SCCA Business Plan 2025

Business Plan for Sunshine Coast Creative Academy

Focus: Mobile Art Workshops in Queensland (Year One)

Executive Summary

Sunshine Coast Creative Academy (SCCA) aims to bring the joy of creativity and self-expression to communities and businesses across Queensland through mobile art workshops. These workshops are uniquely designed to promote mental well-being, team bonding, personal growth, and community connection. In the first year, the focus will be on establishing a strong presence with flexible, engaging workshops tailored to individuals, groups, and corporate clients. By leveraging customisation and the therapeutic power of art, SCCA will build a solid foundation for future expansion into a permanent creative space.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP): SCCA combines artistic expression with personal and professional development, offering workshops that inspire creativity, reduce stress, and foster meaningful connections.

1. Business Overview

Mission:
To inspire creativity and connection through accessible and engaging art experiences, promoting personal growth and community development.

Vision:
To foster an inclusive and vibrant creative culture across Queensland, paving the way for a permanent creative academy and gallery space.

Objectives for Year One:

  1. Launch and grow a mobile art workshop service targeting individuals, groups, and corporations in Queensland.
  2. Build brand awareness and establish relationships with local businesses and community groups.
  3. Generate consistent revenue to support the academy’s expansion goals.
  4. Provide high-quality, customizable workshops that enhance creativity and engagement.

2. Target Market

Primary Audiences:

  1. Corporations and Businesses:

    • Team-building events
    • Wellness programs for employees
    • Incentive or appreciation activities

  2. Individuals and Groups:

    • Celebrations (birthdays, hens nights, anniversaries)
    • Community groups or clubs
    • Friends and families seeking unique experiences

Demographics:

  • Corporate clients: Medium to large organisations focused on employee well-being and innovation.
  • Individuals: Adults aged 25–55 interested in creative, social experiences.
  • Families: Parents with children aged 5–12 seeking family-friendly activities.

Geographic Focus:
Key urban and regional centers in Queensland, such as Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Toowoomba.

3. Workshop Options and Customisation

A. For Corporations
Focus: Employee engagement, team building, and wellness.

Workshop Options:

  1. Creative Collaboration Workshop: A collaborative group painting experience, creating a large artwork symbolising teamwork and unity.
    Outcome: Strengthens communication and problem-solving skills.

  2. Stress Relief through Art: A relaxing painting session designed to reduce stress and improve focus using calming techniques and soothing themes.
    Outcome: Boosts morale and mental well-being.

  3. Innovation and Creativity Training: Abstract art exercises to spark creativity, improve innovation, and inspire out-of-the-box thinking.
    Outcome: Enhances creative problem-solving and adaptability.

Customisation Options:

  • Include company logos or brand themes.
  • Adjust session duration to fit within business schedules (e.g., lunch breaks, half-days, full days).

B. For Individuals and Groups
Focus: Fun, personal growth, and social bonding.

Workshop Options:

  1. Blooming Masterpieces: Floral Expression: Guided floral painting with contemporary techniques.
    Ideal for: Birthdays, anniversaries, or personal growth events.

  2. Self-Portrait Collage Workshop: Participants create a self-portrait using mixed media and storytelling.
    Ideal for: Boosting confidence and personal exploration.

  3. Sip & Paint Nights: Fun, casual painting sessions paired with beverages.
    Ideal for: Hens nights or casual gatherings.

  4. Art with Kids and Families: Family-friendly workshops focused on bonding and fun.
    Ideal for: Encouraging creativity in children and shared experiences for families.

  5. Explore all our available workshops via the Workshops menu.

Customisation Options:

  • Personalise themes to suit occasions.
  • Offer flexible group sizes and locations.

4. Benefits of Mobile Art Workshops

For Corporations:

  1. Enhances teamwork, communication, and employee satisfaction.
  2. Promotes mental health and stress reduction.
  3. Provides a unique, engaging alternative to traditional team-building activities.
  4. Improves workplace creativity and problem-solving.

