about us.
Building Better Businesses was originally conceived as a collaboration between Emma Kerslake from Yolla Consulting and Leesa Watego from Iscariot Media. Emma and Leesa first met in 2017 and, until Emma’s passing in 2021, they developed and delivered a range of programs to hundreds of small business owners across Queensland.
Recognising the continued importance of helping communities from all backgrounds to build their own businesses, Leesa and the IM family decided to relaunch Building Better Businesses in mid-2024.
why choose us
01
We know what it’s like and we’re on your side
Our team knows firsthand the difficulties of owning and running a small business.
02
We are good at what we do
Ongoing professional development and continuous learning is a core part of who we are. We are constantly learning and value learning in our team.
03
We love what we do
We love teaching and mentoring. We’re passionate about empowering hobbyists and micro-businesses to be the best they can be or grow into fully-fledged sustainable and potentially scalable businesses.
community contribution is embedded across all our work
At Building Better Businesses, part of the IM family of brands, community contribution is at the heart of everything we do … every day. We are not a charity, we’re a privately held company.
Leesa has demonstrated a dedication to community contribution as a co-founder of Indigenous Business Month and Black Coffee Indigenous Business Networking. She also serves as a volunteer board member on several local, state, and national community organisations and government boards.
awards
- Highly Commended – Business Category. Queensland Reconciliation Awards (2023)
- Winner Diversity Through Supply Chains Award – Buy Queensland Supplier Awards (2022)
- Griffith University Outstanding Entrepreneurial Alumnus of the Year – Leesa Watego(2020)
government panels
- Supply Nation Registered Supplier
- Givvable, Registered Supplier (2022 – Present)
- QGP0056-18 Creative Solutions Suppliers (Queensland Government)
- PNL4312 – Services Australia Creative and Digital Communication Panel
key program highlights
First Nations Small Business Program
Delivered state-wide First Nations Small Business Program to support Indigenous communities to become NDIS Providers
One Business Program
Won a nation-wide competitive tender to deliver the One Business Program across Indigenous communities in Queensland
Manufacturing Business Growth Program
Delivered the Manufacturing Business Growth Program to manufacturing firms based in Logan, Redlands, and the Gold Coast
Maximum Payment Terms
Through their volunteer leadership roles, Leesa and Emma worked to initiate the push for maximum payment terms of 20 days in Queensland Government
Woodford Folk Festival
Presented at the Woodford Folk Festival 2019 interrogating the Indigenous business landscape.
The Reality Of Building Sustainable Businesses
Presented “The Reality Of Building Sustainable Businesses” at the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference in Lorne, Victoria.
Creating Tracks
Co-developed and co-delivered Creating Tracks to over 300 Indigenous businesses across Queensland
get started today
Contact us to learn more about our customised programs and how we can help your small businesses