Two Sunshine Coast-based businesses are aiming for overseas expansion, after being fast-tracked with funding.
The Laundry Lady, which offers a pick-up and delivery laundry service, and breakthrough lotion applicator Bakslap have received $15,000 in matched funds from the Queensland Government to take their ideas international.
It’s an opportunity that Laundry Lady CEO Susan Toft said would accelerate her business in new markets like New Zealand.
“Laundry Lady has a team of 160-plus contractors Australia-wide, and the ongoing demand for our affordable washing, drying, folding and ironing services means international expansion is the next, natural step for us,” she said.
Ms Toft, who identified a market gap for an affordable and mobile laundry service before launching her business in 2012, said the financial boost would be integral in Laundry Lady’s success abroad.
“Later this year, we will be attending a women’s lifestyle expo in Hamilton, in New Zealand’s North Island,” she said.
“This will be our key event in introducing Laundry Lady to the New Zealand market.”
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The grant is is part of the Trade and Investment Queensland’s New to Export Program.
Laundry Lady will use the opportunity to promote its services to busy families and businesses living in New Zealand as well as a recruitment drive for New Zealand-based contractors.
As part of the grant, Ms Toft will also receive face-to-face business mentoring and export strategy development.
“We’re very grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what the coming 12 months bring as we continue to expand in Australia and now internationally,” she said.
The grant selection process was highly competitive, seeing hundreds of applications come in from businesses across the state.
Bakslap founder Raphael McGowan said exporting to a new market was a major commitment of resources and a significant step for any business.
“But when you have the support of the Queensland Government through TIQ, it gives our team a lot of confidence,” he said.
Mr McGowan runs his business from the Sunshine Coast, which is now touted as one of the country’s top hubs for innovation.
The region’s focus on sun safety and enjoyment of the outdoor lifestyle provides the perfect backdrop for his business.
Bakslap offers a range of innovative health and skincare protective products, including its award-winning lotion applicator that is suitable for everything from sunscreen through to moisturiser and tanning lotion.
“Outside of our local market, Bakslap has an e-commerce growth focus for New Zealand and the United Kingdom,” Ms McGowan said.
“In terms of retail growth, the focus is on the United States.”
With a commitment to health and community, Bakslap already has an impressive footprint in Australia, having partnerships with the likes of National Skin Cancer Centres, Australia Skin Cancer Foundation, Royal Life Saving and Cancer Council Queensland.
“We’ll be heading to the United States for meetings with retailers and distributors in July,” Mr McGowan said, adding that exporting would start as early as next year.
The Laundry Lady and Bakslap will benefit from ongoing export strategy support and participate in an eight-week export capacity and capability training program.
