EP#251 ~ How a small business navigates the complex world of skilled migration?

Small Biz Matters: People, Policy, Purpose ~ Episode #251     
Broadcast date: 19 Nov 2024
Host: Alexi Boyd, Small Business Advocate & Policy Advisor
Guests: Renee Baltov, Director The Barberhood

Running a small business is complicated enough, but imagine throwing yourself into unpacking a complex area of policy like skilled migration to ensure that your small business can grow and then, helping other small businesses to do the same. My guest today on Small Biz Matters has done just that. Not only has she unpacked, understood and implemented skilled migration as part of her business model, but she uses her knowledge and awareness to advocate for her industry and small businesses everywhere to ensure that it is more accessible, affordable and a useful tool for small businesses.

Hairdressing is one of the most complex small business models out there. Not only do you have customers, rent, overheads and profitability like everyone else, but you also have the added complexity of a younger workforce, and let’s not forget the expectation of being a psychologist to your clients! Like other small businesses, innovation in hairdressing can be progressed faster by importing skills and knowledge and then , training other staff from these international workers. The Barberhood in Sydney’s CBD has flourished and Succeeded, by learning from the skilled migrants they have hired… and so have their staff.

Today’s story to me, is inspiring. The Barberhood is a success; a CBD businesses rising from the ashes of COVID, but also I find it amazing that any small business owner would want to be a changemaker in policy Renée Baltov is a real business leader who is passionate about making policy and advocacy part of her business and part of everyone’s business.

PEOPLE – Tell us about your journey as a successful small business owner in the CBD. How does your business grow? How did COVID affect you?
POLICY - How did you become aware of skilled migration as an option for you as a small business owner? What have been the biggest hurdles trying to navigate the system? Is it getting any easier? What advice would you give to a small business thinking about bringing on board a skilled migrant to grow their business?
PURPOSE - Why do you advocate for other businesses when it comes to skilled migration? What do you fight for (e.g. the skilled migration lists) How do you work with your professional associations to get support and assist them?

Renée Baltov is a results-driven leader with extensive expertise in strategic marketing, business management, and commercial strategy. With over twenty years of experience spanning the FMCG, Retail, Health & Beauty, and Tech industries, she excels as a skilled business strategist.