Entrepreneurship.AU with Christo Peter Christo

In this episode, I chat with Paz Pisarski , the phenomenal Co-Founder of The Community Collective. Paz is a professional musician and now Entrepreneur who is building impactful communities and supporting 200+ businesses, including Canva, MYOB, CSIRO, Blackbird Ventures, Founders Factory Africa, and more! You may recall the concept of a Key Wo/Man business we mentioned in the last episode,..  well here she is!!Her journey is nothing short of inspiring. From managing Australia's largest startup community at The Startup Network to growing RMIT Activator’s community from 500 to 5000+, and designing 10 Accelerator programs, Paz has done it all. She’s also automated tasks at Happy Spaces coworking and empowered migrant women through SisterWorks. Now, living along the Surf Coast, Australia, Paz continues her mission with The Community Collective. She enjoys sipping Chamomile tea and creating relaxation music as Paz Sounds. Contact Paz at The Community Collective or via her Music at Paz Sounds.>>>>SPONSORBrought to you by:  Digital Asset Custody Solutions Pty LtdSince 2019, Digital Asset Custody Solutions Pty Ltd (DACS) has provided a boutique concierge service for SMSFs, small businesses, and family offices to add Bitcoin (BTC) to their portfolios. In 2022, DACS began offering Digital Asset Attestations (DAA) for SMSF clients in response to a demand for independent reports to comply with stringent ATO audit requirements. Over the past three years, DACS has become the market leader in this space, experiencing exponential demand for these novel attestations.If you want to "Get off Zero Bitcoin" in your SMSF or Business, contact us on hello@dacs.io or phone 1300 346 495 | WhatsApp: +61 412 133 363.https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/025-Paz-Pisarski-Prod-Edited.mp3

Entrepreneurs live or die based on their ability to access capital. Grants are an option for whatever stage of your entrepreneurial journey, like them or hate them.In this episode, I enjoyed interviewing Mr. Steve Dowling from Grant Helper. Over the past decade, Steve has developed specialist expertise in government relations, focusing on accelerating business growth through securing government grants. He has worked with various companies in value-added processing, fabrication, textiles, food and beverage, software development, tourism, agriculture, and community services.Steve's impressive track record includes securing over $30 million in grants for projects with a combined value of over $250 million. Some notable successes include a $3.5 million grant for a clean energy manufacturing plant fit-out, $1.5 million for a brewery discovery centre, $870,000 for a sports centre redevelopment, $1 million for a bionic eye MedTech startup, $600,000 for a preschool centre refurbishment, and $500,000 for a fruit processing plant fit-out.Steve has helped tens of businesses achieve their growth potential through grant funding. If you have a big idea for your business, no matter how ambitious, and believe it might be eligible for a grant, reach out today to explore the possibilities. Steve is here to encourage and guide you in your grant funding journey.Contact Steve at Grant Helperhttps://granthelper.com.au/>>>>SPONSORBrought to you by:  Digital Asset Custody Solutions Pty LtdSince 2019, Digital Asset Custody Solutions Pty Ltd (DACS) has provided a boutique concierge service for SMSFs, small businesses, and family offices to add Bitcoin (BTC) to their portfolios. In 2022, DACS began offering Digital Asset Attestations (DAA) for SMSF clients in response to a demand for independent reports to comply with stringent ATO audit requirements. Over the past three years, DACS has become the market leader in this space, experiencing exponential demand for these novel attestations.If you want to "Get off Zero Bitcoin" in your SMSF or Business, contact us on hello@dacs.io or phone 1300 346 495 | WhatsApp: +61 412 133 363.https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/024-Steve-Dowling-Grants.mp3 https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/024-Steve-Dowling-Grants.mp3

In this episode, I discuss Erik Zimmerman's remarkable journey. Influenced by his psychologist mother and futurist father, who profoundly impacted my own entrepreneurial philosophy, Erik has developed a keen understanding of human behaviour and business innovation.Erik’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked in 2006 after viewing "A Crude Awakening" at the Melbourne Film Festival. This experience led him to found Rezeko Pty Ltd, a renewable energy company later acquired by AGL in 2011. His commitment to sustainable solutions continued with his investment in Echo Group Corporation Pty Ltd, focusing on energy efficiency and solar technologies, which was acquired by Energy Australia in 2019.As CEO of Sitetech Solutions, Erik oversees operations that support over 2,850 building sites across Victoria with pioneering fencing and safety technologies, including the exclusive E Bracket, Kingfence, and Fence-Lok systems. He is also a major shareholder and Director of the upcoming Edutech startup Alcazar, which will launch in mid-2024, and a foundation investor in Treecoin.During our discussion, we covered the key elements that have contributed to Erik's success and his vision for making a difference in the world. His latest endeavor, the Wonga Forest project, aims to plant 100,000 trees near Daylesford, embodying his commitment to addressing global challenges and transforming consumer trends into successful business ventures. Join us as we delve into how Erik’s rich background and innovative mindset drive his mission to create impactful change.Join me in a most extraordinary conversation with Mr Erik Zimmerman.Contact Erik at Sitetech Solutions.https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ERIK-ZIMMERMAN-PROD.mp3

This week, I enjoyed reconnecting with an old friend and fellow blockchain enthusiast, David Ritter. Our paths first crossed in 2017 in Shanghai, and David's intellect and passion for innovation in the financial services immediately stood out in our interactions.  After rekindling our connection a year ago, I was eager to have him share his insights on the show.David's journey is inspiring and deeply informative, especially in today's digital age, where privacy is paramount. He is currently making waves in the privacy sector, leveraging his extensive background in blockchain technology.David is CEO and co-founder of Privacy Lock, a pioneering company that offers privacy-compliant solutions to banks and financial institutions. His academic journey began at USC and was enriched by his professional experiences in China and the USA. Before Privacy Lock, David co-founded a blockchain company that played a critical role in enabling Web 3.0 technologies, which I believe was a landmark initiative in the field.David has spent six years specialising in compliance technologies for banks and financial entities. His previous venture involved creating tax compliance solutions for multinational banks—a testament to his innovative approach to complex challenges.Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, David also contributes to the broader privacy community. He chairs the Colorado Privacy Policy Commission and is an active member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals.David Ritter is a true visionary in the intersecting realms of privacy and blockchain. Please enjoy my conversation with Mr David Ritter. https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/022-David-Ritter-PROD.mp3

Here's my conversation with Gaynor Lawton, an inspiring mentor helping both small businesses and teenagers navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.Gaynor believes that self-doubt can immobilise even the most confident entrepreneurs. This observation led her to focus on Business Development and Mentoring, ensuring that individuals grow along with their ventures.She has harnessed these insights to create TeenBoss, a dynamic training program that has the power to transform the aspirations of 16-18-year-olds, igniting their business ideas into reality.Join me as we explore Gaynor's own journey and discuss how she aims to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs to conquer doubt and realise their business aspirations.https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Gaynor-PROD.mp3

In this show, I interview Norm Jenkins again.  You may remember Norm was one of the first discussions on the podcast (EP#004).  Today, in Ep #020, we discuss the power of culture as a driver for entrepreneurial success in a start-up.  Norm and I discuss the power of establishing a solid culture at the beginning and building from there to minimize unnecessary friction and conflict and accelerate growth.  This includes the basis upon which the first foundational hires take place and the hard and confronting conversations we have to have with life partners.  This is complex and nuanced stuff but critical in the early stages.Enjoy my conversation with Norm Jenkins.Norm's contactable via linked-in (https://www.linkedin.com/in/normjenkins/) or email norm@i4d.com.au. https://entrepreneurship.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/020-Norm-Jenkins-PROD.mp3