Jacquie Hannan and Sarah Duncan, co-founders of Crecera.com.au – Photographer: Nicci K Photography
When Jacquieline Hannan and Sarah Duncan met, never did they think they’d be starting a business together. Likely because they were just 9-year-olds and more consumed by teenage heartthrobs than entrepreneurship. It wasn’t until 30 years later, after spending 20 years in their respective careers that they decided that it was time to turn their friendship into a business partnership.
‘We always thought we’d be radio presenters,’ Jacquie remembers. ‘We were having so much fun, and we wanted to share that with other people.’ ‘We were also in a band at one point,’ laughs Sarah. ‘ We just had so much energy and wanted to create something fun together.’ And while they pursued different careers after they each graduated high school, Jacquie working in accounting and finance, and creating her own firm, while Sarah worked as a journalist before becoming a digital marketing expert, they always assumed they’d work on another project together someday.
Jacquie and Sarah as kids in primary school
20 years into their careers, with loads of experience and the same excitement they always shared to start a new project together, the pair decided to create the company Crecera.com.au. ‘We have such complimentary skills,’ says Jacquie. ‘I’ve worked supporting businesses with their tax, business planning and financial support for many years, and Sarah is an award-winning digital marketing, content and social media expert. We just knew that we had some important knowledge to share with small business owners, especially during this period of financial instability.’
After interviewing a series of small business owners for market research, business partners Jacquie Hannan and Sarah Duncan made a somber (albeit expected) discovery. ‘Not that it surprised us, given the current economic climate and cost of living crisis, but through our research we found that 30% of the businesses we reached out to were unsure if they’d still be in business in two years time,’ says Jacquie, a Fellow Certified Practising Accountant and globally recognised expert. ‘A third of those business owners said that lack of motivation and inspiration would likely be the reason they shut up shop, with a whopping 60% revealing it would likely be due to lack of support,’ she says.
That’s one of the reasons the entrepreneurs, industry experts and long-time friends decided to put their knowledge and expertise to good use, and developed an online platform, the Business Growth Network and a free six-month mentorship program. “We decided to create a free six-month mentorship program giveaway for one lucky Australian entrepreneur, to assist them with their processes, business acumen and digital marketing,” says Sarah. “We were so overwhelmed with the applicants, that we ultimately decided to select three
winners.
Winners Beth, Kate and Kevin
‘The amount of times we’ve seen our favourite businesses share news online about shutting down has been really difficult to see, so it just seemed logical for us to put our knowledge together in the form of an affordable platform for entrepreneurs,’ says Jacquie. The mentorship winners range in industry and experience. Beth is based in Newcastle and is the founder of NewCastle Home Designs, which signifies a bold new chapter after decades in the industry. Beth is proving that success has no limit, and she’s ready to do it on her own terms.
“As a woman over 50, I’ve taken the bold step of turning decades of industry experience into my own business! I know the value I offer, but I need guidance to position myself more effectively, and build a thriving, resilient brand.” Kate owns a wedding planning business in Brisbane called Hitch Perfect and is looking at this as a bright new opportunity for her family. “Winning this mentorship feels like the exact boost my business has been aching for! I’m beyon excited to grow with their expert guidance and finally bring the vision I’ve had for my business to life.”
While Kevin is the heart behind Ardent Quest Travel, a business that embodies the belief that travel isn’t just about visiting somewhere different, it’s a vehicle for change. “Like any thriving ecosystem, support and collaboration are vital to achieve our goals. I’m so excited to be able to learn from Sarah and Jacquie and actively drive forward my goals through expert guidance under this incredible program.”
‘We’re so passionate about being able to support businesses in Brisbane and beyond and teach them how to turn their business support from non-existent to next level, without stress and overwhelm,’ she says. As well as their mentorship programs and the Business Growth Network platform, Jacquie and Sarah also host virtual and in-person workshops and events, their next in-person networking event will be hosted in Brisbane on May 22nd. For more information please visit Crecera.com.au or follow them on Instagram (@crecera.au).