From small beginnings to unexpected opportunities

What started as a search for an alternative chicken feed has grown into an innovative business that transforms food waste into a valuable resource. With the support of IntoJobs’ Self-Employment Assistance Program (delivered by Mas National), Shane Turton has turned a lightbulb moment into a viable and sustainable enterprise.

Based in South Australia’s Riverland, Shane runs a business farming black soldier fly larvae, which are used to process food waste and create a high-protein feed source for livestock, poultry and other animals. What began as a small backyard operation is now showing significant growth potential and attracting interest from customers beyond the region.

Despite Shane’s obvious determination and creativity, the journey into small business has not been without its setbacks. Seeking guidance, Shane enrolled in the SEA Program, completing the five-day introductory course before working with mentor Shaun Harris to develop the new venture.

“Coming into the program, I had a passion for the idea but very little experience running a business,” Shane said. “The training gave me a much better understanding of business planning, marketing and what it actually takes to get a business off the ground.”

While the course provided practical business knowledge, Shane said the mentoring component proved invaluable.

“The mentoring was probably the most valuable part of the program,” he said. “Starting a business can be overwhelming at times, so having someone there to answer questions, challenge your thinking and keep you focused made a huge difference.”

Like many new business owners, Shane experienced moments of uncertainty and self-doubt while navigating the realities of establishing a business in a new and emerging industry.

“There are always hurdles when you’re starting out and it’s easy to question whether you’re on the right track,” he said. “Having regular check-ins helped me stay motivated and gave me confidence to keep moving forward.”

That mindset proved critical when an early attempt to promote the business at a local market appeared fruitless. While the market stall generated little income, it led to a conversation that eventually introduced Shane to new industry contacts and opened the door to a completely unexpected business opportunity.

“One of our first market stalls wasn’t exactly a financial success, but it introduced us to people who eventually connected us with new customers and new markets,” he said. “As it turned out, that single day ended up being far more valuable than we realised at the time.”

Looking back on his journey, Shane believes persistence has been just as important as innovation.

“The biggest lesson for me was that opportunities rarely arrive the way you expect,” Shane said. “By staying persistent and being willing to try new things, you give yourself the chance to discover pathways you never saw coming. If you stop trying, you’re guaranteed to miss the opportunities that are out there.”