Dollars from on-farm grain sales are set to land in farmers’ bank accounts a lot faster thanks to the success of Wagga Wagga entrepreneur Naomi Stuart. Naomi was this week named as one of ten founders of the SheStarts competitive start-up program that will see her receive $100,000 in pre-seed funding and take part in a business incubator program.
Naomi has earnt the praise and congratulations of Federal Small Business Minister and local Nationals’ MP Michael McCormack for her achievement this week as a result of her innovative tool that will better support and assist farmers to improve business efficiency and cash flow.
“I’m extremely proud of Naomi and her ability to harness technology ensuring farmers have the certainty of knowing that money is in the bank at the point of sale, meaning that farms continue to operate and their bills are paid on time,” Mr McCormack said.
Ms Stuart was thrilled that her concept will be transformed into a digital platform that will become a reality and give her business a welcome kick-start.
“I am delighted to have been selected as one of the ten recipients in the inaugural SheStarts incubator program run by BlueChilli,” Ms Stuart said.
“The seed funding will enable FarmPay to build the platform and commence operations in 2017 and ensure better cash flow management, reducing the risk associated with on-farm grain sales.”
Mr McCormack said that he was confident that this innovation will transform how farmers do business, delivering an efficient and adaptive payment system, a welcome and overdue improvement to farming.
“Knowing that Naomi is from a local farming family I am very pleased that she has been recognised for her achievements and will be launching her business right here in the Riverina,” Mr McCormack said.
“Naomi is a worthy recipient, deserving of congratulations for her efforts and I look forward to watching her business grow.”
For information on the SheStarts program visit: www.shestarts.com.au/ and FarmPay visit: www.farmpay.com.au.