For Individuals and Groups:

  1. Encourages self-expression and confidence.
  2. Fosters meaningful connections through shared experiences.
  3. Offers a creative outlet and an opportunity to learn new skills.
  4. Creates memorable moments through participants’ artwork.

5. Revenue Streams

Pricing Structure:

  1. Corporate Workshops:

    • Half-day sessions: $800–$1,400 per group (8–15 participants).
    • Full-day sessions: $1,500–$2,500 per group.
    • Customisation (e.g., branded themes): +$200–$500.

  2. Individual/Group Workshops:

    • Per person (2-hour session): $240
    • Private group sessions: $800 for up to 8 participants.
    • Children’s workshops: $30–$50 per child.

  3. Add-ons:

    • Framing services for completed artwork.
    • Gift packs (art supplies or mini kits).

6. Marketing and Sales Strategy

Marketing Channels:

  1. Social Media Campaigns: Leverage Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for visual content.
  2. Local Partnerships: Collaborate with community groups, schools, and businesses.
  3. Corporate Outreach: Direct email marketing and presentations to HR departments.
  4. Events and Demonstrations: Participate in markets, festivals, and community events to showcase the workshops.

Promotions:

  • Introductory Offer: 10% off for first-time bookings.
  • Referral Program: Discounts or free gifts for referrals.
  • Special Gift: Free copy of To Be a Happy Cat with bookings.

7. Start-Up Costs (First Year)

Expense Estimated Cost (AUD)
Art Supplies (paints, canvases) $5,000
Mobile Equipment (tables, easels) $2,500
Marketing and Advertising $3,000
Transportation $2,000
Insurance $1,500
Miscellaneous $1,000
Total Start-Up Costs $15,000

8. Risk Management

Potential Risks:

  1. Fluctuating demand due to seasonal factors.
  2. Increased operational costs (e.g., fuel prices, materials).
  3. Difficulty in gaining initial traction in the corporate market.

Mitigation Strategies:

  • Diversify target markets to balance seasonal fluctuations.
  • Build a loyal client base through excellent service and referrals.
  • Monitor costs and negotiate with suppliers for discounts.

9. Milestones and Goals for Year One

  1. Host at least 50 workshops by the end of the year.
  2. Build partnerships with 10 local businesses for recurring bookings.
  3. Generate $50,000 in revenue to reinvest in expansion efforts.
  4. Collect customer feedback and refine offerings.

10. Long-Term Vision

The mobile workshops are the first step in building Sunshine Coast Creative Academy into a permanent creative space. Future plans include expanding to other regions, introducing online workshops, and creating certification programs for facilitators. Profits will be reinvested into a world-class hub for artistic expression and connection.


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Imagine 27th March 2025

I'm writing a series of essays exploring ways to significantly enhance our quality of life and step into a better future. Each piece will present three interconnected ideas that complement and strengthen one another, offering a fresh perspective on meaningful change. I invite you to read and share your thoughts, hoping to ignite a spark of hope and inspiration.

I'm naming this series of ideas Imagine.

I’ve been reflecting on ways to break free from the cycles of hardship and toxicity that define much of our world. While these ideas challenge long-standing systems, they are not unattainable, some nations have already taken steps in these directions. The question is: Will ALL the leaders around the world ever have the courage to follow suit?

1. Imagine abolishing Income Tax – Keep What You Earn

Why should a portion of every dollar we earn be taken before we even have the chance to use it? Income tax is often seen as a necessary evil, but several nations have proven that an economy can thrive without it.

Instead of taxing income, a single-rate consumption tax (such as GST or VAT) could be the only form of taxation. This system ensures that people are only taxed when they spend rather than when they earn, allowing them full control over their financial choices.

Where This Exists:

United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman – No personal income tax, relying instead on VAT, corporate taxes, and resource revenues.

Monaco – No income tax for residents, funded by tourism and business taxation.

Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis – Tax-free personal income with revenues generated through VAT and financial services.

Transitioning to a spending-based tax system could reduce financial burdens on individuals, encourage savings and investment, and create a more transparent and fair economic model.

