Kirsten Vivian
A lot of small businesses fail in their first year, so when Kirsten Vivian had a great idea for a new shop, she wanted to make sure that she wasn't one of those statistics. Having previously studied Tourism at university and worked in both public and private sector jobs, Kirsten wanted to strike out on her own and has set up the gourmet takeaway and grocer, called The Cook and Grocer, in Gungahlin. "I thought there was an opportunity for something a bit different in Gungahlin but I wanted to do it properly - get the skills and knowledge to set up the business."
Kirsten completed the Certificate IV in Small Business Management in six months full time, but was still able to work part time. "The Reid Campus location was very convenient and it was a real incentive to still be able to work while studying."
The course provided Kirsten with the opportunity to set up all the processes and plans for her new business while she studied, bringing a real life quality to her assignments. "Some others in the class struggled a bit because they didn't have a concept in mind, whereas this place took shape as I did the course." The OH&S section was a big eye opener for Kirsten. "I didn't know it was so extensive!" But now, with the luxury of coming into an empty space, her shop is set up with great OH&S and potential for the future.
The Cook and Grocer offer a Manuka experience in Gungahlin, with home made takeaway meals, breakfasts, wine and specialty groceries. Things are going well and Kirsten says because of the course, "the procedures area all well documented, so if we are looking at a second store down the track it will be a lot easier."
Having previously studied at university, Kirsten was surprised at both the extensive nature of the course, the great teachers and the cost. "It is a very good price compared to other training for what you get. The teachers were really great - very passionate about their subjects. They bought the practical aspects as well as the academic to life."
Kirsten was recently honoured as a finalist in the ACT Government Canberra Business Point Business Awards 2008 for The Cook and Grocer.