Stronger Businesses.

Stronger Communities.

Stronger Economies.

 

The Growth Compass pathway is a structured local business capability program designed to help councils and industry partners support businesses at scale — while delivering measurable outcomes.

 

Explore the Program
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When business owners gain clarity and confidence, they build stronger businesses.


Stronger businesses create more vibrant communities — and stronger local economies.

Why small business support needs to CHANGE...


 

Most business support focuses on individual workshops or short-term solutions.

But real impact comes from building capability over time.


Because when business owners lack structure:
• growth becomes inconsistent
• pricing and profitability suffer
• marketing feels overwhelming
• burnout becomes common

The result? Businesses survive — but don’t truly thrive.

Introducing The Growth Compass...


 

A structured business growth framework that helps business owners move from:

overwhelm → clarity → sustainable growth

 

Delivered through Your Business Compass framework, businesses learn:

• Brand clarity and positioning
• Financial understanding and pricing
• Marketing strategy and visibility
• Systems and workflow
• Planning and growth

BRAND - PRICING - MARKETING - LEADERSHIP - SYSTEMS - PLANNING

How the Program Works...


 

Localised Business Boost Program

Councils and/or industry partners sponsor a cohort of local businesses over 12 months to participate in The Growth Compass pathway. 

Participants receive:

• 12 months' access to Your Business Compass course
• 12 x monthly Knowledge Boost live coaching sessions + replays
• practical tools, resources and templates
• structured learning across 6 key business areas

 

Councils / Industry Partners receive:

 • a structured, scalable partnership designed to deliver real, measurable outcomes, supporting business capability, and strengthening local economies.

 • visible impact and stronger engagement by creating visible participation across the business community and fostering better relationships between the council/industry partner and local operators.

 • clear, practical quarterly insights (including capability growth, businesses engaged, and common challenges) that can be confidently reported on to demonstrate impact and inform future initiatives.

Online Learning

Monthly Sessions

Tools & Templates

Measureable Outcomes

Participants contribute $50 inc gst to ensure commitment.

Local Activation Sessions

(in-person)

Focused, practical sessions designed to create immediate impact.

 

Examples:

- 5 Ways to Grow Your Brand Locally

- Marketing Momentum

- Pricing for Profit

 

These sessions, delivered by Compass Guides - deepen engagement and strengthen local business communities.

Partnerships & Outcomes


 

The Growth Compass is a structured, scalable partnership designed to help councils and industry organisations move beyond one-off initiatives to deliver real, measurable outcomes. It provides a repeatable model that supports business capability, strengthens local economies, and provides partners with meaningful data to inform future initiatives.

Through a council/industry-supported cohort, local businesses are guided through a structured capability program designed to build clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth.

 

What This Practical Partnership Delivers:

  • Visible Impact: Creates visible participation across your business community and a clear demonstration of investment in local economic development.

  • Stronger Engagement: Fosters stronger engagement between the council and local businesses through practical support for local operators.

  • Scalable Approach: The program can be tailored to your priorities, whether piloting a small cohort, engaging a broader cross-section of businesses, or delivering a region-wide initiative.

 

Measurable Outcomes You Can Report On:
Participating sponsors receive clear, practical quarterly insights to confidently demonstrate impact, engagement, and progress. These insights include:

  • Number of businesses engaged.

  • Capability growth across key areas (before and after).

  • Common challenges facing local businesses and areas of opportunity for further support.

  • Participant feedback and success stories.

 

OUTCOMES FOR BUSINESSES


 

âś“ clearer direction
✓ stronger confidence
✓ improved marketing capability
✓ better systems and structure

 

OUTCOMES FOR COUNCILS + ORGANISATIONS


 

âś“ scalable business support
✓ stronger engagement with local businesses
✓ measurable capability growth
✓ insights into local challenges 

Partnership Options


The Growth Compass Program is designed to support different community sizes and priorities.

FOUNDATION PARTNER

Supporting 20 local businesses

+ quarterly insights report

COMMUNITY GROWTH PARTNER

Supporting 40 local businesses

+ 1 Local Activation Session

+ quarterly insights report

REGIONAL IMPACT PARTNER

Supporting 80+ businesses

+ 2 Local Activation Sessions

+ quarterly insights report

Programs are tailored and scalable to align with council / industry body priorities and individual community needs.

Download the full program overview
Book a Conversation to Explore Options

Strong local economies are built on a diverse mix of businesses, industries, and community contributors.


The Growth Compass Pathway is designed to support this community business fabric — recognising that different business types face different challenges, opportunities, and growth pathways.


Participants are guided through the program with a shared framework, while also receiving targeted insights relevant to their business type.

Small Business, Service & Micro Enterprises 

Supporting independent business owners to build sustainable, profitable businesses

Includes service-based businesses, sole traders, market stall holders, and micro enterprises.

 Creative & Cultural Industries 

Turning creativity into viable enterprises

Helping creatives strengthen pricing, visibility, and sustainable income models.

Mainstreet & Local Retail 

Strengthening vibrant town centres

Supporting retail and service businesses to increase visibility, foot traffic, and customer loyalty.

Visitor Economy

Maximising regional & local tourism opportunities
Helping businesses attract, engage, and convert visitors into long-term advocates.

 Agriculture & Food-Based Businesses

Supporting producers to build sustainable, value-driven businesses

Regional economies are deeply connected to agriculture, food production, and land-based enterprises.

 

Community Leadership

Strengthening collaboration and local impact
Supporting business owners and leaders who contribute to broader community outcomes and partnerships. 

 

READY TO BUILD CAPABILITY IN YOUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY?


Book a conversation to explore how The Growth Compass pathway can support your community or region.

Book a Call
Download the Program Guide

F.A.Q


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