How we helped a dill pickle start its journey to net zero
This is the story of how n0de a NetZero action platform and Dillicious a dill pickle brinery met through The Generator network and formed an unlikely business relationship.
“Starting up your own business is as tough and equally as fun as everyone says” says Scott Ferraro co-founder of n0de.
n0de is co-founded by Scott Ferraro and Rob Brimblecombe, who spearheaded Monash University's award-winning Net Zero Initiative.
“It’s a huge benefit getting back-up from The Generator. It gave us the additional support to build up sales and marketing expertise, learn about getting the message and our story straight and how to focus on a target segment, but more importantly, we came out of the program feeling part of a strong cohort” added Scott.
Fellow program graduate James Barbour is co-founder and General Manager at Dillicious (pictured), a family business making Aussie dill pickles. He and his wife Liza, also a dietician and lecturer at Monash University, completed The Generator program on their startup journey, and haven’t looked back.
The introduction came when The Generator team saw opportunities for a small business looking to become carbon neutral and a net zero warrior startup, n0de wanting to share their service.
The Generator is the hub of entrepreneurship at Monash, working with students, staff, researchers and alumni to develop entrepreneurial skills, foster research innovation, scale startups and spinouts, and nurture the university's entrepreneurial community.
As Simon Wilkins, Head of The Generator explains, The Generator provides a space for like-minded people to find community, mentorship and collaboration. From people with ‘an idea’, to scaling startups and fundraising founders, The Generator offers a range of programs to support entrepreneurs wherever they are on their journey.
“Monash is about long term connections, about waiting for the right time and keeping up to date on the progress of your peers. What’s new is the term ‘ecosystem’. It’s actually an important aspect and something that has recently shown to be really useful for us,” commented James.
n0de supports businesses on starting the net zero journey by using software to provide focus, discipline, understanding and building products as well as interpreting research.
Becoming a carbon neutral small food business and a leader in making change has always been an ambition for James and Dillicious.
“Big business has the option to just go out there and buy carbon credits – small business really can’t do that so it was in our interest to plan and reduce rather than just offset.
“Scott [at n0de] understood my business and personal aspirations to be more sustainable and build a business that we are proud of and is also good for the planet,” said James.
For Scott Ferraro, the introduction and subsequent business relationship was also beneficial.
“We hadn’t worked with a small food business before and it was helpful that they were open and interested in working with a small startup.
“It’s been a great introduction both personally and professionally. While every startup is a unique snowflake, we all have similar challenges. It’s like James and I have a mutual understanding of what it’s like to be a startup,” explained Scott.
There is always an added element of confidence when someone you trust introduces a ‘tested’ service.
“That’s the benefit of a network “added James. If I thought there was a way they [The Generator] could help I would not hesitate to ask. I feel they are authentic when they say – here’s our front door and it’s always open for you”.
______
The Generator, Monash University's hub for entrepreneurial skills, startup success, and a change-making community,is here for Monash students, staff, researchers and alumni. Talk to us about your ideas and research.