Owner to Owner is the boldest business podcast for Australia’s SMEs. Host Michael Kerr gets raw and real, talking to business owners like you. Exploring the everyday struggles they face and the different pathways they tread to success. Forget the slick stories of tech titans and out-of-reach solutions from people who’ve never put their hopes and livelihood on the line. Owner to Owner dives into the wins and losses, pitfalls, luck and moments that made a difference. You’ll find grit, laughs, maybe a few tears and hard-won lessons only available from others who’ve been where you are—whatever your stage of ownership. Every business owner has a compelling story to share. Join us to listen and learn.
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October 14, 20261 hr 4 min
Three Successful Exits - what this ex M&A lawyer learned about Earnouts: Tony Simmons:
Master M&A, Earnouts, and Small Business Growth with Tony Simmons | Owner to Owner Podcast Ep #184 In Episode 184 of the Owner to Owner podcast, host Michael Kerr sits down with entrepreneur, builder, and former M&A lawyer Tony Simmons to explore the hidden realities of business exits, negotiation traps, and structural deal risks. Episode Overview & Key Takeaways From Corporate Law to Entrepreneurship: Tony shares his pivotal career shift from working on massive telecommunications deals at British Telecom in London during the dot-com boom to chasing his entrepreneurial ambitions. Building and Exiting Tech Ventures: A look back at Tony’s ventures—including Full Circle Group, Lithodomus, and Sonant—and why solving real customer problems naturally leads to acquisition opportunities. Navigating M&A Traps and Exclusivity: Expert advice on avoiding predatory buyer tactics, managing living data rooms from day one, and navigating high-stakes exclusivity periods without losing leverage. Demystifying Earnouts: Understanding how earnouts function as an insurance policy for acquirers, the importance of securing cash upfront, and how poorly structured deals strip founders of control. The Post-Exit Reality: Candid insights into the psychological toll, identity loss, and emotional challenges founders face the day after walking away from their businesses. Fixing Small Business Policy: Tony's take on cutting bureaucratic red tape and why policymakers need real-world private sector experience to support small business growth. Listen to the full episode to master the mechanics of business exits and protect your enterprise value. Connect with Tony Simmons at tonysimmons.com.au or via LinkedIn. Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
September 30, 20261 hr 5 min
People First, Technology Second: Building Uptake Digital- Brenton Johnson
People First, Technology Second: Building Uptake Digital with Brenton Johnson Episode Description: What is the secret to scaling a tech company while ensuring it stays human-centric, unique, and intentional? In this episode, we sit down with Brenton Johnson , founder of Uptake Digital , to explore how he built a thriving Managed Service Provider (MSP) by putting people and purpose before "gazillion-dollar" scale. Brenton shares his entrepreneurial journey—from fixing computers for slabs of beer to guiding SMEs through complex digital transformations. We dive deep into why your IT partner is now your most critical infrastructure, the "missing middle" of AI adoption for small businesses, and why culture belongs on your balance sheet. Whether you are an MSP owner, an SME founder navigating tech changes, or an entrepreneur thinking about how to build a highly sellable and resilient business, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leadership, psychological safety, and the future of work. Key Takeaways: The New IT Mandate: Why your IT provider is now more critical to your business infrastructure than your accountant or lawyer. The "Balance Sheet" of Culture: How investing in psychological safety and organisational development creates long-term business assets. Navigating AI in Small Business: Understanding the "missing middle" of AI adoption and how standardizing processes can future-proof your company. Building a Sellable Business: Why creating a business to sell is actually about building a resilient, owner-independent system (even if you never plan to leave). Rethinking Entrepreneurial Risk: Brenton’s take on how Australia can better support small business owners and encourage innovation. Chapters & Timestamps: 01:21 - Building a Unique Culture at Uptake Digital 03:29 - The MSP Business Model: Purpose-Driven Work Over Gazillion-Dollar Scale 06:07 - Measuring Success: Team Structure and The Balance Sheet of Culture 08:47 - The Entrepreneurial Journey and the NEIS Program 14:23 - Risk-Taking and Digital Transformation 21:03 - AI in the MSP Space and Future-Proofing 33:35 - Why The Future of IT is Human 37:41 - Industry Consolidation, M&A, and Building a Sellable Business 59:33 - Fixing the Small Business Environment in Australia Connect with Brenton Johnson: LinkedIn: Brenton Johnson Company: Uptake Digital Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
