Two new businesses start

Two new businesses have been started on the Peninsula under the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS).
Fiona O'Toole of Woy Woy has started Fiona Rose Photography, specialising in pet portrait photography.
Ben Craft has established Cycle Gardens, a bush regeneration gardening service.
The NEIS program includes a six-week training course in small business management, preparation of a business plan, provision of a mentor and general advice and support for new companies over the first 12 months of operation.
Fiona said: "I wouldn't have hit lift-off without the NEIS Scheme.
"The six-week course is really intense. It taught me fundamentals of business, pricing and research."
A prerequisite of NEIS was that businesses met a niche market
"There wasn't a local pet photographer around," said Fiona. "I thought: why not?"
Ben said his gardening service removed weeds and restructured gardens so that native plants were not displaced.
Ben said: "The NEIS training has helped a lot, particularly in the administrative side of my business.
"I submit a statement to my business mentor every three months and can discuss any problems that may occur.
"The support is really valuable."
The NEIS program is administered by Coastal Employment Services and funded by the Federal Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business.
Further information is available on 4322 0699.