Founded in 2019, Reusably is a sustainability start-up with the goal of eliminating the excessive use of disposable goods currently filling landfills. Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Matt Bowie, initially focused on managing reusable coffee cups and bowls through a network of cafés in Adelaide.
Following his university studies in Environmental Science, along with his PhD on sustainable coffee and consumer behaviour, Matt identified that businesses need support to drive sustainability. While the idea resonated with businesses and customers, the original model struggled with profitability and scalability.
Facing these challenges, Matt joined the Business For Good Program, delivered in collaboration by Social Enterprise Council (SASEC), Social Traders and Collab4Good. The program supports small social enterprise businesses with key business fundamentals to strengthen their knowledge, capacity and capability to deliver social, environmental and economic outcomes for SA with long-term business sustainability and growth.
Through this program, Matt was encouraged to examine big-picture questions about revenue generation, scalability, and market fit – areas that had taken a backseat during the business’s initial growth phase. It also allowed Matt to connect with other purpose-driven entrepreneurs and provide mentoring and professional guidance.
As a result of insights gained from the program, Reusably shifted its focus from managing a local café network to offering a scalable software solution for industries like agriculture, food and beverage and pharmaceuticals. This pivot opened up new revenue opportunities and positioned Reusably to work with larger clients like Fleurieu Milk Company to help scale and operationalise reusable packaging systems and reduce environmental impact.
“Being part of this program has really helped me connect with other small business owners in the local community here in Adelaide, so that when I'm facing these challenges we can go and talk to each other, have a chat and work through those together.”
Beyond business strategy, the program also highlighted the importance of mental well-being and work-life balance for entrepreneurs. Small business owners can often get caught up in the operational tasks and marketing tactics. Being able to shift his focus to building stronger systems, and ultimately position Reusably for national and international growth. This renewed sense of purpose has kept him motivated through the ups and downs of business transformation.
Looking forward, Reusably plans to expand its partnerships and deepen its impact across industries that rely on reusable packaging systems. Matt credits the Small Business Fundamentals - Business for Good Program with not only helping Reusably grow but also strengthening his own resilience as a leader. His advice to other entrepreneurs is clear: take the time to step back, get external guidance, and participate in programs that challenge you to rethink and rebuild your business fundamentals.
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