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In the heart of Perth’s skyline, you will often find the skilled crew of High Access Window Cleaning (or HAWC as it is best known) suspended from the city’s tallest buildings.
Founded in 2016 by Alex Butchart, HAWC is a 100 per cent Aboriginal owned and managed small business, delivering safe and reliable high access window cleaning and building maintenance services.
Starting out in a traditional office job, Alex transitioned into window cleaning for the freedom and independence of being a sole trader.
“I wanted to be my own boss and work with my hands a bit more, so I tried out window cleaning and it just grew from there,” Alex said.
But as HAWC grew, so did the complexity of running a small business.
SBDC helps navigate complexity
Like many small businesses, as the enterprise started growing, Alex faced challenges navigating growth, compliance and opportunities. That’s when he turned to the SBDC for assistance.
When the opportunity arose to acquire a larger window cleaning company to merge with his existing company, Alex again accessed the SBDC’s free one to one advisory service for guidance on business planning, valuation and buying a business, tailored to the needs of his industry.
Growth needs new guidance
Having no experience buying a business, Alex said he didn’t know where to start.
“It was a big step, getting a loan, going through all the paperwork, so it was a little bit scary.”
“I didn't know how to value the business. I didn't know if I need a lawyer. I didn't know the language of buying a business.”
“It was remarkable that there was this resource that small businesses could use to answer all these small business questions - I could just sit down over Zoom and ask all the questions I wanted.”
Tailored business support for an Aboriginal business
As an Aboriginal business owner, Alex was also provided with tailored support and information available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and operated business in WA. Through this avenue, Alex contacted Indigenous Business Australia, who were able to assist with acquiring the required finance.
Today HAWC is Supply Nation certified and recognised as a trusted provider for both commercial and residential clients across Perth and WA.
HAWC soars into future success
Accessing support at these crucial points in the small business journey has paid off, with HAWC growing their client base, increasing operational capacity and building a strong foundation for future contracts with government and the private sector following their expansion.
The operation’s success highlights how culturally responsive support can empower Aboriginal entrepreneurs to build successful businesses, with Alex appreciating having someone to turn to guide his journey.
“We've done it now thanks to the help of SBDC and it's now going well,” he declares.
More information
- Tap into free, personalised guidance from an SBDC business adviser.
- Learn about business support for Aboriginal and Indigenous businesses in WA.
- Discover the key factors to consider when buying a business.
- Find out all about business finance and loans.
- Understand how to win government contracts and tenders.
- Read more WA small business stories.
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