September 16, 202644 min
The Hidden Cost of Too Much Technology in Small Business: Elise Balsillie
Overcoming Small Business Burnout: Why You Need Simpler Systems, Not More Tech Welcome to another episode of the Owner to Owner Podcast . If you’ve ever wondered how to reduce small business burnout, the answer often starts with simplifying your small business tech stack. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the endless apps, subscriptions, and communication channels required to run your business today? You aren't alone. In this episode, Michael sits down with Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv ANZ, to unpack why modern technology often adds complexity instead of freedom for small business owners. They explore the best systems for service based businesses and dive deep into the burnout epidemic. You'll learn exactly how to build a business that runs without you, which is the ultimate key to reducing owner dependency for business sale and preserving your day-to-day sanity. Whether you want to learn about using AI for small business marketing, improving local visibility for contractors, or leveraging Thryv for small business growth, this conversation covers the practical steps to get your time back. In this episode, you’ll discover: The Burnout Reality: Why Thryv’s recent research shows 45% of Australian small business owners have considered stepping away due to workload pressure. The "Mishmash" Tech Stack: Why stringing together too many isolated tools creates process gaps rather than fixing your core problems. The 3 a.m. Rule: How to stop trying to fix everything at once and focus strictly on the one issue keeping you awake at night. Real-World Success: How Booth Contracting saved 10 hours a week and scaled from a single van to a national operation using better local SEO and lead generation. Building for the Future: Actionable ways to reduce owner dependency to boost both your current profit and your eventual exit valuation. Practical AI Adoption: How to take practical, baby steps into AI to save time on everyday tasks without feeling overwhelmed. Episode Chapters: 00:00 – The modern small business trap: Why tech promises freedom but delivers pressure 05:22 – The "mishmash" tech stack and how to solve your 3 a.m. problem 09:06 – How Thryv helps service businesses grow (featuring the Booth Contracting case study) 18:37 – Surprising data from the Thryv Business Index: Burnout, rising costs, and wearing too many hats 25:29 – Reducing owner dependency to improve saleability and transition out of the day-to-day 30:22 – Building AI-powered marketing systems that outlast the owner 38:24 – The future of online discovery and how AI is changing local search 43:30 – Elise’s final advice for overwhelmed owners and how to take the first step Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
September 2, 202651 min
Why More Graduates Are Buying Businesses Instead of Starting Them: Bill Lang
In this episode of the Owner to Owner Podcast, Michael sits down with Bill Lang —Chair of Small Business Australia , Co-chair of Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs for Oceania, and a seasoned business founder and advisor. They dive deep into the rising trend of "entrepreneurship through acquisition," exploring why buying an established business is becoming an increasingly popular and less risky alternative to the traditional startup model. Bill shares fascinating insights from his recent Harvard Business School reunion, highlighting the explosive impact of AI on the "solopreneur" movement and how technology is fundamentally lowering the barriers to entry for new business owners. Beyond trends, Bill delivers practical, hard-earned wisdom for current SME owners. From the critical importance of documenting your business processes and preparing for unexpected succession, to managing cash flow and learning from Other People's Mistakes (OPM), this episode is packed with actionable advice for building and sustaining a successful business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition: Why buying an existing business is often a smarter, lower-risk strategy than building a startup from scratch. The AI Revolution: How artificial intelligence is empowering a new generation of "solopreneurs" to launch fully functional businesses in minutes. Succession Planning: Why documenting your business processes is vital for attracting buyers and protecting your family in case of unexpected life events. Regional Business Hubs: The essential role of Australia Post Licensed Post Offices (LPOs) in supporting regional and rural small business economies. Surviving the Journey: Bill’s golden rules for small business survival, including why "cash is king" and the immense value of learning from other people's failures. Policy Reform: Bill's vision for a simplified employment structure and tax incentives to fuel a small business revolution in Australia. Chapters: 01:20 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship 