Small businesses are emerging in Collie with support from the Collie Futures Small Grants Program.
Among these is Outback Horse Trails, a popular adventure tourism business.
Clients can choose to enjoy trail rides, lessons, pony rides and half-day camps.
Owner Linda Yates, who also runs Margaret River riding school The Humble Horse, said the funding received through the State Government was helpful in setting up in Collie.
“I used to come riding up here all the time – it’s just beautiful,” Ms Yates said.
“And I thought – you know what – this is a really nice place to start a business. You’re close to Perth, you’re close to Bunbury.
“I wanted to start up in Collie for a long time. So, I guess when the grants came along with the Collie Futures Fund, it was only a bonus for me, I was probably going to anyway.
“Ever since opening, it’s been a lot busier than I expected – much busier than the one down south when that started.”
Linda said many of her clients were women taking time off from work or running their business.
“They’re coming here for a bit of time off. They want to learn but also want to shut off for a little while,” Ms Yates said.
For more information about the State Government’s Collie Futures Small Grants Program, click here.
