When someone looks to start and grow their own business, they can be showered with ideas
But for George, his big idea starts in the shower and stretches all the way to his beloved ocean.
The Wash Bloc is the beginning of great things for George and the environment.
It’s George’s goal to convert 10,000 people from liquid products (in plastic containers) to solid products by 2024. This will save approximately 60,000 plastic bottles from landfill, or as rubbish in the natural environment.
Like many great entrepreneurs, George applied to the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme (NEIS) with a few ideas, but it was Wash Bloc which became his great idea.
The NEIS program has been delivered by APM Employment Services since February 2020. It was previously delivered by Konekt Employment.
From 1 July 2022, Self-Employment Assistance replaced the NEIS program.
The program helps eligible job seekers set and run their own small business. Participants have access to one-on-one business advice and mentoring for 12 months, along with a range of hands-on trainings.
George’s enthusiasm for sustainability left a positive impression almost immediately with his NEIS Consultant Marisa.
“George wanted to find a product that would make a real difference in the world. He has exceptional enthusiasm” Marisa said.
“Even when his first couple of ideas weren’t quite viable, he persisted, and we found one which matched his values and sustainability vision.”
“I wanted a product that was naturally derived, plastic free and came in biodegradable packaging, so I started making my own” George said.
“My rule for Wash Bloc was that it has to be as good for you as it is for the environment.”
As proof of how environmentally-friendly these products are, the shampoo bar doubles as a body wash – and can even be used in the ocean by intrepid travellers!
It’s been all go for George and the Wash Bloc since that conversation in August 2020, and beginning his training in October just two months later.
The hard work of simultaneously refining his product, finalising his business plan, packaging design and product copy has paid off!
Just two months after starting training, Wash Bloc’s website, online shop and first products were launched over December and January.
In less than six months, the Wash Bloc featured in The West Australian and George is currently in negotiations with a manufacturer to scale-up his production to meet demand.
The next Wash Bloc products in the pipeline are a travel case for the Wash Bloc bars and there are more amazing plastic-free toiletry products to come.
Marisa can only speak highly of his amazing efforts: “His marketing is targeting his demographic brilliantly and sales are likely to increase quickly beyond his personal capacity to hand-produce these luscious, essential-oil based cleansing blocs.”
“We are all so proud of George. I am confident that this is just the beginning of a very long, entrepreneurial adventure for him” she said.
Want to get your hands on a Wash Bloc?
You can visit the Wash Bloc online shop or visit one of their local stockists in Cottesloe or Dunsborough, Western Australia.
Get the best start in business
Access professional mentorship, accredited training through the Self-Employment Assistance program.
As part of Workforce Australia, Self-Employment Assistance provides more support to more people, more businesses in even more places across Australia.
Self-Employment Assistance can help you:
- Workshop a business idea
- Create a business plan and develop your business skills
- Provide you with accredited training in small business*
- Connect you with business coaching from experienced and local experts in a range of industries
- Self-Employment Assistance participant in their plant business
Existing small business owners can also use Self-Employment Assistance to develop their business plan, access accredited training, undertake a business health check and access business advice sessions.
To find out more, visit apm.net.au/sea or contact the SEA team at selfemployment@apm.net.au or on 1300 006 347.