Micro-Enterprise Co-Design & Development
- nadijaneau
- Mar 23, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 7
Project Context & Scope
Micro-business development project supporting a person with an acquired brain injury (ABI) to re-engage with meaningful employment by creating a small-scale surf culture clothing and homewares brand. The client’s archive of vintage surf photography was used as the foundation for visual identity, product development and market positioning.
Responsibilities & Contributions
Developed a tailored business plan aligned with the client’s recovery needs and capacity
Designed brand identity including logo, product aesthetic direction and photo editing
Sourced local and national suppliers for small-batch, high-quality clothing, print and homewares
Designed and built the website and set up social media platforms, product listings and storefront
Coached the client to meet achievable weekly and monthly KPIs, supporting confidence development
Provided training in digital systems, including website management and Square point-of-sale
Created invoicing templates ensuring the client could independently manage orders
Delivered beginner-level training in Canva and Photoshop, enabling ongoing product design
Trained the client in wholesale pricing, order management and retailer communication workflows
Engaged with support workers to facilitate safe community and market participation
Objectives
Support the client’s return to purposeful work through sustainable micro-enterprise development
Establish branding, product offering and sales channels aligned with the client’s skills and story
Build confidence, independence, and routine through structured, achievable business tasks
Enable long-term participation in community markets, wholesale networks, and online retail spaces
Sustainability Impact Considerations
Social Sustainability & Inclusion: project centred on empowering a person with disability to participate in meaningful work, identity rebuilding and community reconnection
Local Economic Support: prioritised local suppliers, printmakers and small-batch manufacturers to retain value within Western Australian creative and tourism ecosystems
Resource Efficiency & Scalability: started with small print runs and flexible fulfilment processes to minimise financial and material risk while the client developed capacity
Accessible Workflow Design: business processes and training were adapted for cognitive accessibility, pacing and fatigue management, ensuring safe and sustainable work participation
Outcomes & Key Results
Established a functioning micro-business with an identifiable brand story and product line
Enabled client to build digital literacy and confidence in sales, communication, financial processes
Developed wholesale and consignment relationships with local tourism and retail businesses
Launched market stall presence and online store, with data monitoring of product performance
Supported return to work, improved community participation and strengthened independence
Website
