My Pathway - Self-Employment Assistance

26/05/2026

✨ Small Business Spotlight ✨

Meet Emma from Clutter Free Cairns, a business bringing calm, clarity and compassion into people’s homes across Cairns and beyond.

Emma offers residential decluttering and organisation services for private clients, NDIS participants, hospital-to-home transition support, mini sessions for those new to working with a professional organiser, plus virtual sessions available anywhere in Australia.

What inspires Emma most is seeing the transformation, not just in people’s spaces, but in their confidence, motivation and wellbeing.

“I love seeing the change in people’s demeanour and motivation levels, as well as the physical transformation of their spaces. I get so much satisfaction out of knowing their lives will run more smoothly from now on, reducing their stress and lightening the mental load.”

What makes Clutter Free Cairns unique is Emma’s genuine compassion, attention to detail and completely non-judgemental approach. Her work is deeply supportive for people navigating life transitions, particularly through her specialised Hospital to Home Package, designed to help people return home safely and comfortably after a hospital stay. This includes hospital transport, targeted decluttering for accessibility and functional organisation to support recovery.

Emma is currently being supported through the SEA Program with My Pathway, alongside the wonderful guidance of our mentor Tegan, as she continues building a business that truly makes a difference in people’s lives.

We’re so excited to watch Clutter Free Cairns grow and thrive.

Find Emma here: https://www.clutterfreecairns.com.au/

24/05/2026

A life-changing accident wasn’t the vision Dean had had for his career, but with support from My Pathway's Self-Employment Assistance program he’s lit up a new avenue and is seeing the benefits in his new business, Vision Headlight Restoration.

Utilising thirty years of experience restoring his own cars and motorbikes, and hearing how many cars in Cairns fail roadworthy checks due to cloudy, dull headlights, he saw a unique way to rejoin the workforce on his own terms. But while he had the knowledge, and had found a great formula to restore headlights to their former glory, Dean wasn’t sure how to convert his idea into a commercially viable business.

Having read about our Self Employment Assistance program online, Dean first tested the supports out by enrolling in our ‘Explore Being Your Own Boss’ workshop. Over five days, our small business mentors from around Australia combine to deliver online learning that covers all things small business: initial concepts, digital marketing, branding, competitor analysis and even finances.

Dean was surprised at the value he got from the government funded course, how easy the mentors made each aspect and what he was able to achieve while completing it.

“I thought you had to be a computer genius to set up a web page!” he said.

“But it was explained through this course and I managed to set mine up without spending a small fortune, and with a great sense of self achievement to match.”

Realising the value in the longer-term Self-Employment Assistance program, Dean was linked with local Cairns mentor Roberta who helped to develop plans, budgets and forecasts to ensure it could be a commercially viable business with achievable targets.

“Roberta has been an incredible wealth of knowledge, and her enthusiasm and faith in my business has been a driving force in me getting it up and running” he said.

“It’s been a challenge to have a total career change at my age, but it’s definitely been made achievable with the invaluable assistance from My Pathway and the Self-Employment Assistance program.”

If you can see yourself in your own business one day, why not talk to us about the supports available to help you succeed?

Like Dean, you could turn your vision and passion into a brilliant local businesses that shines as brightly as his reconditioned headlights do!

Get started today! https://mypathway.com.au/self-employment/

15/04/2026

You’ve heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve, but what about wearing your personality on your pants?

That’s exactly what one Whitsundays entrepreneur is inviting Australians to do through her fast-growing eco-fashion label, Lucky Bums, and It turns out, plenty of people in the region love the idea.

The Lucky Bums journey reflects exactly what the Self-Employment Assistance program is designed to achieve. Di already had the creativity and the product, so our work was about building confidence, clarity and commercial focus, helping her grow as a business owner. Watching her step into that confidence and own her space has been incredible.

