Growing up on a dairy farm in rural New South Wales, Desley Pidgeon of Rockhampton, learned early on the importance of innovation. Over the years, she’s fostered this love – sometimes essential for survival – and it’s paved the way for a unique and inspiring journey.
With over 20 years of experience as an educational facilitator, Desley is dedicated to empowering individuals through entrepreneurial programs that encourage innovative thinking and nurture sustainable growth.
Creativity, often essential in regional communities, lies at the heart of Desley’s journey. Her steadfast commitment to helping people bring their startup dreams to life is truly inspirational.
We’re excited to have Desley join our Knoei Launchpad activator team. With her wealth of knowledge and experience in the regional startup space, she’ll undoubtedly have a tremendous impact on those involved in the program.
For some, the entrepreneurial journey isn’t linear. But those who’ve “ridden this rodeo” before know that there is, in fact, a formula to successfully launching a business, and it starts with education. In the startup world, knowledge is power, and having access to the right resources and network can make all the difference.
“We need to embrace the idea that it’s okay to fail,” says Desley. “It’s not a setback; it’s a learning opportunity. Growth doesn’t come from being right all the time, but from being willing to try, fail, and try again. It’s okay to fail, it’s not a big deal.”
The declining number of young women starting businesses in regional areas is concerning. While many have solid business ideas, the biggest hurdle often lies in not knowing how to take that idea and turn it into action.
“The biggest problem I’m seeing is that people don’t know how to start. They have their idea but often don’t know how to take the next steps, how to turn that great idea into something tangible,” says Desley.
Navigating a startup is challenging without a clear roadmap, and mentorship plays a pivotal role in helping entrepreneurs overcome obstacles and stay on course. Knoei Launchpad goes beyond simply offering advice, it creates a supportive ecosystem where collaboration, connection, and knowledge-sharing thrive. By fostering a strong network of local mentors, the program ensures that entrepreneurs in regional communities not only receive guidance but also build lasting relationships that empower them to turn their ideas into successful, sustainable businesses.
“It’s crucial that we create an environment where it’s okay for women to take up space, ask for help, and believe that their ideas and their contributions matter. Too often, women worry about stepping on others’ toes or taking up too much space. But the truth is, collaboration is key. When we work together, we amplify each other’s strengths and make a bigger impact,” says Desley.
Regional communities benefit from the ripple effect that occurs through effective mentorship. When we develop human capital, foster financial capital and strengthen communities through sustainable business development, the communities ultimately benefit.
Today’s entrepreneurs are increasingly driven by purpose, not just profit. This deep commitment to social impact is not only reshaping industries but also having a profoundly positive effect on communities.
“Leaning into this space and strong sense of social impact allows people to take their passion and turn it into a viable business,” says Desley. “Social impact is hugely important, and many startups are deeply conscious of this.”
Knoei Launchpad offers local mentors and women the opportunity to work together to turn startup dreams into a reality. By building strong, sustainable networks, participants get access to valuable resources, connections, and guidance that help them grow their businesses, and strengthen their communities in the process. With the right support, there’s huge potential for growth and prosperity, fostering lasting change and driving economic development in many regional areas.
To find out more about the Knoei Launchpad program – click here
