was one thing to know how to teach pilates but I also needed to know how to run a business. So I joined the South Australian Business Chamber SAYES regional program.
“I’m excited to learn all aspects of running a successful business. I’m excited to be able to create a comprehensive business model and plan to keep me on track to grow, hopefully expand in my own business by also provide opportunities for my community in regards to employment to an inclusive, challenging and fun form of exercise.
“I have met some amazing and talented young entrepreneurs in the program, with so many great ideas and love the support we all provide each other.
“I’ve already had so many opportunities to learn not only from the presenters in workshops but also my peers. Also being able to have a mentor to help and advise me on this journey is probably the best part. Having that support from someone who is already successful in their own business ventures is invaluable and makes me very excited as to what’s next!
“Growth and expansion is really important for me and for Bloom Pilates. I want to provided support for people looking to not only get a great workout but also to help those people who suffer from pain, injury and disability.
“It is important to me to make pilates as accessible as I can to all because I know its ability to provide a happy, heathy and pain-free lifestyle. This does mean getting back into more renovations, but I can’t wait to take on that challenge again and see what I can come up with to achieve these goals.”
Whyalla City Council CEO Justin Commons said it was great that local businesses were accessing the support and services that the South Australian Business Chamber offers as part of their membership.
“It is really encouraging to see young Whyalla entrepreneurs giving it a go, Mr Commons said.
“Their drive and enthusiasm – combined with the resources they’re able to access thanks to our the South Australian Business Chamber partnership – will hopefully increase their chances of success. This will then entice even more businesses to establish themselves in Whyalla, leading to further growth for our entire economy and community.”
Whyalla Business and Tourism Chair Malcolm McLeod is pleased that Whyalla businesses can access not only the SAYES program but also the South Australian Business Chamber’s knowledge, advice, connection and advocacy.
“Our local businesses do not have to feel like they are on their own anymore. Whyalla Business and Tourism, the South Australian Business Chamber and the Whyalla City Council have filled those gaps for the SME business owner. ”
The South Australian Business Chamber is available to help Whyalla’s small business community to expand, generate additional income, employ more people, and help the local economy thrive. Together with Whyalla Business and Tourism’s local knowledge and support networks, and the Whyalla City Council’s support and drive, this program really puts business owners in a great position for growth.
For SAYES, please visit SAYES.
For the South Australian Business Chamber membership in Whyalla, please email David Slama.
