GrowBiz Journeys: Janice Fraser

Janice is a dance and exercise teacher in Perth & Kinross. In this client story, she shares how GrowBiz has supported her through the different stages of running her business, and the end result.

I first connected with GrowBiz in 2018 when I joined weekly sessions in Crieff. They had created a network of small local businesses offering holistic services—an ideal environment for building contacts and sharing ideas. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet others, gain insight into different approaches, and access valuable support around grants, marketing, and business advice.

When Covid hit, everything changed. With GrowBiz’s help, we quickly formed Strathearn Living Well, a local wellbeing group. GrowBiz continued to run regular Zoom sessions, where members could share their experiences and successes. With their support, our group secured funding and hosted a series of online events via Eventbrite, aimed at supporting people’s mental and physical health during lockdown.

I moved my own dance and exercise classes online—five days a week—and benefited from daily mentoring support from GrowBiz until I was fully confident with the new format. One particular highlight was being featured in an article in the Dundee Courier, which gave my business a real boost during that difficult time.

Over the years, I’ve continued to read their newsletters, attend relevant courses, and reach out when I needed guidance. Most recently, when I was launching a new live class in Bridge of Allan, I joined a GrowBiz marketing course. Their support—especially around writing and promotional material—was invaluable.

“I know I can count on GrowBiz if I need advice or inspiration.”

Janice Fraser

They’ve also helped me adapt to a new IT system and introduced me to Canva, which I now use confidently for my marketing materials.

This past year, I’ve been training as a yoga teacher. I’m not entirely sure where it will lead yet, but I know I can count on GrowBiz if I need advice or inspiration. I plan to launch a meditation-based yoga class later this year, adding to my current offer of five Zoom and two live classes.

Thanks to GrowBiz’s continued encouragement, I’ve built a business that works for me. I now enjoy a healthier work-life balance, working just three days a week while doing something I love.