If you are in the Mackay region and would like to chat to our passionate, local, small business mentors about our program and how it could support your existing business, or even about a business idea you have, our upcoming FREE workshops are a perfect opportunity.
Find out more about them or register here:
Small business or side hustle - FREE drop-in session - Walkerston
Side Hustle - From idea to first paying customer - FREE workshop - Sarina
Side Hustle - From idea to first paying customer - FREE workshop - Mirani
Side Hustle - From idea to first paying customer - FREE workshop - Mackay
Side Hustle - From idea to first paying customer - FREE workshop - Mackay #2

Or read our story about Lucky Bums' success below:
https://mypathway.com.au/lucky-bums-cheekily-shows-off-the-whitsundays/
National Employment Services Association, Workforce Australia

You’ve heard of wearing your heart on your sleeve, but what about wearing your personality on your pants? That’s exactly what Whitsundays entrepreneur Di Smee is inviting Australians to do through her fast-growing eco-fashion label, “Lucky Bums”.

30/03/2026

To run a small business in Australia, you need an Australian Business Number, your ABN.

Your ABN is completely free.
No cost. No exceptions.

If a site is charging you for an ABN, you are paying for something that is available to you for FREE.

We are seeing new business owners hand over money for a process that takes minutes through the official Australian Business Register.

Here is the only link you need:
https://abr.gov.au

Start smart. Keep your money where it belongs, in your business.

An Australian Business Number (ABN) is always FREE.

23/03/2026

My Pathway would like to extend a huge congratulations to our exceptional business coach, Tegan, who has been selected as a Finalist for the 2026 International Business Coach of the Year Award through the International Coaching Guild. Announced at last week’s International Coaching Guild Success Summit, themed Building a Coaching Career that Leaves a Legacy, this is a prestigious recognition of the ultimate excellence in the field of coaching, as nominated by professional peers and awarded against rigorous international standards.

Out of more than 3,500 coaches globally, only three were honoured as finalists in this category. To even be nominated was incredibly meaningful, but as Tegan shares, “learning that the awards are peer-nominated made the recognition even more special.” She also acknowledges the depth of professionalism upheld by the International Coaching Guild, whose global community aligns with 15 core competencies and 38 categories of professional practice, ensuring coaching continues to evolve as a powerful and respected profession worldwide.

Tegan is proud to bring this level of professionalism to My Pathway, where she supports participants in the Self-Employment Assistance Program to build strong, sustainable businesses with clarity, confidence and strategic direction. Her work reflects a grounded commitment to both excellence and impact, meeting people where they are and guiding them toward where they are capable of going.

This recognition speaks to the calibre of business mentors within My Pathway, and the strength of support available to small businesses starting, growing and evolving across regional Australia. Tegan is based in our Cairns office, where her work continues to create meaningful change for individuals and communities alike.

We're so proud of you, Tegan!

15/03/2026

THINKING ABOUT STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS IN TASMANIA?

My Pathway will be at the Tasmanian Small Business Expo today (Devonport) and tomorrow (Launceston) to answer all your small business questions!

This is a completely free event! Come and have a chat with Jess in Devonport or Teresa in Launceston. We'd love to see you there!

01/03/2026

What a fantastic event this was! We are so proud to be part of this community and look forward to supporting even more small businesses across the region. Thanks to our wonderful Small Business Mentor, Roberta, for representing My Pathway with such enthusiasm and professionalism! Here's to many more of these awesome events!

What a fantastic start! 🙌
Our very first Tablelands Trading Mate at Malanda Lodge was an incredible success last night. The room was full of energy, connection, and meaningful conversations about supporting local businesses across the region.
A huge thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to such a positive night.
Special shout-out to Bob Katter, Shane Knuth, Brett Olds, and Dave Bilney for your time, insight, and support — and to all of our speakers who shared valuable information with our community.
This is just the beginning. 🚀

25/02/2026

A reminder that our amazing Small Business Mentor, Cass, is at Aim Big Employment RIGHT NOW to answer all of your questions about running a small business! Come and have a chat!