06:24 Changing Perspectives on Business Ownership 11:34 The Rise of Solopreneurs and AI 16:29 Navigating the Landscape of Business Acquisition 21:36 Preparing for the Unexpected in Business 26:36 Lessons from Past Acquisitions 26:58 The Impact of Capital on Startups 30:04 Navigating Tax Changes and Business Opportunities 32:02 The Future of AI in Business 34:54 Leveraging AI for Small Business Growth 38:43 Aussie Post's Role in Supporting Small Businesses 42:23 Lessons from a Small Business Journey 46:52 The Need for Practical Experience in Politics #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcquisition #Solopreneur #SmallBusinessAustralia #BusinessAdvice #AIforBusiness #SuccessionPlanning #BusinessStrategy #PodcastSEO Small Business Australia: Connect with Bill Lang and find resources to support your business journey at smallbusinessaustralia.org . Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
August 19, 20261 hr 6 min
Why Credible Business Owners Get Drowned Out Online: Trevor Young
Why every business owner needs to build authority. Michael sits down with Trevor Young —PR and communications advisor, coach, mentor, writer, author, and podcast host—to unpack why building authority is a strategic business asset for SME owners. They discuss how founders can build credibility, visibility, and trust without falling into noisy self-promotion. The conversation also gets practical about content, earned media, owned media, and how all of this affects growth, reputation, and even business saleability. In this episode: The real job of PR: Trevor reframes PR as building a deeper connection, trust, and reputation with the people who matter most to a business, rather than just chasing press hits. Why good owners stay invisible: A look at tall poppy syndrome, analogue mindsets, the fear of bragging, and the discomfort many owners feel about putting themselves out there. Content-led communications: Trevor breaks content down into four distinct buckets: Utility content Thought leadership content Personal content Brand content Why owned media matters: The case for email newsletters, websites, podcasts, and other channels you control, rather than relying solely on platforms that can change their rules overnight. Pick fewer channels and do them well: Why you shouldn't try to be everywhere, and how to build a strong base on just one or two channels (usually LinkedIn plus an owned channel). Matching format to founder: How video, writing, and audio all have a role, and why the best format depends on the founder’s strengths, the audience, and the business model. Thought leadership > generic utility: While answering common questions is useful, the stronger opportunity is to express a point of view and challenge the status quo. Trust takes repetition: Why people often need to see you 7 to 12 times before they factor you into their thinking. Authority helps sales and exits: How personal brand, business brand, and strategic communications affect acquisition, talent attraction, and the ability to build a business that can run without the founder. Timestamps 00:00 - Why business owners need to build authority 00:58 - Trevor’s background in journalism and PR 02:12 - Why he works with credible founders and experts 05:31 - Tall poppy syndrome and the fear of visibility 07:25 - Why content paralysis happens in a noisy media landscape 09:24 - Why owners already know they need to act 11:45 - Content-led communications across owned, earned, and paid media 13:27 - PR versus marketing and why the distinction matters 16:22 - Choosing the right content format: writing, video, audio, visual 17:42 - A property company’s 350 video and live stream playbook 19:10 - Why owned media beats platform dependence 21:14 - Personal brand websites, books, and digital ownership 22:52 - The reality of omnipresence and big creator teams 24:42 - Why most business owners should focus on fewer channels 27:05 - Utility content versus thought leadership 28:30 - Why a contrarian point of view can matter more than FAQs 31:27 - How repeated exposure and personal stories build trust 34:19 - The four content buckets, including brand content 35:22 - The 80/20 rule for promotion versus value 39:42 - Why newsletters still matter, even if they are simple or curated 41:20 - Why YouTube is a major opportunity for business owners 42:42 - Building a show instead of random videos 45:57 - Beehiiv and newsletters as business assets 49:49 - Why human stories beat AI and how earned media helps discovery 51:34 - How AI tools use earned media and websites to verify people 55:38 - Why companies should make internal people into stars 57:06 - Michael Hyatt’s move from personal brand to business brand 62:49 - Using back channels and case studies to support sale readiness 64:42 - Creating heat around a brand through visibility and speaking 67:19 - Talent attraction, retention, and employer brand 68:42 - Adam Robinson’s LinkedIn growth and startup content strategy 71:41 - What Trevor would do if asked to lead small business policy 74:09 - Where to find Trevor’s website and newsletter Notable quotes “We want to hear from the genuine people who have got something to offer.” “If you just do rollout paid ads and you have nothing underneath to back it up, you're gonna have to put your hand in your pocket for a lot longer.” “If you want to grow quickly from a low base, it's all personal brand. If you want to build to sell, it's the business brand first.” Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
