Single mum starts successful new cafe
Kangan Batman TAFE's New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) program has spawned yet another successful new business.
Debra Newlan started her café 'Phoenix on Rob Roy' in a Chadstone park just over 18 months ago.
The community around Chadstone shopping centre had been active in establishing a park and playground on the site of a closed-down high school and the park was well patronised as a result. Debra's idea for starting a café on the site came from the belief that local parents would welcome a place to relax and socialise while their kids played.
Debra had many years of catering experience but still felt she needed training in areas such as management and bookkeeping before she could achieve her long-held dream of starting a café.
She completed the NEIS program at Kangan Batman TAFE. NEIS is a Commonwealth Government program to help people into self-employment. The program includes training in small business management, help with developing a business plan, mentor support, and one year of income support while setting up the new business.
Since starting the café, business has grown twofold. The business now employs Debra full-time, two part-timers and two casual staff. Debra has also recently completed a liquor licence course and now offers alcoholic beverages along with the snacks and lunch menu. Debra is now thinking about franchising her idea of setting up cafes in similar parks in other locations.
"I still have to pinch myself every time I realise I've done it", Debra says. As a single parent, I can't believe I have established a successful business and am independently employed."
When asked about the café's unusual name - 'Phoenix on Rob Roy'- Debra explains: "The park and café really rose out of the ashes of the old school, and Rob Roy is the name of the street we are located on".
Kangan Batman TAFE is Melbourne's largest NEIS provider. The program is held at north west locations including Essendon, Deer Park, Moreland, Werribee and Sunbury, as well as in Richmond and the southern and eastern suburbs. The NEIS program is available year-round, with new classes commencing every four weeks.
