Built To Last: The Office for Small and Family Business
Annie Spratt
In partnership with The Office for Small and Family Business
Discover how South Australia's Small Business Strategy 2023–2030 program is helping shape the future of the state’s small and family business community
Family businesses are founded on hard work, trust and shared values. They grow and thrive over generations because they adapt, stay resilient and remain deeply connected to the communities they serve.
According to the Family Business Barometer Survey, published by the Family Business Association, 70 per cent of Australian businesses are family-owned. On top of the normal day-to-day pressures of running a business, family businesses face specific and complex challenges, such as family dynamics, succession planning, adapting to change, balancing family and business needs, maintaining generational vision, and securing long-term financial security.
An initiative in South Australia's Small Business Strategy 2023–2030, the Small Business Fundamentals Program is an opportunity for business owners to build knowledge and capabilities in areas such as finance and investment, management, strategic planning, marketing and communications, human resources and more.
The Small Business Sustainability Support program helps businesses increase their knowledge of environmental sustainability, understand its relationship to their business and helps build capability in adopting sustainable practices and reducing emissions.
Monty chatted with Tom Whittenbury of Grundy’s Shoes and Teagan Fisher of Fisher Kitchens, two businesses that have benefited from the programs, to discover more about their visions for the future and the impact the programs have had on their businesses.
Grundy’s Shoes
Grundy’s Shoes is a family-owned footwear business that’s been leading the way for over 150 years. Specialising in sourcing and selling comfortable footwear with stores in Glenelg, Victor Harbor and Adelaide, as well as a thriving online department, Grundy’s Shoes has been proudly serving the South Australian community since 1868.
Company Director and General Manager, Tom Whittenbury, a sixth-generation family employee, is passionate about continuing to see the business grow and thrive. He believes the reason behind Grundy’s Shoes’ success is that they appreciate their market.
“We understand what we’re good at and we focus on doing it exceptionally well,” says Tom. “This approach ensures we earn loyal, repeat customers. After all, you can’t put a price on good old-fashioned service.”
To strengthen the business’s governance and plan for the future, Tom and his cousin Damien, the current CEO with 30 years of experience, participated in the Small Business Fundamentals Program.
“The course proved to be an excellent opportunity to network with other family businesses and to gain valuable insights into strategic direction, succession planning, family charters, and the governance of family-run companies,” explains Tom.
Things look bright for Grundy’s Shoes, with the business having recently completed a $2.5 million renovation of its Glenelg store and proudly employing its seventh-generation family members to help lead the business into the future.
Grundy’s Shoes are located at Adelaide, Glenelg and Victor Harbor. Find out more at grundysshoes.com.au.
Supplied
Fisher Kitchens
Founded in 2014 by husband-and-wife team Teagan and Braydn Fisher in their backyard shed, Fisher Kitchens is a South Australian-based cabinetry business driven by a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces that feel like home.
Motivated by both personal values and a growing interest from clients, Teagan and Braydn joined the Small Business Sustainability Support Program, delivered by 2XE. Through workshops, consultations, and on-site assessments, they gained valuable insights into reducing their carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency.
One major outcome of this initiative has been their decision to install solar panels at their manufacturing site – an investment that not only aligns with their values but also reduces overheads in the long run.
“By generating and storing our own power, we’re far less reliant on traditional coal-based energy sources. It means we can run the business more efficiently, reduce our carbon emissions, and have greater control over our energy use, which is a big step forward in making our operations more sustainable. It’s one of those decisions that just makes sense. It’s good for the environment and good for business.”
As for the future of Fisher Kitchens?
“We’d love to see Fisher Kitchens grow beyond just the two of us to become a destination workplace for talented, passionate people who share our values,” shares Teagan.
Fisher Kitchens is located at 23 Evans Street, Woodside. For more details, visit fisherkitchens.com.au or call (08) 8389 9668.
Supplied
CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR SMALL AND FAMILY BUSINESS
Whether you’re just getting started or growing your venture, the South Australian Government’s Office for Small and Family Business is here to help you feel confident about what comes next.
They’re all about making business easier, with practical tools, expert advice, and free support to help you build, grow and thrive. They can help with planning and setting up your business, building connections with local governments and assist with accessing grants while offering support through programs including the Small Business Fundamentals Program, Sustainability Support Program and Mental Health and Wellbeing Program.
For more details, visit business.sa.gov.au to explore what’s available.
