The Heart of the Matter
The recent feature in The Australian by Robin Ironside, touched on a truth that has been the driving force of my career, from the very first RedBalloon voucher to my current work on various boards: Small business is the essential backbone of our country.
The article mentions my own recognition with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to business and leadership, an honour I am incredibly "flattered, honoured and humbled" to receive. But the truth is, this award is not just for me. It’s on behalf of every single small business owner who "toil[s] away every day, not knowing if a customer is going to walk in the door."
My career—spanning the launch of RedBalloon 25 years ago and co-founding the Big Red Group—has been focused on developing ideas to help small and big enterprises thrive. RedBalloon, which started with a handful of operators, now serves 4500 small businesses across Australia. That scale, that network, is my proudest achievement because of what it represents for the wider economy.
Here's why this philosophy—why this commitment to the small business ecosystem—is so crucial for every leader, investor, and customer in Australia.
1. The Multiplier Effect: The Engine of the Economy
The idea that small businesses are the backbone isn't an exaggeration; it's a financial reality. When a small business succeeds, the impact ripples across the entire community, providing essential fuel for the Australian economy:
- Employment: Small businesses are the primary employers in the country, giving people purpose and income.
- Capital Investment: Their success generates capital that is reinvested locally, driving economic activity.
- Tourism & Local Spending: As I shared in the article, one of our hot air balloon suppliers, who's been with us for 25 years, has grown from one balloon and 900 passengers to 19 balloons and 23,000 passengers. "Every one of those passengers spends money in our community"—on accommodation, restaurants, and other local experiences.
Small businesses are more than just vendors; they are the engines of employment, capital investment, and local tourism. We owe them our support and a clear voice.
2. A Testament to the Australian Ethos: 'Give It a Go'
The sheer tenacity of the 2.6 million small businesses across Australia is a testimony to the fundamental Australian ethos of "give it a go."
As I noted, people start these ventures because they're chasing a core set of values: freedom, agency over their time, the chance to make a good wage, and the ability to employ others.
This isn't about getting rich quick; it’s about a deep, personal commitment to building something of value. That passion, that risk, is why small businesses survive despite the considerable challenges. As leaders and consumers, we must constantly acknowledge that resilience. We must ensure that the challenges facing them—from cost pressures to regulatory complexity—are addressed with the same rigor and respect that we give to large corporations.
3. My Personal Stake: From Home to the Hot Air Balloon
The story of RedBalloon is intertwined with my own story of balancing the demands of a high-growth business with the purpose of family. I vividly remember my early days as a founder, having to develop the business largely after my children's bedtime.
My children, Natalia and Oscar, were with me from the start. As I shared in The Australian, they were blowing up the balloons (literally and figuratively!) before school and constantly coming up with suggestions. They were "wonderfully contributing members of society, and that's really what we want."
This personal connection is why I know that the 'backbone' of the country isn't a figure on a balance sheet—it’s a working parent, a local shop owner, and a family striving to build a better life. This is the human touch, the purpose, that makes the whole system work.
4. Beyond Division: Seeking a Shared National Banner
While the core focus of my work remains on business and leadership, the OAM award did bring up a moment of sadness regarding the divisiveness surrounding Australia Day.
"It's such an incredible country, it is the lucky country and we're so lucky to live here but we need to work out how we come together under one banner to celebrate being Australian," I said.
This sentiment applies equally to business. In the competitive environment, we must avoid allowing differences—whether in size, sector, or background—to divide us. We need to work together to solve the bigger problems, particularly those facing the small business community who "desperately need a voice."
As leaders, we must model a path forward that celebrates our shared Australian identity, values entrepreneurial spirit, and ensures that everyone—from the biggest ASX-listed company to the smallest startup—feels a sense of pride and belonging.
The Way Forward: Supporting the Core
Life in business is already hard enough. The challenge for all of us is to make it easier for the Australian entrepreneur.
I encourage every Australian to not just be a customer, but to be an advocate for the small businesses in their life. Their struggle is real—it's been tougher than ever in recent years—and they deserve our support.
My work, from my role on boards like Colonial First State and Weebit Nano to my advocacy for Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research, is dedicated to ensuring that the systems of business and society are robust, ethical, and built to empower people.
The Medal of the Order of Australia is a wonderful recognition of the journey, but the true reward is seeing the community thrive. Let’s never forget who the backbone of our country is.