August 5, 20261 hr 1 min
Brewing Independence: 20 Years of Craft Beer Success with Peta Fielding
What does it take to build a thriving independent brewery in the shadow of multinational giants? In this episode, Peta Fielding , co-founder of Burleigh Brewing , takes us behind the scenes of her nearly 20-year journey crafting one of Australia's most beloved indie beer brands. From buying a brewery out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy to mastering long-term strategy and fostering deep brand loyalty, Peta shares the highs, lows, and crucial decisions that fueled their growth. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical insights on passion, resilience, and scaling up while staying true to your community values. Key Topics & Takeaways: Building and sustaining an independent craft brewery in Australia Navigating early hurdles, including acquiring a bankrupt business Competing against multinational beverage giants The power of venue dynamics, brand loyalty, and community engagement Strategic growth, funding, and leadership for the long haul Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Peta Fielding & Burleigh Brewing 02:27 – The Origins: From Hawaii MBA to Burleigh Heads 05:55 – Buying a Brewery Out of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy 07:36 – Building a Business with Values & Community Focus 12:38 – Scaling Up: From Small Units to a Production Brewery 18:16 – Funding, Investors, & Business Growth 25:49 – Current Capacity & Future Expansion 37:27 – Venue Role & Community Engagement 43:44 – Industry Challenges & Multinationals in Australia 54:22 – Leadership, Succession, & Long-Term Vision 1:07:38 – Future Outlook & Maintaining Independence Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
July 15, 202657 min
Solving the SME Succession Challenge with Employee Ownership | Andrew Clements-EOA
As thousands of Australian small business owners approach retirement in the coming decade, the question of succession looms large. Selling to a competitor or on the open market are familiar paths, but what about selling to the people who know the business best—the employees? @ Andrew Clements from @ employeeownershipaustralia talks about; The critical differences between traditional share schemes and EOTs, How to overcome the regulatory hurdles holding Australia back, and Why transitioning ownership to your team can boost productivity and preserve your business legacy. Whether you are looking to retire in five years or simply want to build a more engaged workforce today, this episode provides a clear roadmap for exploring employee ownership. In This Episode, We Cover: The looming SME succession crisis and why traditional exits aren't working for everyone. The fundamental differences between allocated employee share schemes and unallocated EOTs. How overseas markets like the UK and Canada have successfully mainstreamed employee ownership. Why EOTs are a perfect fit for professional service businesses, and how to structure them for asset-heavy businesses like farming. The "tax dodge" stigma and the urgent need for clear ATO guidance and legislative recognition in Australia. How employee ownership drives remarkable productivity and builds stronger local communities. Andrew’s top three actionable tips for founders looking to transition out of their business in the next five years. TIMELINE: 00:00 Introduction: The Looming SME Succession Challenge 01:12 What's Changed in Employee Ownership in the Last 5 Years? 07:40 Understanding Employee Share Schemes: Allocated vs. Unallocated Plans 14:55 Are EOTs a Genuine Asset Class for Small Business? 21:19 The Push for Legislative Recognition and ATO Guidance 27:39 Building Community and Retaining Local Businesses 31:33 Why Professional Service Businesses are Perfect for EOTs 38:13 Financing the Exit: Staged Sell-Downs and Managing Risk 45:22 Boosting SME Productivity Through Employee Engagement 49:23 Structuring EOTs for Asset-Heavy vs. Low-Capital Businesses 55:46 The Gap in Professional Advisor Awareness 59:28 Top 3 Tips for Founders Retiring in 5 Years 01:01:20 Andrew’s Vision for Simplifying Small Business Regulation About Our Guest: Andrew Clements is the Co-Chair of Employee Ownership Australia (EOA) , an advocacy group dedicated to facilitating and promoting employee ownership across the country. Andrew is a passionate advocate for reducing regulatory complexity and creating simple, robust succession models for Australian SMEs. Read the full, searchable transcript of this episode here: https://ownertoownerpodcast.com.au/episodes Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
