Many Rivers: Supporting Small Business Dreams to Grow
As part of this month’s focus on self-employment and small business pathways, we spoke with Jon Crail, Head of Revenue and Partnerships at Many Rivers. Jon shared insights into how Many Rivers works alongside people who are exploring business ownership, including those who may face barriers to traditional employment or mainstream business support. The following Q&A captures the information he provided about Many Rivers’ approach, services and the practical first steps available to people with a business idea.
1. For people who may not be familiar with Many Rivers, can you tell us about your organisation and the mission behind your work?
Many Rivers is a not-for-profit organisation that supports people to start, sustain and grow small businesses. Our work is grounded in the belief that self-employment can be a practical pathway to independence, dignity and economic participation, particularly for people who may not have easy access to mainstream business support or finance. We walk alongside people over time, helping them turn an idea into a viable business and build confidence as business owners.
2. What services does Many Rivers provide for people who are interested in starting or growing their own small business?
We provide practical business coaching and support at every stage of the small business journey. That can include testing a business idea, understanding customers, pricing, cash flow, basic business planning, registrations, marketing, and building the confidence to take the next step. Where appropriate, we can also help clients access small amounts of finance to get started or grow. The support is very practical and tailored to the person, their goals and their local context.
3. Who is eligible to access support through Many Rivers, and what kinds of barriers or challenges do your clients typically face?
Many Rivers works with people who have a business idea or an existing small business and who would benefit from practical, one-on-one support. Many clients face barriers such as low income, limited savings, limited access to mainstream finance, lack of business networks, caring responsibilities, regional or remote location, contact with the justice system, or simply not knowing where to start. Some people come to us with a strong idea but low confidence; others have already begun trading and need help to make the business more sustainable. Many Rivers prioritising working with people who are receiving welfare or other government payments, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
4. How does the coaching and support process work, and what can a client expect when they first connect with Many Rivers?
When someone first connects with Many Rivers, the focus is on listening and understanding their idea, goals and circumstances. A business coach will usually talk through where the person is up to, what they want to achieve, and what support would be most useful. From there, the coach works with the client on practical next steps. The relationship is ongoing rather than a one-off appointment, so clients can continue to check in as they test, launch and grow their business. Our coaches live and work through Australia and are thus often able to meet with clients in person and have an understanding of the local economy.
5. Can you share a success story of someone who has worked with Many Rivers to build their own business? What impact did self-employment have on their life?
Here are a couple of success stories:
https://manyrivers.org.au/client_stories/margaret-boomerang-jerky-sydney-nsw/
6. What advice would you give to someone who has a business idea but isn’t sure where to start or lacks the confidence to take the first step?
Start with a conversation. You do not need to have everything worked out before asking for support. A good first step is to talk through the idea with someone who can help you break it down into practical steps: who your customers might be, what problem you are solving, what you need to get started, and what the first small test could look like. Confidence often grows through action, and starting small can make the process feel much less overwhelming.
7. How can people learn more about Many Rivers or get in touch if they would like to explore starting their own business?
People can learn more through the Many Rivers website at www.manyrivers.org.au. They can enquire through the website and connect with a local Many Rivers business coach to talk through their idea and what support might be available.
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