VET’S PET PROJECT
Focus on weight of dogs
CAIRNS entrepreneur Charlotte Williamson will use success at a major start-up competition to market her dog weight-loss venture across Australia and in the US.
The Stratford resident finished runner-up at the Australia Post Regional Pitchfest state final in Toowoomba, pocketing $3500 to grow her business.
An experienced veterinarian, Dr Williamson quit her job about two years ago to focus on the Dog Slim venture – an online-based program to help keep canine weight levels under control.
Following her success in Toowoomba, the mother-oftwo said she would spend the rest of 2017 getting her company ready for the marketplace.
“The big challenge is refining the product and then marketing it and that’s the plan for the next six months,” Dr Williamson said.
“Hopefully we’ll be ready to launch in the New Year.”
A Cairns State High School graduate, she studied in Brisbane and has worked as a veterinarian in Australia and the UK.
Dr Williamson became inspired to help educate pet owners about how to effectively manage their dogs’ weight levels.
“As a vet it was quite frustrating because 10-minute consultations just didn’t allow enough time,” she said.
“This is about having a holistic approach to dog weight management.
“Everyone I speak to has a ‘fat dog’ story. It can be quite a big problem.”
Dr Williamson, whose husband Demian Bullock runs Ulysses Veterinary Clinic, said she planned to have more than 5000 Australian customers over the first two years.
“For anyone with an innovative idea, the challenge is having the dedication to stick through the highs and lows,” she said. “These little wins are great because they really spur you on.”
Three of the five Queensland finalists were from the Far North, emphasising the region’s reputation as a start-up haven.
Dr Williamson was joined in Toowoomba by fellow Far North inventors Paul Aubin, the creator of Bog Out, and Cherrygift founder Fiona McFarlane.
Rebecca Burrows, Australia Post’s general manager of small business and Pitchfest judge, said the calibre of entries was exceptional.
“All five business pitches were innovative, forwardthinking and demonstrated commercial potential to meet a real need in their respective markets,” she said.
“I think we’ve attracted some outstanding examples of regional innovation.”