Broome businesses get a boost
The Shell-supported Kimberley Business Network is helping businesses grow and reach their potential. Discover how this bespoke program is supporting business owners, like Emma, navigate opportunities and challenges, and connect them with other local entrepreneurs.
A network helping Broome businesses to prosper
The Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry was looking for ways to encourage local entrepreneurship and job growth. With Shell’s support, the Kimberley Business Network program came to fruition, employing business adviser Scott Ballem to coach and mentor new and growing local and Indigenous businesses in the region. “Whatever the Broome business community needs to help grow the economy of Broome, we act as the champion for them,” Scott said.
Watch to find out more
Taking a vow to navigate challenges together
When local marriage celebrant Emma Haynes wanted to grow her business, the Kimberley Business Network was there to support her. “There’s always some sort of workshop or coffee session in financial management, record keeping or marketing. It’s really helped my business to grow,” Emma said.
Scott knows that turning a passion like Emma’s into a business can come with enormous obstacles that the network is there to help navigate. “There’s industrial relation laws, HR laws, taxation and insurances – all these things they might not have any experience with. The goal is to try to say, let’s help you find a way to deal with all that so you can pursue what you got into this for. And it’s at no cost to them.”
359 businesses have benefitted from the program
Since the program started in January 2023, it has provided support to 359 businesses through coaching and workshops. So far, 19 new full-time equivalent jobs have been created through the participants business growth.
Regional economic development is a key area of investment for Shell. Our programs aim to grow local businesses, connect local businesses to new markets and welcome families.
