OTSPC Newsletter - September 2025
Hi,
I have been thinking a lot about collaboration lately.
Well, not just thinking about it. I am doing it.
A few people have come into my orbit since I started this business that I have had almost instant alignment with.
One of them is Allie from Allabamboo, who does similar work to me but is differs in her experience with the bookkeeping and financial literacy side of business - something that’s less of a focus for me and OTSPC.
Allie and I instantly clicked when we talked about our structured approach to helping businesses become independent and confident in managing themselves. Like me, she’s passionate about sharing knowledge to build the strength of others.
So, when the opportunity came up to prepare a proposal together, we jumped at it. And through that process, we realised just how well we could actually work together. That’s led to us co-designing and co-delivering five events across the NT—and spending a week together on the road for October Business Month (more on that below!).
It’s been interesting learning how to work with Allie through sharing our knowledge, finding alignment, finding where our knowledge and approach is different and discussing that in detail to land an agreement on how to approach things that we talk about in our sessions.
One of the challenges of running a small business like mine is working alone. I feel like by working with Allie (and Tamika and Molly—my admin gurus!) I have created a little team environment.
We are really excited about what we are presenting for October Business Month, and I am super intrigued to see how our collaboration works and what else will come out of it.
If you haven’t already, make sure to leave some time in your calendar for OBM, so that you can take advantage of the considerable number of events planned across the territory.
The program launched recently and there is something for everyone.
And if you get a chance to collaborate on a project, a job or anything- put some thought into it. It could be just what you need to invigorate your enthusiasm for your business or your services.
Ciao, Conni
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Does the word risk make you roll your eyes and switch off your hearing?
I get it. But here’s a tip to make it all feel a bit less overwhelming.
Risk is something we need to consider in everything we do. That said, if you’re a small business, start-up, or side hustler, you probably don’t need a full-blown risk management plan designed for a civil construction company with a $50M turnover.
But we still can’t ignore it. Managing risk matters.
My take? Start with the risks that carry the highest consequences.
Even if the chance of something happening is low, you don’t want to be the person who didn’t take the time to prevent:
- a death or serious injury
- a data breach exposing sensitive information
- a noncompliance notice from a regulator
So, write down your risks. Then look at the ones that would be the absolute worst if they did happen—no matter how unlikely they seem—and plan to address those first.
If you want to chat more about one of my favourite topics, feel free to book a coffee with me HERE. I’m always up for a good risk conversation.
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I want to promote a club I discovered recently, called The Future Self Club.
I’m part of this club and it has helped me remarkably in just the few weeks I’ve been involved in it. It’s run by the wonderful Michelle Taylor who is an NT based psychologist and very focused on positivity and growth for business people. She’s not all science though- there’s the right amount of spiritual and big thinking stuff in this to keep it interesting.
It’s really worked for me and I think it could work for you if it sounds like a good fit.
This from Michelle: The Future Self Club is a psychologist-led, free membership community hosted on Skool, designed specifically for solopreneurs who want to move past hesitation and gain momentum in their business and life. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “I know what to do, I’m just not doing it,” or “I get off track too easily,” this is a place built for you .
Check out this community HERE
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In October, we are running a massive 6 events across the territory.
And for the next few days we have early bird pricing on our events.
🛠️ From Idea to Impact: 5 Essentials for Turning Your Business Concept into Reality
In Person | 27-31 October 2025
This workshop is designed for micro-business owners, side hustlers, and early-stage startups (less than 2 years operating).
This interactive session, led by Allie McIntyre and Conni Warren, focuses on the five essential steps to transform a business idea into sustainable reality.
Participants will gain practical advice, hands-on examples, useful resources and actionable takeaways to help them grow their ventures.
This workshop is perfect for those looking to formalise and expand their understanding of good management of their business including foundational financial literacy.
