two men standing in front of a trailer

From idea to impact: Tips for starting a small business

9 September, 2025

Launching a small business is exciting, but it also comes with plenty of challenges. Patricio Rodriguez, founder of Breath Trailer, knows this firsthand. Since starting his business in 2024, he has experienced both the highs and hurdles of building a business from scratch. 

Based in Sydney with a team of 5 staff, the business designs and builds teardrop trailers. The business has grown rapidly – within only two months of their launch, Breath Trailer had orders from every state in Australia and sales of more than half a million dollars. 

While the rapid growth was rewarding, it’s the lessons along the way that stand out most. 

Being a small business owner, Patricio wears many hats to run the business and he shares his tips for other small business owners who are starting out or looking to grow their small business. 

Here are some of Patricio’s key insights: 

Stay close to your customers. Listening to customer feedback and adapting products or services to meet real needs is vital. It’s not just about features – it’s about how your offering makes people feel. 

Learn from setbacks. Challenges are part of the journey. Rather than seeing them as roadblocks, view them as opportunities to learn and prepare for the next stage of growth. 

Invest in visibility. A great product won’t succeed if no one knows about it. Marketing, storytelling, and creating an experience around the business, can be just as important as the product itself. 

Focus on progress, not perfection. There is never a perfect time to start. Taking the first step, learning as you go, and improving a little each day will build momentum and confidence over time. 

Build trust through education. Sharing knowledge and providing resources can help build credibility. Customers who feel informed and supported are more likely to trust, engage, and eventually buy. 

Keep the bigger picture in mind. While financial success matters, long-term fulfilment often comes from pride, purpose, and the positive impact a business creates. 

For Patricio, the final piece of advice is simple: ‘Focus on the experience, not just the product.’ After all, customers aren’t just buying what you make; they’re buying how it makes them feel. Businesses that connect with people on an emotional level will always stand out. 

If you’re starting or growing a small business, the following NSW Government resources can help: