VERTO

07/10/2026

Loretta Freifeld didn’t finish university wondering what came next. She already had a plan. 💡

She wanted to stay in the community she calls home and open her own clinic in South West Rocks.

That vision became Natural Paths Naturopathy.

What she needed to learn was how to turn that vision into a sustainable business.

With support from VERTO’s Self-Employment Assistance program, Loretta developed the business knowledge, planning and confidence to take that next step.

This NSW Small Business Month, discover how Loretta went from university student to small business owner.

👉 Read Loretta’s story: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01pqxC0

Discover how Loretta Freifeld went from university graduate to owner of Natural Paths Naturopathy with support from VERTO’s Self-Employment Assistance program.

07/10/2026

Doing your own marketing doesn’t mean your designs can’t look professional. 👀

From social media posts and flyers to business cards and other marketing materials, Canva can help you create a consistent look for your small business.

In our next Business Builder Series webinar, Create your brand with Canva, you’ll learn how to set up and use a Brand Kit, customise templates and discover useful design resources, even if design isn’t your strong suit.

📅 Monday, 12 October
⏰ 12pm–1pm
💻 Free online webinar
🙌 Open to everyone

Register today and discover more upcoming free webinars designed to help you build your small business.

👉 Register now: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01pYhD0

Join VERTO’s free online small business webinars for practical skills, expert guidance and strategies to help you start, manage and grow your business.

06/10/2026

When you take the time to understand what young people are interested in, you can help them find meaningful ways to explore what might come next. 💡

VERTO Transition to Work Employment Consultant Nikia Hall noticed that several of the young people she was working with in Nelson Bay shared an interest in mechanical and engineering careers.

So, rather than just talking about the possibilities, Nikia organised a visit to Port Waratah Coal Services, giving five participants the chance to explore the field firsthand.

During the site tour, the group got to see a major workplace in action, learn about different roles and hear what employers look for, including the skills and experience that could help them pursue a future career in the field.

Thanks to Port Waratah Coal Services for welcoming our participants and helping them discover where their interests could take them. 🙌

02/10/2026

Looking for practical ideas and tools to help you build your small business? 🚀

This October and November, we’re launching VERTO’s new Business Builder Series: free online webinars covering useful topics for people starting, building or running a small business.

First up: Make the most of Square.

In this practical session, we’ll explore how Square can help with much more than payments, including managing your products and services, setting up appointments and getting your business online.

📅 Wednesday, 7 October
⏰ 12pm–1pm
💻 Free online webinar
🙌 Open to everyone

It’s free to join, so register today and check out the other free webinars coming up in the series.

👉 Register now: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01pYbX0

Join our Business Builder Webinar Series, a collection of practical, expert-led sessions designed to help you build confidence, improve efficiency, and grow your business. Whether you're looking to strengthen your marketing, streamline operations, explore new revenue opportunities, or harness the po...

02/10/2026

Sometimes, a new chapter in life can lead to a whole new direction. 💡

When Sol Martins became a mum, creating a more organised home helped her manage the growing demands of family life. It also sparked an idea: could something she was naturally good at help others too?

That idea became Living Happy Professional Organiser, based on the Mid North Coast.

This NSW Small Business Month, discover how Sol turned personal experience into a business of her own, and how VERTO’s Self-Employment Assistance program is helping her build the confidence and strategy to take it further.

👉 Read Sol’s story: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01pq8c0

Discover how Sol Martins turned her passion for organisation into Living Happy and how VERTO’s Self-Employment Assistance program is supporting her business journey.

30/09/2026

There’s no single path to owning a small business. 💼

For some, it starts with an idea they’ve had for years. For others, it’s a chance to turn their skills into something of their own. And for existing business owners, it might simply be about finding the right support to keep moving forward.

This NSW Small Business Month, we’re celebrating the different paths into self-employment and the hard work behind building a business.

Through our Self-Employment Assistance program, VERTO supports aspiring and existing business owners to explore opportunities, develop their ideas and strengthen their businesses.

Throughout October, we’ll also be sharing Good News Stories from people we’ve supported, showcasing their achievements and businesses.

👉 Learn more about Self-Employment Assistance and how our team could support your next step: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01ppw30

30/09/2026

When your Newcastle office is so close to Knights HQ that the branding starts rubbing off... 👀🏉

Don’t worry, we’re still VERTO. We may have just got a little carried away with the Newcastle spirit. 🔴🔵

Knights fans, what do we reckon... should we keep it?

29/09/2026

Never underestimate the impact of a small act of kindness. 💙

That was one of the messages that stayed with our Central Coast team after local Adam Smith recently visited our office to share his personal story.

In 2023, Adam survived a life-threatening case of Influenza A that developed into pneumonia, sepsis and multiple organ failure. He spent three weeks in an induced coma and underwent the amputation of both legs below the knee and most of both arms.

During his recovery, Adam spoke about the people who made a difference, sometimes without even realising it. A few extra minutes, an encouraging word, being listened to or being given back a little independence. Small gestures that helped Adam feel supported and valued during an incredibly difficult time.

As one of our team members reflected: “Those people probably had no idea how much their small acts of kindness helped Adam keep fighting. You never know how much a positive word or gesture might mean to someone who is struggling.”

Today, using prosthetics, Adam has returned to activities he enjoys, including weightlifting, boxing, photography and bushwalking around the Central Coast.

For our team, his story was a powerful reminder to look beyond someone’s circumstances and recognise the person, their strengths, goals and potential.

It’s an approach that sits at the heart of our work through our Inclusive Employment Australia program, supporting people living with disability, injury or health conditions to build confidence and work towards their individual employment goals.

Thank you, Adam, for sharing your journey and perspective with our team. 💙

24/09/2026

Finding a job isn’t just about finding any job, it’s about finding the right opportunity for you. 💛

If you’re living with a disability, injury or health condition, our Inclusive Employment Australia (IEA) team can help you explore your options and work towards employment that matches your skills, circumstances and goals.

From preparing for work and building confidence to connecting with local employers and providing ongoing assistance once you’re employed, we’re here for every step of the journey.

Because having the right people in your corner can make all the difference.

👉 Learn more about Inclusive Employment Australia today. https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01p1Tr0

Inclusive Employment Australia is a new government initiative launched 1st November 2025, replacing Disability Employment Services. It’s designed to help people living with disability, injury, or health conditions prepare for, find, and succeed in meaningful employment.

23/09/2026

For Grace, it started with one goal: getting her driver’s licence. 🚗

As a 29-year-old mum of two, gaining that independence would make a big difference to everyday life for Grace and her family.

With support from VERTO’s Parent Pathways program, she began working towards her licence, but along the way, something else started to change too.

What began as one practical goal has given Grace the confidence to start exploring new opportunities and thinking bigger about what she wants for her future. ❤️

👉 Read Grace’s full story: https://ap1.hubs.ly/H01lp7z0