Starting a small business is no certainty of financial success, however there are three things all entrepreneurs can be sure to encounter; long hours, growing pains and the lingering threat of tax.

Innovation and adaption to market demand is the cornerstone for success in business, and it’s no more evident than in the convenience sector.

Working close to home in regional New South Wales and being able to balance his family responsibilities was important to Ganesh Natarajan.

There is no doubting that 2018 was a difficult year for the franchise sector, and with the impending results of the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Franchising Code of Conduct set to be handed down in February, 2019 is shaping as a year destined for sector change.

Australia’s largest convenience chain, 7-Eleven, is a well-established franchisor that started in 1977. The company now has more than 680 stores across Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.

When former Australian football player, Peter Nikolakopoulos led his Victorian team to international victory in the 2002 Hyundai World Championships in Korea, praise came thick and fast, but it was what happened when he returned to Australia that proved to be the greatest reward.

If you’ve spent the last ten or even twenty years in a corporate setting, going out on your own and starting a handyman or food retailing business may seem like a backward step.

7-Eleven is Australia’s largest convenience chain with more than 680 stores across Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. It is Australia’s third largest private company, with more than 40 years’ experience in retail and franchising.

From humble beginnings in 2011, Soul Origin has grown its three stores to 106 now trading nationally.

For many small business owners, the reality of operation can be a daunting task. While passion, effort and pride are important elements in the development of a strong business model, outside factors and rising overheads can dampen the spirits of even the most enthusiastic entrepreneur.

Over the past 15 years, technology has evolved at unheralded speeds, culminating in the creation of new industries, platforms and consumer services.

For mum and dad entrepreneurs, Paul and Hayley, getting into business for themselves was a life-long goal, but the two weren’t going to settle for just any opportunity.