JENNY-JANE CARPENTER
Summary
Dynamic Business Manager with 5+ years of experience in small business mentorship and development. Proven track record in leading impactful programs, fostering collaborative team environments, and delivering sustainable results. Passionate about driving positive change through environmental, health, and social justice initiatives. Known for adaptability, effective communication, and a solutions-focused approach. Skilled in conflict resolution, process improvement, and motivational leadership. Recognized for reliability, flexibility, and thriving in fast-paced, purpose-driven settings.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Facilitator - Ignite Small Business Start Ups
Settlement Services International (SSI)
01.2021 - Current
- Managed a diverse portfolio of small business start-up clients, providing tailored support to meet their individual business goals.
- Facilitated and mentored across many different programs involving vulnerable people: including migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, people with disability, and First Nation peoples.
- Developed personalised business strategies aligned with clients' objectives, focusing on key areas such as product/service offering, marketing, finance, compliance, and community integration.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with clients and volunteer teams, including experts in accounting, legal, and social media, to facilitate ongoing business support.
- Demonstrated adaptability and creativity in crafting cost-effective solutions, improving clients' chances of long-term success.
- Actively listened to clients, asked insightful questions, and provided tailored guidance to help them start, grow, or pivot their businesses.
- Ensured each client received personalised care by adapting strategies to address their unique challenges and opportunities.
- Supporting clients with commercial opportunities such as markets, workshop presentations & cooking demonstrations in the public domain.
- Conducted online workshops informing and recruiting clients for the SSI Ignite program.
- Collaborating & doing supervision with team members supporting the Ignite program Sirolli methodology.
- Organised and facilitated community and cultural events, including Refugee Week and Ramadan celebrations.
- Supported clients with building their social media presence, branding, and digital outreach.
Sales Manager
Pasta Emilia
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Managed wholesale and retail food sales operations
- Built B2B relationships and increased foodservice channel revenue
- Coordinated with chefs, logistics teams, and distributors for smooth operations
- Led sales initiatives to enhance revenue growth and market share.
Managing Director
TopSky Clothing
01.2002 - 01.2013
- Founded and led a fashion label with 12 staff across sales, design, and production
- Secured long-term accounts with Australian retailers and oversaw offshore production
- Developed and scaled business strategy resulting in sustained growth over 10 years
- Cultivated partnerships with key stakeholders to strengthen industry relationships.
- Spearheaded product development initiatives aligning with consumer trends and demands.
- Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
- Implemented robust financial controls and reporting systems, ensuring accurate forecasting and budget management.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance brand positioning and market share.
- Directed operational efficiency improvements across supply chain processes.
- Oversaw financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for sustainable profitability.
Divisional Manager
Physico Clothing
01.1995 - 01.2002
- Launched new division for an established brand, driving product expansion
- Promoted to partner in recognition of business development results
- Led team performance and managed national sales targets
- Led operational strategies to enhance production efficiency and optimize resource allocation.
- Streamlined supply chain processes, resulting in reduced lead times and improved inventory management.
- Analyzed market trends to drive strategic initiatives, increasing competitive advantage in the apparel industry.
- Streamlined divisional operations for increased efficiency through process improvement initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Social Research & Policy - Sociology & Anthropology
UNSW
01.2020
Skills
- Small business strategy mentoring
- Workshop facilitation & stakeholder engagement
- Program delivery for social impact
- Verbal and written communication
- Salesforce CRM (intermediate)
- IBM SPSS Statistics 26
- MS Office Suite
- Project coordination & problem solving
- Social media and digital marketing
- Coaching and mentoring
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Student engagement
- Community advocacy
- Community engagement
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of 10 in the development of Ignite small business start up program.
- Started up 50 small businesses by working with clients from CALD backgrounds and helping them achieve independence both financially and socially.
- Successfully launched and managed two clothing businesses before transitioning into a new career path with a Bachelor's degree in Policy & Research.
Certification
- Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check
- Working With Children Check
- Current Class C Driver’s Licence
Timeline
Senior Facilitator - Ignite Small Business Start Ups
Settlement Services International (SSI)
01.2021 - Current
Sales Manager
Pasta Emilia
01.2015 - 01.2018
Managing Director
TopSky Clothing
01.2002 - 01.2013
Divisional Manager
Physico Clothing
01.1995 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Social Research & Policy - Sociology & Anthropology
UNSW
Similar Profiles
Nandhitha RameshNandhitha Ramesh
Settlement Service Case Work Student at Settlement Services International (SSI)Settlement Service Case Work Student at Settlement Services International (SSI)
Maryana MattiMaryana Matti
During My Six-month Work Placement at Settlement S at Settlement Services International (SSI)During My Six-month Work Placement at Settlement S at Settlement Services International (SSI)
SUNNY GURUNGSUNNY GURUNG
Performance Analyst at Settlement Services International Limited (SSI)Performance Analyst at Settlement Services International Limited (SSI)
Robert ClarksonRobert Clarkson
Business Owner/Operator at Clarkson Mobile Notary & Loan SigningBusiness Owner/Operator at Clarkson Mobile Notary & Loan Signing
Angela ColemanAngela Coleman
OPERATIONS MANAGER; TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR; HUMAN RESOURCES; SUPERVISOR; AGENT (All Remote Positions) at HomePro TelecommunicationsOPERATIONS MANAGER; TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR; HUMAN RESOURCES; SUPERVISOR; AGENT (All Remote Positions) at HomePro Telecommunications