Greater Shepparton City Council has launched What I Wish I Knew, a new initiative sharing real stories from local young entrepreneurs to help other young people understand the opportunities and challenges involved in starting a business.
The What I Wish I Knew initiative was developed following consultation with business students at Greater Shepparton Secondary College in September 2025.
The consultation identified several challenges facing young people interested in starting a business, including financial barriers, gaps in business knowledge, limited access to mentors and a lack of confidence. Students also highlighted the importance of learning from experienced business owners and expressed a preference for practical, visual and engaging resources over traditional learning materials.
Through a conversation-style video and individual stories, the initiative explores the achievements, challenges and lessons learnt by young business owners. It aims to build confidence, encourage resilience and show young people that starting a business is achievable within their own community.
The project features local young entrepreneurs Alessio Rigoli, 27, from AGR Technology; Chloe Cross, 25, from Cross Cleaning Co.; and Jack Mundy, 21, from Northmen Brewery.
Through a video conversation and individual profiles, the young business owners discuss why they started, the challenges they faced, how they overcame setbacks and the support that helped them along the way.
Mayor, Councillor Geoff Akers said hearing directly from young business owners could make starting a business feel more achievable.
“Young people often have great ideas but may not know where to begin. Hearing from someone who has already taken that step can provide valuable guidance and confidence,” he said.
“These stories do not pretend that starting a business is easy. They explore the doubts, setbacks and unexpected challenges alongside the opportunities, relationships and personal growth.
“We hope the experiences shared through this project inspire other young people to explore their ideas and see that it is possible to build something of their own right here in Greater Shepparton.”
The conversation was facilitated by 17-year-old Guneet Buttar, a member of Council’s Amplify Committee, ensuring the discussion explored questions young people may have when considering starting their own business.
Cross Cleaning Co. founder Chloe Cross started her business to create a better future for herself while making a difference in other people’s lives.
One of her greatest challenges was returning to work following a serious health issue that resulted in a long recovery and time in intensive care.
“Don’t wait until you feel completely ready to start something. Growth comes from taking chances, learning as you go and backing yourself even when things feel uncertain,” she said.
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. It is built through persistence and resilience.”
AGR Technology founder Alessio Rigoli started his business through a long-standing passion for technology and a desire to use his skills to help others.
Alessio said trying to manage too many priorities early in his business journey led to burnout and taught him the importance of focus and setting boundaries.
“I had to learn that progress isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things consistently,” Alessio said.
“Start talking to people in the community about their challenges and the problems they are facing. That real feedback can help you identify where a product or service could solve a genuine problem.”
Northmen Brewery founder Jack Mundy said starting a business had taught him the importance of learning from others and remaining open to new ideas.
“Starting a business has shown me that having a good idea is only the beginning. You also need to ask questions, build relationships and keep learning as you go,” he said.
“My advice to other young people is to start the conversation and take that first step. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin.”
The project was filmed at Stellar Coffee Café with support from owner Matt Kington.
Council has developed a dedicated webpage featuring the full video, individual stories and information to help young people explore starting a business in Greater Shepparton.
The webpage highlights local opportunities and connects young people with mentoring, workshops, grants, training, business advice, flexible workspaces and local business networks.
It also includes information from Council’s Economic Development Team and links to the Greater Shepparton Business Centre, the Greater Shepparton Business Network and other government business resources.
Council is proud to support young people to explore their ideas, learn from local experience and build the skills and connections needed to take their next step.
