At our September Chamber on Tap event we showcased a number of Queensland Government services and programs available to our members. One of the programs presented was the Small Business Wellness Coaching program and we spoke to the region’s coach Kristy Wilson to learn more.
Small Business Wellness Coaching
The Queensland Government have established a network of wellness coaches help small business owners with unique and personal business challenges, needs and opportunities in a free and confidential environment.
A Small Business Wellness Coach provides one-on-one, customised emotional coaching support to you personally, assisting you to address stress impacts. This support includes helping you to identify the source of your challenges and strategies to enable you to move forward with your decision-making.
Wellness coaches are available to work with you or any of your family members who are employed in your business.
To be eligible to access a coach, your small business must (at the time of applying) must:
- have fewer than 20 employees (full-time equivalents) and less than $10 million in annual turnover.
- have an active Australian Business Number.
- have your small business as your primary income or you must have a recent record of it being your primary income source and the potential to do so again.
- be based in Queensland.
- have owners/directors that are not insolvent or are an undischarged bankrupt.
Microbusinesses and sole traders are eligible to access a coach.
The program is currently funded until June 2025.
When, how, and why did you become a Small Business Wellness Coach?
The region’s Small Business Wellness Coach is Mackay-based Kristy Wilson.
Kristy is a skilled and experienced finance and counselling professional. She has been working in the Mackay community sector for the past five years providing case management support to individuals experiencing emotional and financial distress using a person-centred and strength-based approach.
During this time Kristy has worked closely with many community organisations and has extensive knowledge of resources available in the area. In a voluntary capacity, Kristy also has experience working with disadvantaged adults and youth in the community.
Kristy holds a Diploma of Counselling, Diploma of Financial Counselling, and Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning).
“The program commenced just over a year ago, and I was working for the same organisation as a Small Business Financial Counsellor. I decided to apply for the position as I was completing my Diploma of Counselling” said Kristy.
“I could see the benefits of the role to support the business community as finances and personal wellbeing are so intertwined it is often hard to move forward in one area when the other is struggling.”
What are the top business issues or challenges you regularly experience through the Small Business Wellness Coaching program?
Through the program, Kristy believes the most common challenges business owners face are:
- Burnout and stress.
- The emotional impact of financial literacy.
- Working incredibly long hours.
- Staffing challenges.
- Income, cash flow, and financial challenges.
She has seen first-hand how these challenges have significantly impacted the business owner personally. Some things to look out for as signs of stress are:
- Having trouble concentrating
- Low energy
- Feeling irritable, nervous, angry anxious or worried
- Having trouble sleeping
- Sleeping to much
- Waking up or having difficulty getting back to sleep
- Experiencing weight or appetite changes
- Consuming more alcohol or other substances
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Panic attacks
- Emotional outbursts
- Destructive behaviour
Kristy has seen that when these factors are being experienced by business owners it also impacts the business.
“When business owners are impacted by stress common impacts to the business seem to be not meeting deadline, not working to your usual standards, feeling less engaged than usual, and withdrawing from staff and customers,” said Kristy.
The impacts can often be reflected in staff morale and reduction in profit margins.
“We all react to stress in different ways. Taking the time to recognise any changes in yourself is very important not only for your wellbeing, but also your staff and your businesses success,” she said.
What are your top tips for business owners, and why?
We asked Kristy about her top tips to business owners:
- Seek professional help when you need it, be it financial or personal related. It’s always best to get on top of your challenges before they get on top of you.
- Look after yourself, burnout can present itself in a number of ways and if not managed effectively it might force you out of your business for a period of time or slow you up.
- Manage your finances. Business finances and wellness are connected. Keep your overheads low and regularly review your cash flow.
For a confidential discussion, register today for the Small Business Wellness Coach session with Kristy.
Advocating for Regional Growth: Regional Development Australia Greater Whitsundays