Business with a heart of glass

Six months ago, glassmaker Matthew Anderson sold the odd bit of his work on Ebay to make a bit of extra money.

Now he’s running his own business, with the support of a new Mission Australia employment scheme.

The city resident supplies local clients with laboratory glassware he makes or imports from India.

“Ever since I was young I always loved scientific stuff and chemistry,” Mr Anderson told The City Messenger.

“I’ve had good jobs but I have never lasted more than a few months; I don’t know why. This is the first time work is something I truly love.”

Under the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, participants complete a training program and then formulate their own business plan which is approved by industry representatives.

Mission Australia provides support for the first year of the business, including a mentor to monitor progress.

The program is funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

Mr Anderson joined the program in January and his business - www.sciencesupply.com.au - has already attracted 10 clients.

He said he would “still be completely broke and hopeless” were it not for the program.

“All of a sudden I have money in the bank.”

Mr Anderson, who cares for his schizophrenic brother David, is now hoping to save enough money to buy a block of land in the Adelaide Hills and build a house. For more information on the program, contact 1300 006 347.

Story by Jessica Whiting, courtesy of The City Messenger.

Further reading

• For more information on the NEIS program and information on how to start your own business, visit our new Employment Solutions website.
• Read more NEIS success stories here.