2022 Small Business Finalists
The Ethnic Business Awards Foundation would like to congratulate all of the finalists of the 2022 Small Business Category.
Tailored Accounts - Harry Hoang - Braddon ACT
Born and raised in Viet Nam, Harry realized that if he was to fulfil his potential, he needed to get out of his comfort zone by migrating to a Western country to further his studies and career opportunities. Arriving in Australia in 2005, Harry enrolled as a first year Bachelor of Economics student at the ANU in Canberra. It wasn’t long before the harsh realities of being a migrant in a foreign country kicked in. However, the obstacles Harry faced did not dampen his zest for life. Instead, he doubled down on his efforts and following a short stint employed as a bookkeeper, Harry decided to start his own practice. In 2008, Harry founded Tailored Accounts, a one-stop-shop for tailored business intelligence services. From a simple bookkeeping start-up, Tailored Accounts has grown to a team of accountants and tax specialists with offices in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney and regional NSW. Boasting a clientele of 500+ businesses and non-profit-organisations, the future of Tailored Accounts looks bright.
Western Specialist Centre - Dr Raj Khillan - Werribee VIC
Making the journey from India to Australia with his family in 2004, Dr Raj Khillan was filled with aspirations of a better future. That future included a driving ambition to reach the peak in his medical and professional career. It was while lecturing at the Melbourne Clinical School at Notre Dame University that Dr Raj discovered a gap in the marketplace and set about filling it. It was 2005 when Western Specialist Centre (WSC) was born. Revolutionizing the provision of multi-disciplinary healthcare, WSC is Australia’s first and only private specialist centre providing medical and health services to women and children. Growing rapidly from 2 specialists and one location in 2005, WSC now employs over 40 individuals, including 30 specialists and operates from multiple locations across Victoria with plans to expand nationally.
Pachamama Early Education and Childcare - Kristen McPhail - Lesmurdie WA
Kristen McPhail left the USA for Australia in 1987 with empty pockets and a suitcase overflowing with a broken soul. However, despite the challenges she faced growing up, Kristen carried with her a heart full of hope and a will to make something of herself. Following 25 years of executive roles in the financial industry, Kristen’s entrepreneurial spirit drove her to explore an opportunity that would allow her to freely express her creativity, knowledge and leadership. In mid-2012, the Pachamama group of companies was created with an aim to teach children to value the environment and diversity while building resilience, confidence and life skills. Fast forward 10 years and through sheer determination, persistence and passion, the business has grown exponentially. From 6 employees in 2012 to 57 in 2022, the Pachamama group of companies is changing the paradigm of childcare across Australia.
Kismet Mechanical Pty Ltd - Sanjay Sethi - Leichhardt NSW
When Sanjay Sethi arrived in Australia in 1989 at the age of 26, he had a vision that incorporated hard work, resilience and success. Starting out as a taxi driver, Sanjay had an appetite for entrepreneurship and decided to expand his operation by developing a fleet of 165 taxis under his management over the next 15 years. In 2012, Sanjay recognized a great opportunity in the market for a reliable, well-priced, auto mechanic business that operated 24/7 in order to service the thousands of taxis on Sydney’s roads at any one time. Kismet Mechanical was launched and since then has gone from strength to strength, boasting over 39,000 customers including some of Australia’s largest corporate fleet vehicles as well as recognized global brands. With vertical growth opportunities and an eye on franchising the business, the future of Kismet Mechanical is only just starting to rev up.