2. Imagine replace War Budgets with Education Investment

A world where no more weapons, tanks, or war machines are ever produced. Where no country stockpiles arms out of fear, but instead, a global No-War Agreement ensures that conflict is resolved through diplomacy, not destruction.

The world spends over $2 trillion annually on military budgets, while millions struggle with poverty, limited education, and lack of healthcare. Redirecting these funds toward free education, including universities, would be the ultimate investment in future generations, fostering innovation, economic stability, and global cooperation.

Where This Exists:

Costa Rica – Abolished its military in 1949 and redirected funds to education and healthcare. Now one of the most stable and educated nations in Latin America.

Iceland – No standing military, focusing on diplomacy and peacekeeping.

Finland, Germany, Norway – Offer tuition-free or highly subsidised university education for all students.

A global commitment to peace over war and knowledge over conflict could reshape the future. It’s time to stop funding destruction and start funding progress.

3. Imagine implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Security for All

In a world of increasing automation, job instability, and economic disparity, a Universal Basic Income (UBI) could provide a financial safety net for everyone. Instead of relying on complex welfare systems, every adult would receive a guaranteed, unconditional income to cover basic living expenses, ensuring that no one falls into poverty.

A well-designed UBI encourages entrepreneurship, creativity, and education by giving people the freedom to pursue meaningful work rather than just survival. It also reduces stress, improves mental health, and strengthens communities, as people are not constantly struggling to make ends meet.

Where This Exists:

Finland – A two-year UBI pilot showed improved well-being and employment rates among recipients.

Canada (Ontario & Manitoba) – UBI trials have shown better health and work outcomes.

Alaska (USA) – The Alaska Permanent Fund provides every resident with an annual dividend from state oil revenues.

Spain – Implemented a minimum income scheme to support low-income families.

A UBI would eliminate extreme poverty, empower people to make better life choices, and create a stronger, more resilient society. Instead of punishing people for being unemployed or underpaid, we can provide security and opportunity for all—a future where no one is left behind.

I hope these thoughts brighten your day with the possibilities of a better future.

Ilana

Imagine 4th April 2025

1. Imagine if we stopped focusing on being a better man or a better woman and instead focused on being a better human.
How much unnecessary judgment could we let go of? We spend so much time trying to fit into predefined roles, measuring ourselves against expectations that don’t always align with who we truly are. But what if the goal wasn’t about meeting gendered ideals but about developing kindness, integrity, individuality, self-respect and appreciation? If we shifted our focus to character over category, we could move past outdated labels and into a space where people are valued for who they are, not just the role they’re expected to play. Wouldn’t that create a world that feels more open, accepting, and free?

2. Imagine if confidence wasn’t about proving yourself but about knowing yourself. What if real confidence came not from how we look or how we’re perceived, but from the depth of our understanding? 
I believe confidence is built through learning about the world, about different perspectives, and most importantly, about ourselves. The more we open our minds, challenge our own beliefs, and embrace growth, the stronger and more grounded we become. Confidence isn’t about being the loudest in the room or forcing your “truth” on others, it’s about carrying a quiet certainty that comes from wisdom and experience. If we all prioritised learning and self-awareness, how much more assured and connected would we feel?

3. Imagine if respect was the default, not something that had to be earned. What if we treated each other with kindness, not just in big gestures, but in the small, everyday moments? Respect isn’t just about tolerating differences—it’s about the way we speak to each other, the patience we show in conversations, and the simple act of saying “please” and “thank you.” Tone of voice matters.

A little more kindness, a little more understanding, and a little more grace could go a long way in shifting the way we interact. But maybe it also starts with toning down our expectations and sense of entitlement. If we walked into situations with a little less demand and a little more appreciation, if we approached people with curiosity instead of assumption, wouldn’t our interactions feel lighter? Mistrust keeps us guarded, but respect—real respect—creates space for connection.

If we started every interaction with kindness and patience, how much more trust could we build? Wouldn't the world feel just a little lighter?
I hope these thoughts will ring possible and have a wonderful day,

Ilana