2006 - Some of the highlights…
On Friday 20 October we celebrated the graduation of 29 entrepreneurs from Vortex4 and Bluestorm3.
Over the last 3 months these 29 companies have been working day and night on developing the most effective strategies to build their businesses. And we had some of Queensland’s finest in the group.
We had 15 companies complete Vortex4 (for creative industries) and 14 companies completed Bluestorm (a general business building program).
Our Vortex4 graduates included…
Dmand, who manage the Ten Tenors and have established this group as international stars. Dmand are now working on another innovation in entertainment. They have developed an orchestra with a twist-keep a lookout for Deep Blue!
Platypus Graphics have achieved great success in the printing industry. They are now expanding into new revenue streams and have finalised their 3 year expansion plan.
Urban Art produces artworks for public places. From small beginnings they have experienced tremendous demand for their art. They now have an office in Los Angeles and are looking at Middle East opportunities.
The film industry was well represented in our group of graduates. Forgan-Smith Entertainment presented their business model that includes alliances across 3 continents. They focussed on a film that will go into production in early 2007 – The Little White Horse.
KidzKanDo are a startup company that specialises in kids’ entertainment with a safety message. They have developed a range of products to improve safety education for small children.
Those companies who wowed the independent panel were:
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Dmand for the best overall Business Plan and Financial Plan.
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Forgan-Smith Entertainment for the Best Presentation.
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KidzKanDo were highly commended for their presentation.
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Riddel Architecture received the award for Best Marketing Plan.
Bluestorm3
Those graduating from Bluestorm covered a wide range of businesses including manufacturers, ICT companies, accountants and high technology companies.
The Award for Best Overall Performance went to Blast Movement Technologies. This company has innovative technology that provides mining companies with improved blasting operations.
The Runner Up Award was presented to Simmonds & Bristow, a company that provides water testing services to industry and government.
The Queensland Government has done a tremendous job in supporting many of these companies. The growth in the Queensland economy is testament to the support provided by the Queensland Government to the high growth SME sector.
A big thanks to all our program milestone managers, speakers and independent assessment panels. They keep the companies on track with valuable advice and guidance. Their contribution to the success of these companies is considerable.
We also acknowledge and congratulate all of the graduates from the 79 companies that have come through our various entrepreneur programs this year. In addition, we have had 414 companies attend short workshops during the year.
It’s been a big year and we have been impressed with the continued high level of entrepreneurial activity in Queensland.
It is a privilege to work with some of the most entrepreneurial and highly motivated companies in Queensland.
2005 - Some of the highlights…
Queensland the Leaders in National Competition
Of the last 6 national finals of the EDIA Business Strategy Competition, companies coached by Achaeus have taken out 5 National Titles and a second place – a record that we are proud of.
Our winning companies participated in Achaeus programs to hone their strategic and presentation skills. They have been against tough competition, companies such as Cochlear and Resmed have competed, and all our State finalists have done a terrific job to establish Queensland as truly an entrepreneurial hub of smart businesses.
Book Published
‘Business Opportunities made Investment Ready”
The Achaeus founders, Gail Geronimos and Noel Lindsay, have had a book published in the US, ‘Business Opportunities made Investment Ready’. It is based on their many years experience working with high growth businesses.
Gail and Noel’s main objective was to keep the book practical while not losing the key elements of business strategy. This book is used as the manual for the many programs that we conduct.
Helping biotechnology companies in NZ to engage partners and investors.
Gail Geronimos worked with 17 New Zealand biotechnology companies to improve their pitching skills. Most were on their way to the US to seek partners and to expand their businesses.
New Zealand has so many innovative and dynamic businesses – all with a high level of entrepreneurial flair. It was a delight working with this group.
Over 61 Companies now have a Clearly defined Plan for their Future.
In 2005, 61 companies will have graduated from Achaeus Programs. In addition, we have worked with many more providing mentoring and guidance to help build and grow their businesses.
More than 680 have attended the 16 Business Snapshots that we have conducted throughout 2005. We have all been very busy working with very exciting and entrepreneurial companies.
23 Companies Benefit through Intensive Mentoring.
During the year we recognised the need for an intensive mentoring program to focus on the very specific needs of our clients. So we reduced the lecture content of Bluestorm and increased the mentoring component.
The Queensland Government provides very generous subsidy of 50% for companies that qualify under their Advanced Business Planning Program.
Congratulations to our first group companies that graduated on 16 December.
Improving the Pitching Skills of Queensland Companies.
Life’s a Pitch continues to be in high demand. In all, Achaeus conducted 17 pitching workshops during the year.
Helping build Sales Techniques and Skills.
In responding to our clients requests, Achaeus conducted 4 sales workshops. This is a practical 1 day workshop focussing on developing a structured sales process, incorporating technology to reduce marketing costs and sales techniques.
The demand for effective selling and good sales skills is at the top of the list for many companies.
ICT Companies expand and Build Partnerships
A total of 31 companies graduated from FIG Programs this year. A program was conducted on the Gold Coast and one in Brisbane. These ICT companies have raised capital, expanded and entered new markets both in Australia and overseas. Achaeus partnered with the IIB to present these programs.
A First for Creative Industries
For the first time we conducted a program to build the creative industry sector in Queensland – an invigorating and energetic group!
This sector has a whole new perspective on business. They work in very interesting industries that bring their own challenges. Our 8 companies graduated on 11 November.
Many thanks to the Queensland Government for supporting this initiative.
Smart State Awards
Gail Geronimos has been a judge on the Premier’s Smart State Awards in 2003,2004 and 2005. These awards pay tribute to companies that are achieving great success and often we don’t hear about them. They provide inspiration and are great examples of what can be achieved.