At BizCover we like to recognise and reward small businesses owners who go above and beyond for their customers. When big companies can’t offer personalised care, independent businesses come to the rescue. For sole traders such as Ebony, their clients are their number one priority.
The $2000 BizGiver grant is awarded each quarter to better the lives of small business owners and facilitate growth through a product or service. Our 45th round of BizGiver Australia received over 500 entries this round, making it highly difficult to select a winner. During our selection process, we provide a space for small business owners to share their story and tell us how they plan to use the BizGiver grant. At BizCover, we take this grant seriously. We share all the finalists’ stories with our staff and invite everyone to vote for who they think should receive the grant.
Ebony has had Professional indemnity and Public Liability insurance with BizCover since she started her small business in February 2021. When reaching out to other sole traders in her industry for advice, nearly every person she spoke to recommended BizCover. We are proud to support Ebony through her journey!
Congratulations to Connecting Hands Aged Care and Disability Support, the 45th Winner of BizGiver. We interviewed Ebony Parker, owner of the small business in Nambucca Heads, about her passion for helping others and the significance of the grant. Here is her story.
Why did you start your business?
I started my own business to have more independence and flexibility in my life. I also wanted to be personally responsible for the results and accomplishments that were achieved.
Why did you enter the BizGiver competition? Why did you wish for your particular wish?
I thought I would take a chance to enter, but not in a million years did I think I would win as I never win anything! The product I wished for, an iPad, would greatly improve the productivity of my business.
How will winning this prize help your business?
Winning this prize will enable me to access client files on the go. I can also easily record mandatory notes after each shift, and manage my roster and send invoices more efficiently.
What does being a small business owner mean to you?
It means being able to make the right decisions, not just for myself, but for others too. I am able to make quick decisions in the best interest of my clients, whereas when you work for someone else it can take days to get an answer after providing feedback. I can assess each situation and help my clients then and there, and this in turn provides better care in my eyes.
Why do you love your job?
There are a million reasons why I love my job! It’s an opportunity to make a real difference in other people’s lives. I wanted more than just a 9-5 job – I wanted to do something meaningful and to help people from all walks of life. Work is not always easy but making an impact and changing someone else’s life is so rewarding. One of my favourite parts of the job is developing programs to support my clients to develop skills and abilities that will allow them more independence and give them an opportunity to feel connected to their community.
Where do you see your business in 5 years’ time? What are your growth goals?
I envision expanding my business across the local community and surrounding suburbs. I also wish to find great employees that have the same vision and goals as myself, which is to be the number one aged care and disability provider, and to deliver the best care possible by going above and beyond for every client.
What are the biggest challenges your business faces? How will winning the prize help?
One of the biggest challenges of this industry is that clients who are on aged care funding packages may not know they have more freedom and choice when it comes to choosing providers. Once they have been approved for their package, clients receive a list of providers in their area, which are usually the big companies. They don’t realise they can choose private organisations or small sole traders in this industry. Big companies usually have hundreds of clients – in the past I have heard clients say they have been forgotten or had no one turn up to provide support. This can leave vulnerable people without personal care or hygiene for days. Having a small business means I can dedicate more personal time to my clients, and no one EVER gets left behind. My small group can receive service on their preferred days, and I have the same roster every week. Winning the prize will ensure I can keep operating efficiently, which allows me to build a strong and trusting bond with my clients.
What have been your biggest achievements?
One of my biggest achievements was how fast my name got around and how many people wanted me to provide support. A lot of my clients have been through word of mouth, which is a great feeling and shows you’re doing your job right.
To learn more about Connecting Hands Aged Care and Disability Support, please visit this link:
https://www.facebook.com/ebonyjparker/
From independent disability workers to professionals and tradies, BizCover is here to help. Get a free quote today!
