Will You Answer? Practical Paths to Ownership.
In Bundaberg and the Fraser Coast, thousands of local businesses hang like fruit on the trees—full of value, ready to nourish the next generation.
With many Baby Boomers looking to retire and pass on their businesses, these opportunities are everywhere. But when those opportunities aren’t seized, the fruit falls to the ground, wasted, businesses close, and vital services disappear.
The good news? Young people with grit and ambition can step in, pick that fruit, and take over businesses in ways that benefit themselves, their families, and the wider community. Many young Australians, faced with limited options and a lack of awareness, turn to Centrelink or look to pin the blame for their circumstances on someone else. Others leave the area to chase high-paying work in the mines.
There is a growing trend to pursue careers in NDIS or other government-funded industries. While these paths can provide short-term income, they often come with high taxes and limited long-term wealth—and when large numbers rely on government support or funding, it adds to government spending and debt, which leads to inflation and higher interest rates for all Australians.
Stepping into business ownership offers a different path—one that offers goods and services for the community, builds ownership, freedom, and the potential for lasting financial security.
Make It Yours: Practical Paths to Ownership
For those ready to step into a business, understanding handover methods is key. Codie Sanchez, in her book Main Street Millionaire, emphasizes practical ways to acquire existing businesses without massive upfront capital.
These methods include:
• Royalty or Profit-Sharing Agreements: Operate the business while paying the previous owner a percentage of revenue or profits. Low upfront cost and aligned incentives make this a practical option.
• Purchasing Assets and Intellectual Property: Acquire the equipment, stock, brand, and client lists without buying the entire enterprise. A smart way in for ambitious young people.
• Downpayment + Instalments (Seller Financing): Pay an initial downpayment followed by structured instalments, growing the business while funding the seller’s retirement—a true win-win.
• Combination Approaches: Flexible deals combining royalties, instalments, and asset purchases can be tailored to the business’s size, profitability, and the needs of both parties.
These options show that ownership isn’t just for those with deep pockets—it’s achievable for anyone with drive, preparation, and determination.
Take the Leap: A Smooth Handover in Action
Dylan from Woodgate Beach Home Hardware provides a real-life example. He and his family moved from Warwick to acquire the business. Dylan was tired of carrying the stress of managing someone else’s business and asked, “Why am I doing this for someone else’s gain when I could be building something for my family?” Dylan was familiar with Woodgate Beach through many years of holidaying at his grandparents’ house. “I knew the community and felt motivated to invest locally.”
Dylan had positive things to say about Codie Sanchez’s strategies in the book Main Street Millionaire, and encourages young people to act. “Get out there and have a crack,” he says. “Handovers can run smoother than you think, and owning a business brings so many benefits—financially, personally, and for your family.” – Dylan
Run With the Baton: Family Business Done Right
Generational succession is not a relic of the Middle Ages. Many common Middle Ages surnames came from occupations—Smith, Baker, Miller, Carpenter, Taylor, Cooper, Fletcher, Weaver, and Mason—reflecting the trades people practiced and passed down through generations.
Modern generational succession strengthens communities by preserving local knowledge, sustaining family businesses, creating stable employment, encouraging long-term investment, and maintaining cultural identity while adapting enterprises to new technologies and markets.
Janne Nilsson and his wife, Tarissa from Bamboo Land, carried on the nursery business and let Janne’s parents enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Since then, the couple have grown Bamboo Land into a large-scale, online, Australia-wide plant nursery specialising in bamboos and tropical plants.
Janne and Tarissa’s story shows that combining ambition, innovation, and structured succession can turn a local business into something far bigger than its original footprint. The business also provides jobs for dozens of locals.
Ambition Wanted: How Young Talent Can Step Up
While opportunities abound, they require motivated young people to rise to the challenge.
John from Avondale Auto Repairs in Bundaberg, who also operates RACQ services locally, highlights a common struggle: “Apprentices with drive often leave for the mines, while others quit before finishing their training.”
There are opportunities everywhere for young people with grit and determination, but these attributes can be hard to find. John encourages parents to “Teach your children character, and don’t rely on government-funded sectors that can change on a whim”.
After struggling to find a local person to take over the business, John has sought interest overseas. He is currently in the process of securing trained mechanics from overseas (on a special Australian visa) to come to Bundaberg and begin the process of acquiring his business.
Start Fresh, Grow Big
Handovers aren’t the only path. Owen from ORH Mechanical in Childers started from scratch in 2024 with a clear vision and a relentless work ethic. His business has grown rapidly, expanded facilities, and hired more staff.
Owen’s journey proves that grit, determination, and careful planning can turn an idea into a thriving business—especially in regional towns. When asked about any tips for business success, Owen replied, “My best tip is to not enjoy sleeping.”
Owning a business requires long hours and much effort, but at the end of the day, you are left with something tangible. You can’t pass on a job title, a university degree, or a certificate. If you pursue business ownership, you may set yourself and your family up for future success.
Grow Yourself, Grow Your Community
The benefits for young people stepping into business ownership extend far beyond personal success. When a business is handed over rather than shut down, retiring baby boomers gain the security of a dignified and well-funded retirement after decades of hard work.
At the same time, essential services—mechanics, hardware stores, trades, retail, hospitality and local suppliers—remain open and reliable in regional towns where alternatives are often limited. Keeping these businesses alive strengthens the entire community. Jobs are preserved, apprenticeships continue, and local knowledge is passed down rather than lost. Money earned locally is more likely to be spent locally, supporting other businesses and creating a ripple effect throughout the regional economy.
Business handovers don’t just secure individual futures—they protect the fabric of regional Australia, ensuring towns throughout the Bundaberg and Fraser Coast regions continue to grow, serve their communities, and prosper for generations to come.
Step Up, Make It Happen
The message for young people and their families is clear: opportunity is real and achievable. Show initiative, present a strong offer, and commit to long-term growth.
Whether through a smooth handover like Dylan’s, generational succession like Janne’s, or starting from scratch like Owen, regional Queensland offers pathways to build lasting success. If you or a loved one wants to pursue the idea of acquiring a local business, go out and grab a copy of Codie Sanchez’s book Main Street Millionaire.
Regular boring old businesses—often overlooked—can be highly profitable and accessible to those willing to learn, commit, and persevere. The next chapter in Queensland’s regional business story is waiting to be written—by the next generation of ambitious young Australians.
Chitchat Newspaper. March 2026.