Use online government templates for success

The background

Julia Van Der Sommen worked in the fashion industry for 18 years, doing everything from designing to pattern making, to managing production of final product, when she realised that there was no one-stop shop to 'bring the whole thing together'.

So, four years ago, she began her own business, The Sample Room, to offer pattern making, sample making and grading services for the fashion industry.

What she used to help

Through her local business group, Julia undertook a range of courses and investigated online tools to help develop and grow her business.

She says the planning templates were practical and helpful.

'I was particularly interested in business and marketing plans', she says. 'I didn't have a lot of time and the plans I'd found in my research were way too technical or too corporate for me'.

Ready to use business planning templates:

• Start on the right foot with our Guide to writing a business plan (DOCX 81.35 KB)
• Ensure you stay on top of finances with the Financial statements template (XLSX 296.44 KB)
  
• Grow your business with our Marketing plan template (DOCX 140.2 KB)
• Build a great team by using our HR manual templateWorkforce information template (DOCX 36.95 KB).

Julia has launched a new arm to her business, Patternroom.com.au, which will extend her offering, selling patterns online all around the world.

About Business Victoria Online

Business Victoria Online offers information, tips and tools that save you time and help with difficult compliance, help you to solve business problems and provide information that will help your business to grow.  Here are just some of the ways Business Victoria Online can help you:

• ensure you have all the permits and licences you need to start your business
  
• stay on top of your finances with practical, usable tools and templates
• find your niche in the market through expert market research advice
• write a marketing plan using an easy template
  
• cut through employment red tape
  
• see how other businesses achieved success by reading and watching case studies.