You’ll walk away with templates, tools, and Territory-specific insights. Facilitators: Conni Warren (On the Same Page Consulting) & Allie McIntyre (Allabamboo)
Join us in:
• Alice Springs – Mon 27 Oct
• Tennant Creek – Tue 28 Oct
• Katherine – Wed 29 Oct
• Palmerston – Fri 31 Oct
• Or attend online in September 👉 [Book your session]
🧱 Business building blocks: Foundations for building a resilient business Online | 18 October 2025
Do the words governance and policy and procedure make you cringe?
Well this session is for you. We will cover the essentials of risk-smart governance and how to document what matters most for your business’ success. Designed for small business owners, this workshop will teach you how to implement lean, just-in-time documentation practices that provide clarity and control. You will learn how to document the right things at the right time to reduce risk and support growth. By focusing on what protects your business now, you will be able to scale your documentation practices and build a business that is resilient, scalable, and saleable. It’s all about building a resilient business through effective documentation.
📅 One morning session. Easy access from anywhere in the NT.
👥 Why our organisations need managers as much as leaders In person | Katherine |16 October 25
Got a team… or thinking of building one? You’ve inspired people to join your business. Now you need to make sure the work gets done—without it all falling back on you. This workshop will show you how to manage your people and your business, with practical tools and a framework that works in the Territory. No theory, no Tesla case studies—just practical steps from someone who’s been there.
📅 One morning session in K-Town.
👉 [Book now] Spaces are limited, so book early to secure your seat.
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NT MAJOR PROJECTS CONFERENCE
Held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 26–27 November 2025, this annual conference is the Territory’s largest infrastructure and construction event. Hear from government and industry leaders on upcoming projects and opportunities. 👉 More info: ntconference.com.au
OCTOBER BUSINESS MONTH
October Business Month is nearly here! Early bird tickets are now on sale. This year’s program features practical workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, and plenty of networking opportunities across the NT. We’re excited to be hosting our From Idea to Impact workshops in Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Jabiru and Palmerston with Allie McIntyre. 👉 Explore the full program here: obm.nt.gov.au
ABORIGINAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FORUM
The Aboriginal Economic Development Forum is a powerful gathering celebrating Indigenous enterprise and self-determination across the Northern Territory.
This unforgettable event brings together First Nations entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers to share stories, spark ideas, and drive economic growth in communities across the NT.
With inspiring speakers, moving conversations, and real opportunities for connection and collaboration, this forum is a must-attend for anyone passionate about Aboriginal-led development.
👉 Learn more about future events and how to get involved: AEDF12
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BUSINESS GROWTH PROGRAM (NT)
The Business Growth Program offers support for NT small and medium enterprises—including for-profit, Aboriginal, and not-for-profit organisations—to access professional services that boost performance, sustainability, and profitability. Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000, covering 50% of eligible costs for approved services delivered by qualified providers.
A few eligibility checkpoints:
Must have an ABN and been operating in the NT for at least six months
Between 1 and 50 full‑time employees
Annual turnover between $75,000 and $10 million grantsnt.nt.gov.au+9business.gov.au+9grantsnt.nt.gov.au+9
Once funding is allocated, the program may close until the next funding round nt.gov.au.
👉 Find out more and apply here: Business Growth Program
ABORIGINAL TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM – Round 9
This round supports Northern Territory–based Aboriginal majority‑owned businesses to develop or enhance cultural tourism offerings. Projects may include creating new bookable experiences (like on‑Country accommodation or evening cultural offerings), upgrading visitor infrastructure, improving accessibility (e.g., solar power, pathways, ramps), installing interpretive signage, or adopting technology to elevate the visitor experience. A non‑competitive funding pool of $500,000 (ex GST) is available, with grants ranging from $30,000 to $100,000 (ex GST)—funding is granted on a first‑complete‑application basis. Applications opened on 24 June 2025 and will close on 6 March 2026 or earlier if funds are fully allocated. 👉 Learn more and apply: Aboriginal Tourism Grant Program Round 9
That’s all for this edition. Thanks for taking the time to read it. If there's anything you'd like to know more about, let's chat.
