About Sam Hicks – who is this woman? Sam Hicks is often introduced with this question because her work spans regional business development, marketing, and photography. She is a make-a-difference person who helps small business owners grow with clarity and confidence.
My Story
I’ve always believed that business and creativity belong together.
Before becoming a business advisor, I spent 15 years running my own ceramic business, teaching hundreds of students each week while building a successful wholesale and retail operation.
From there, my career expanded into tourism, destination marketing, visitor services and regional business development before establishing my consultancy in 2000.
Since then I’ve worked with hundreds of businesses across regional Victoria and beyond, helping owners navigate growth, marketing, digital technology, business planning and, more recently, the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for small business.
Today I combine decades of hands-on business experience with a passion for education, helping people understand not just what to do—but why it works.
Qualifications
I’m a strong believer that learning never stops.
My qualifications include:
Postgraduate Qualifications
- Master of Business Administration (Marketing Management)
- Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing
Diplomas
- Tourism
- Events
- Community Development
- Community Education
- Project Management
Along with numerous qualifications in training, marketing, digital technologies and adult education.
The learning continues because business continues to evolve.
Giving Back
Community has always been an important part of my life.
I’m incredibly proud to have been recognised as the Murrindindi Shire Citizen of the Year, but the real reward comes from helping communities thrive.
Current volunteer roles include:
- President – Fawcett Hall Reserve Committee of Management
- Secretary and Life Member – Murrindindi Food & Wine Inc.
- President – Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool Inc.
Over many years I’ve volunteered across tourism, business development, emergency recovery, food and wine, education, and community organisations because strong businesses help build strong communities.
Who I Work With
Over the past 25 years, I’ve worked with:
- Small businesses
- Start-ups
- Community organisations
- Local and State Government
- Regional tourism organisations
- Chambers of commerce
- Industry associations
- Creative businesses
- Agricultural businesses
- Not-for-profit organisations
If you’re building something meaningful and looking for practical support, I’d love to help.
My Values
Everything I do is built on five simple values:
- Making a difference
- Lifelong learning
- Integrity
- Humour
- Community
My clients know they can expect honesty, practical advice, professionalism, and complete confidentiality.
Life Outside Business
I live and work from our farm in the beautiful Murrindindi Shire in North East Victoria.
When I’m not mentoring businesses or delivering workshops, you’ll usually find me behind a camera, recording the 5-Minute Business Boost® podcast; volunteering in the community; or spending time with my family, boxer dogs, cattle, and chickens.
Regional Australia has shaped who I am, and helping regional businesses succeed continues to be one of the greatest privileges of my career.
My Mission
To help people build stronger businesses with practical advice, business education, marketing expertise, and AI confidence.
Because when businesses thrive, communities thrive.
Anything IS possible.