Pack & Send awards $10K logistics prize to SA entrepreneur

Australian parcel courier and freight reseller Pack & Send has awarded the first Small Business Logistics Grant – worth $10,000 – to South Australia–based Fleurieu Gifts.
The Small Business Logistics Grant has been established by pack & Send to recognise the important role that the small business sector plays in the Australian market. Entries were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Hannah Staples, co-founder of Peppermint Grove Australia; Kellie Rakich and Alexandra Lyons, co-founders of Ankalia Textiles; Michael Paul, CEO of Pack & Send; and David Scicluna, Pack & Send Franchisee of the Year 2016.
Director, Charlene Maney, from the Fleurieu Peninsula, beat out seven entrepreneurs in an all-female final for the prize, and over 130 entrants from across Australia.
 

Fleurieu Gifts, based in South Australia, provides eco-friendly alternatives to cut flowers, sourced from the Fleurieu Peninsula. Since its inception in 2014, founder and director Charlene Maney has used the power of e-commerce and online marketing to bring in six figures of annual sales.
A desire to spend more time with her family drove Charlene to swap her successful corporate job for more muddy ventures in 2014.
“I was working long hours and commuting into the city for work and just wishing I could see more of my family.
“In the end I decided to leave my corporate gig, combine my love of gardening and beautiful things, and create my online business – making mini-gardens.”
Charlene receives a prize pack that includes $10,000 worth of parcel and freight services from Pack & Send, a three-month business mentorship with Hannah Staples, co-founder of Peppermint Grove Australia, and parcel courier and freighting advice from a Pack & Send account manager for a year.
“Fleurieu Gifts is an incredible example of the enterprising spirit and high-calibre talent that exists within the small business community in Australia, and we are proud to play a part in turbo-charging the growth of her business,” said Michael Paul, Founder and CEO, Pack & Send “We wish her all the best in her endeavours.
“We were also delighted to see the strong entrepreneurial spirit of women in Australia represented in an all-female line-up of finalists.”