Society supports a small business

DURING the state’s most recent lockdown, Sturt Street eatery Higher Society continued to trade, while still offering work to their full-time employees.

Grateful to have the consistent support of cafe customers keeping their small business alive, owner-operators Rhys Jeffrey and Lachlain Ramsay decided to share the love.

“We weren’t doing too badly, so we thought we’d give half of the proceeds from the day, and from our dinners, to someone who couldn’t open their business’ doors,” he said.

“I could see things through the point of view of new business owners, personal trainers, hair and beauty industries.

“We said, let’s get Ballarat behind Ballarat, and give some proceeds to someone who deserves it.”

Over five days, each time a patron dropped in, they could nominate a small business. All these names were put into a hat, and Jono Bui Fitness was the one that came out.

Recently beginning his career, personal training Mr Bui’s his full-time job.

“With lockdowns, it’s making it harder for him to find clients, so we were proud to be able to bring his name out into the public, as well as providing the donation,” Mr Jeffrey said.

“He was so grateful to Nathan who nominated him, and to us, with rent and bills to pay. When you’re getting chucked down by lockdowns, it’s difficult.

“When people were supporting us during the last lockdown, it was also good to remind our customers that they were also supporting another small business.”

Higher Society promoted their fundraising campaign on their social media pages. Many of their patrons, new and regular, saw this and not only loved the idea, but bought big.

“A lot of people, especially those with their own large businesses, were spending as much as they could.

“Two groups of ladies spent $160 on a Sunday roast and grazing boards, doing as much as possible to support a small business,” Mr Jeffrey said.

“Another of our regulars works for WIN News and encouraged her colleagues to come in, so we’ve seen lots of new faces. It’s been heart-warming to see how much Ballarat gets behind small businesses.”