Alyson finds confidence to launch her dream business

Living in the quiet town of Innisfail, Alyson was struggling with severe anxiety that made it hard to leave the house, let alone attend regular appointments.

When Alyson first connected with APM for Workforce Australia support, she found it difficult to visit the office due to her anxiety.

Her APM Employee Consultant, Malachi, and Business Manager, Libby, took the time to understand her situation and worked gently and patiently to support her.

Together, they arranged for Alyson to attend counselling sessions, which gave her a safe space to talk about her mental health and begin building her confidence.

The support didn’t stop there.

Malachi and Libby made sure every appointment was a positive experience, helping Alyson feel safe and heard.

Over time, Alyson began attending appointments in person and even started volunteering at a local op shop in Babinda a couple of times a week.

It was a big step forward, and one that helped her reconnect with her community.

With her confidence growing, Alyson began dreaming bigger.

She had an idea to start her own business making baby clothes to sell at local markets.

Libby helped her apply for an ABN, and Malachi provided her with a fold-down table to use on market days.

Alyson is now full of ideas and energy, planning to design business cards and eventually launch an online store.

“Thank you for everything APM has done for me,” Alyson said. “I cannot thank you enough.”

Alyson is still part of the Workforce Australia program, which offers tailored support for job seekers, including help with job applications, training opportunities, and access to local employers.

She’s actively applying for part-time work to support her business and is excited about what’s ahead.

Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, people can overcome personal challenges and achieve their goals.

If you’re looking for help to find work or start your own business, APM and Workforce Australia can provide the guidance and resources you need.