Vicki and Self-Employment Assistance

Caring for pets that need special support

Before she was a business owner, Vicki was simply someone who loved animals - especially those who needed a little extra care.

Her home was often filled with cats and dogs who didn’t quite fit the mould: pets with anxiety, chronic illness, or disabilities.

What began as a hobby caring for these animals, soon grew into something more.

“I am the owner and founder and director of Hand to Paw by Vicki,” she says proudly.

“As far as I'm aware, we're the only business in Australia that caters for special needs cats and dogs.”

But even with a clear passion and a growing client base, Vicki found herself at a crossroads. The business was running, but she wasn’t sure where she stood.

“What I didn't know was - where do I fit? I didn't have a gauge of how I was going.”

That’s when she discovered Self-Employment Assistance through APM.

More than just training, it offered mentorship, structure, and a sense of direction.

“Mentoring was critical,” Vicki says. “Rebecca, the mentor, was good in offering suggestions. I took all suggestions on board.”

Through the program, Vicki completed a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business, giving her the tools to formalise her operations and plan for growth.

“The first two units are all about building your business plan and market research,” Rebecca explains.

“It’s very, very much applicable to building that business plan successfully.”

Rebecca and Vicki walk dogs across a street

Perhaps the most transformative part of the experience was the confidence it gave Vicki.

“A key moment where I saw Vicki’s confidence increasing was when she started getting more money coming in,” Rebecca says.

“It really changed her outlook on how the business was going to move forward and be viable.”

Networking also played a pivotal role.

“One of my first team members came on board due to a networking event, which was awesome,” Vicki says.

That team has since grown and so has the impact of Hand to Paw.

“It’s not just a random pet sitting service,” client Lucy explains.

“It’s for pets who need special assistance, medication, or anxiety support.”

Employee Ciana adds, “It has such a great impact not only on the animals themselves, but also the families and us as employees.”

Earlier this year, Vicki’s journey came full circle when she flew to Sydney for the Australian Small Business Awards - and won.

“I’m really proud of her,” Rebecca says. “She’s come such a long way, and I feel really honoured to be part of her journey.”

For Vicki, the journey is far from over, but she’s walking it with purpose, pride, and a pack of very special pets by her side.

“The advice I would give? It’s never too old to start your own business,” she says with a smile.

“I am nearly 60, and this is my first business.”

Vicki and Rebecca from APM stand outside

What is Self-Employment Assistance?

Self-Employment Assistance, delivered by APM Employment Services as part of Workforce Australia, is a free initiative designed to help people start, grow, or formalise their own small business.

Whether you're exploring a new idea or already running a micro-business, the program offers tailored support to help you succeed.

Participants can access:

Business mentoring for up to 12 months
Accredited training in small business management
Help developing a business plan and financial tables
Networking opportunities
Income support (for eligible participants)

The program is open to people aged 15 and over (18+ for business coaching) and is available across Australia.

Explore how to get your business started.

Hand to Paw and Self-Employment Assistance

Caring for pets that need special support

What is Self-Employment Assistance?