July 2, 202653 min
How Employee Ownership Reshapes Trust, Motivation, and Legacy in Small Business: Monica O’Malley
Important Note for Listeners: This episode contains a discussion regarding mental health and the professional challenges—including suicidal ideation—faced by dental practitioners. We believe these conversations are vital for industry transparency and support. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, please reach out to one of the following confidential, professional services: Dental Practitioner Support : A 24/7, independent, and free national support service specifically for dental practitioners, students, and their families. Phone: 1800 377 700. Lifeline Australia : 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services. Phone: 13 11 14. Beyond Blue : 24/7 mental health support and resources for all Australians. Phone: 1300 224 636. The Essential Network (TEN) : Specialized mental health support for health professionals, developed by the Black Dog Institute. Episode Overview: In this episode, we explore the structural and cultural shift of moving a small business toward an employee-owned model. Our guest, Monica O’Malley, shares her journey in restructuring her dental practice, focusing on how this model fosters professional agency, eliminates traditional hierarchical friction, and builds long-term organizational resilience. We discuss the tangible impact of ownership on team motivation and the intentional steps required for leaders to build a lasting, purpose-driven professional legacy. Key Topics Covered: The Case for Shared Agency: Moving beyond top-down management to increase team engagement and problem-solving capabilities. Building Institutional Resilience: How employee ownership acts as a buffer against industry turbulence and "perma-crisis." Cultural Transformation: Practical steps for shifting the internal value system of a firm toward transparency and shared vision. Legacy Planning: Strategies for leaders looking to transition power and ensure the long-term health of their practice. Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
June 17, 202645 min
Designing a Business that Fits Your Lifestyle: Not the Other Way Around - Marie Carrillon
Building a Purpose-Driven Business as a Mumpreneur with Marie Carillon In this episode, Marie Carillon , founder and podcast host of the Business Mum Compass, shares her insights into how mothers can create impactful, flexible businesses that align with their lifestyle and values. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, personal branding, and clear definitions of success, especially in the evolving online economy. Key insights include: How Marie transitioned from broad entrepreneurship content to focusing on mumpreneurs upon realizing their unique needs. The significance of personal branding for online success and the role of authenticity in building trust. Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome and mindset blocks, especially for mothers balancing family and business. The importance of defining success on your own terms and regularly revisiting your goals. How online businesses offer greater flexibility, making it easier to balance motherhood and entrepreneurship. The necessity of showing up consistently online, even when results aren’t immediate. Reflection on the journey of entrepreneurship, learning from failures, and the value of persistence. The influence of AI and digital tools in scaling small businesses and personal branding. The ongoing need for support systems and accessible education for mumpreneurs, including affordable childcare and mental health resources. Practical steps for aspiring mompreneurs to start their journey with confidence and authenticity. Chapters: Introduction to Marie Carillon : Her work at the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship Transition to Mumpreneurs : From general entrepreneurship to a niche focus Mindset Challenges : Overcoming imposter syndrome Aligning Business with Motherhood : Balancing goals and realities Coaching and Confidence : Overcoming mindset blocks Personal Branding : Key to online success AI and Digital Tools : Impact on business scaling Authenticity Online : Building trust and relatability Engaging Content Creation : Tips for founders Offline vs. Online Branding : Current landscape Evolving Business with Family Needs : Defining success Purpose and Passion : Sustaining motivation Trial and Error in Entrepreneurship : Learning from failures Avoiding Burnout : Setting realistic expectations Online Business Models : Flexibility and growth Aligning Business with Passions : Core values Marie’s Entrepreneurial Journey : Lessons learned Misinformation about Success : Importance of authenticity Persistence and Results : Long-term success Podcast Evolution : Focus on mumpreneurs Embracing Change : Overcoming fear of pivoting External Opinions and Resilience : Influences on business Supporting Mums in Business : Education and childcare Societal Role of Mums : Through entrepreneurship Success Factors for Small Business : Consistent effort and support Future of AI in Branding : Growth opportunities Integrating Business Education : Practical advice Resources & Links: The Business Mum Compass Podcast Marie Carillon - LinkedIn Marie Carillon - Instagram Business Mum Loveable Website Connect with Marie: LinkedIn Instagram Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