BizPong until noon! :-)

23/02/2026

Unlock your business potential with Roberta’s hands-on expertise and tailored mentoring - your roadmap to thriving in Cairns and the Tablelands starts here!

🚀 Big News for Tablelands Trailblazers! 🚀
TM Event panel presenter - Roberta Aloia, representing My Pathway! 🌟

Our next Trading Mate event is on - FRIDAY 27th Feb from 5pm - and we are thrilled to introduce our guest panelist: 💼 Meet Roberta Aloia: Your Small Business Ally

As a Self-Employment Assistance Mentor with My Pathway, Roberta brings a powerhouse combination of real-world experience—having started and run several businesses herself—and expert knowledge of government-funded supports.

She is dedicated to connecting local small businesses in Cairns and the Tablelands to flexible, tailored mentoring designed to help you thrive!

🛠️ What’s in it for you?
Whether you're a start-up or a micro-business owner, My Pathway offers a clear path to success. Best of all, their services are Federally Funded, so there is no cost to you! 💸
Turn Passion into Profit: Launch your big idea with confidence.
Scale & Adapt: Get expert guidance on growing your existing operations.
Tailored Support: Mentoring designed specifically for your unique aspirations.

🌲 Stay & Play on the Tablelands!
Make a getaway of it! We’ll be gathering at the beautiful Malanda Lodge, but rooms are selling fast! 🏃‍♀️💨

✨ EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Snag a room for the special price of just $88! Don’t miss out on the chance to stay at this wonderful location while you network and grow.

📅 Event Details & Booking
Don't leave your business growth to chance—come and get the info you need to succeed!
📍 Where: Malanda Lodge, Atherton Tablelands
🔗 Book Your Spot: https://events.humanitix.com/tm-feb-2026-government-info-event

See you there for an evening of empowering connections! 🤝✨



https://www.tradingmate.com.au/toolbox-talk/2700--big-news-for-tablelands-trailblazers-

20/02/2026

MyPathway Regional Roadshow – Dysart, QLD

Dysart, if you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business, this is your day!

On March 5th at the Dysart Library, the My Pathway Self-Employment Assistance Regional Roadshow is coming to town in partnership with IntoJobs Mackay Region, bringing real, practical support for locals ready to explore self-employment.

💡 Turn Your Ideas into Income!

Through the My Pathway Self-Employment Assistance Program, you’ll discover how to:

✔️ Test your business idea safely
✔️ Build a solid business plan
✔️ Access expert mentoring
✔️ Learn marketing and financial skills
✔️ Connect with ongoing small business support
✔️ Explore potential income support while you get started

We are offering hands-on guidance, tailored for regional Australians who want to build something of their own, right here in Dysart.

🌱 Why Attend?

Because small business is the backbone of our economy.

Whether you’re:

-Ready to launch
-Thinking about a side hustle
-Recently unemployed and exploring options
-Or simply curious about what’s possible

This FREE SESSION could be the first step toward financial independence and building something you’re proud of.

📍 MyPathway Regional Roadshow
📅 March 5th, 9am
📍 Dysart Library, Dysart QLD
🤝 In partnership with IntoJobs Mackay Region

Come along, ask questions, meet the team and see what support is available to help you back yourself.

Your business idea deserves more than “one day.” It deserves a plan, support and a pathway forward.

We look forward to seeing you there!

17/02/2026

What’s one thing you could simplify today that would steady your business tomorrow?

Maybe it’s automating a process, delegating a task or finally getting those swirling ideas out of your head and onto paper. Simplicity creates stability, and stability creates room to grow. When things feel complex, the next right move is often to make something simpler.

If you’re not sure which process to simplify or where inefficiencies are costing you time and energy, My Pathway’s Self-Employment Assistance program can help you step back, see what’s really happening in your business and streamline what matters most.

Make the move toward simpler, steadier business: https://mypathway.com.au/self-employment/