Homework Helpers

The decision to start their own Tutoring Centre was a big step for Karen and Robert Wales. Robert had been a high school teacher for eight years, the last year as Head of the Science Department of Prendiville Catholic College in Ocean Reef. Karen had interrupted her advanced Education studies to cater for the 24/7 demands of raising Ethan (5) and Kaleyah (3), soon followed by Makayla.

Like other teachers, Robert had helped students outside school hours and wanted to do more. The couple are passionate about education. They believe that children's self-esteem is boosted when they learn effectively, and become less likely to indulge in antisocial behaviour such as drug use as they get older.

Long-service leave seemed to offer an opportunity. Now they could devote more time to offering after-hours help from their Thornlie home.

Or so they thought. Very soon, it became obvious that the needs of a young family are difficult to reconcile with running a business as the boundaries between family and business become blurred. Yet commercial rentals were expensive and the couple were not prepared for a long-term lease commitment.

They decided to talk to the Business Advisor at the Small Business Centre South East Metro and were delighted when they learned about the Small Business Centre in the newly-opened Agonis Building complex. Here were the exact facilities to suit a fledgling new business: offices of various sizes, meeting rooms, a reception, high exposure, 24/7 access with ongoing security and ample parking-and no leases. Not to mention conference and meeting halls with audio-visual aids and kitchen. Also available, a variety of on-site training courses where new business entrepreneurs can learn about the many hats they will be wearing.

In 2005 'Homework Helpers' opened for business from a small office in the Small Business Centre building. Very soon it became clear that the decision to move had been a sound one: the existing core of after-school students grew rapidly. Word-of-mouth recommendation from parents became the start of many enquiries and new enrolments. A busy after-school timetable filled with students who wanted help in a variety of subjects at all levels of schooling.

Long-service leave turned into full-time business. Karen enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce Course. 'Homework Helpers' opened a second learning centre in Malaga.

The Small Business Centre had hatched another successful enterprise, ready, after six months, to leave the nest and fly solo. The Centre Management was delighted: this was the very purpose of the Incubator, to assist new entrepreneurs through their most vulnerable first months.

Success is achieved when tenants leave!