June 3, 202650 min
Community Ownership Explained: How Rural Towns Can Save Essential Businesses: Matt Pfahlert
Most rural communities are facing a critical crossroads: how to preserve essential local businesses when traditional ownership models are failing. What if communities could take ownership themselves—reclaiming their future one business at a time? Matt Pfahlert founder of Community Owned Australia , explains how regional communities can take a step towards buying and operating the assets they can't afford to lose. Drawing on successful models from Australia and overseas, Matt shares practical lessons on community ownership, social enterprise, governance, funding and long-term sustainability. This conversation explores what happens when ownership transition fail, how communities can identify opportunities worth saving, and why entrepreneurial thinking remains essential even when profit isn't the only objective. If you're interested in business ownership, succession, regional development or the future of rural Australia, this episode offers a fresh perspective on keeping communities alive and thriving. Key Topics The role of community ownership in preventing the closure of essential local businesses The powerful concept of "recombinant innovation"—bringing proven strategies from overseas and adapting them to local contexts. How rural communities can leverage local networks to acquire assets The importance of entrepreneurial mindset and operational discipline in community-run businesses Examples of related models from overseas Practical steps for communities to start their ownership journey using the Community Owned Australia framework The significance of long-term planning, succession, and shared services to sustain rural businesses Policy insights for government support, including easing regulations around superannuation and incentivizing rural investment Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing the importance of community ownership in rural Australia 01:11 - The risk of losing key community assets and the concept of community buyback 01:55 - Matt’s background growing up in rural communities and early entrepreneurial ventures 04:19 - Lessons from youth entrepreneurship and trading in small towns 05:30 - Moments that highlighted the need for alternative ownership models 07:45 - How overseas models inspire Australian solutions 09:44 - What Recombinant Innovation means for community-led ventures 11:30 - The principles and scope of Community Owned Australia 12:09 - Diagnosing community needs and supporting local enterprise creation 14:02 - Building feasible business models with technical support and grants 15:20 - The importance of community governance, local investment, and co-ownership 17:23 - How to leverage external networks and mentorship for rural projects 20:05 - Changing community perceptions and motivation for local ownership 21:28 - The impact of local small businesses on retaining population and improving local appeal 22:39 - Identifying the types of businesses suited for community ownership 23:57 - Stages of community readiness and initial steps for engagement 26:11 - Role of entrepreneurial discipline and operational excellence in community ventures 28:00 - The significance of professional management and governance roles 29:32 - Innovative ideas like renewable energy projects to boost local economies 32:48 - Strategic planning, business succession, and understanding local business ecosystems 35:53 - Financing, valuation, and overcoming bank reluctance in rural asset ownership 38:04 - Engaging local champions—women, community leaders, and long-term residents 39:21 - The shifting mindset: from curiosity to motivation for rural community ownership 43:39 - Examples of successful buy-backs and their long-term asset value 44:40 - How communities can initiate with minimal risk through expressions of interest 47:21 - Hypothetical: What Matt would do as Australia's small business minister 48:48 - Final thoughts and how to get involved with Community Owned Australia You can register your interest here Community Owned Australia Other resources & Links Development Trust Association of Scotland Plunkett UK Kerr Capital Thanks for listening. Visit the Owner To Owner Podcast website to subscribe, listen back, or check out any resources or information mentioned on the show. Search @ownertoownerpodcast on your favourite podcast player to subscribe and listen to the episodes. Reach out to Michael Kerr via the website if you need personal assistance or advice for your small business. michael.kerr@kerrcapital.com.au www.ownertoownerpodcast.com.au
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