Iamdata Solutions Celebrates 8 Years in Business! 🎉🎂🎈🥳 8 Years of Insights: 5 Compelling Reasons Large Corporations Should Partner with Small Businesses and Solopreneurs

Welcome to the Iamdata Solutions Asset Management Newsletter - September 2025 Special 8th Birthday edition!

Jill Singleton

Director - Asset Management Specialist & Data Analyst

This September marks eight incredible years since I took the leap and started my own asset management consultancy business specialising in working with Local Government back in 2017. What began as a bold (and slightly scary) idea has grown into a rewarding and fulfilling journey filled with learning, connection, growth, (and more than a few late nights, if I'm being honest).

Over the years, I’ve had the absolute privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, passionate, and community-minded people in the infrastructure asset management space. I’ve been lucky to play a small part in helping these people do the amazing work they do every day in councils across Australia.

I would like to take this moment to say 'thank you!' to my clients, supporters, and partners over the past eight years.

I also want to use this milestone as a chance to reflect on a subject that keeps popping up whenever I'm pitching to a new client …. why small businesses like mine can (and should!) have a seat at the table?

So, what makes my business, Iamdata Solutions, and other small businesses special?

While preparing a recent tender for a council project, I was asked a tough but important question:

'What is specifically special about you and your business, and why should the Council consider you above other vendors?'

It’s one of those questions that makes you stop and think. And while it’s tempting to talk about qualifications, experience, and software know-how (and yes, I do have those!), the real answer lies in what being a small business actually means and why that can be a huge asset to the people I work with.

It can feel daunting to compete with the larger consultancies out there, companies with dozens of staff and massive marketing budgets. But over time, I’ve realised something important: Being small is not a disadvantage. It's a strength!

Five compelling reasons why large corporations should partner with small businesses and solopreneurs👩‍💻🧰

In the spirit of turning eight this year, here are just five reasons why I believe larger organisations should seriously consider working with small businesses and solopreneurs.

1. Boosting the Local Economy

Every dollar spent with a small, local business stays in the community longer. It supports local jobs, local suppliers, and the kind of economic activity that makes towns and cities thrive. Engaging small businesses means investing in your own backyard and that benefits everyone.

2. Encouraging Real Entrepreneurship

Small businesses, sole traders and solopreneurs are the frontline of innovation. We take risks, adapt fast, and constantly look for smarter ways to deliver better outcomes. When councils and corporations support us, they are nurturing a culture of entrepreneurship and showing others in the community that it's possible to make your own way.

3. Providing Niche Expertise & Unique Services

Small business owners live and breathe what they do. We often bring specialised expertise, bespoke tools, and laser-focused service that larger vendors can’t match. We're not generalists we are specialists. And when you need a tailored solution or a partner who really gets the nuances of your project, that’s where we shine.

4. Supporting Local Identity & Values

We’re not just businesses. We’re part of the local fabric. We show up to the same community events, care about the same roads and footpaths, and want the best outcomes just like you. Working with us helps preserve the authenticity and character of local government and local communities.

5. Building Agility & Resilience

When challenges hit, like budget constraints or shifting priorities, small businesses are nimble. We don’t need five layers of approval. We just adapt and deliver. That kind of agility can be a huge asset in today’s fast-changing environment, especially for projects that demand responsiveness and creative problem-solving.

So, that was my 5 reasons why I believe larger corporations should consider partnering with small businesses and solopreneurs.

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Are you a small business owner too? Or maybe you are part of a larger organisation looking to work with more flexible, dedicated, and community-minded partners?

I'd love to know what you think:

• Are big organisations missing out by not engaging small businesses and sole traders?

• What’s been your experience working with a small consultancy?

• Are there barriers or assumptions that stop local governments from tapping into this valuable pool of talent?

Let’s start a conversation because I truly believe that when big meets small, incredible things can happen.

Happy 8th Birthday Iamdata Solutions 🎂 and Thank You All!

To all the clients, collaborators, peers, and champions who have supported me on this eight-year journey, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your trust, encouragement, and shared commitment to better outcomes make this work so rewarding.

Here’s to continuing to challenge the status quo, deliver great results, and build stronger, more resilient communities together.

I have worked on many different projects with my Local Government clients, from designing and developing Power BI Reports, to building SQL Server databases for spatial data, to managing and maintaining GIS and the Asset Management systems. If you'd like to discuss how we might work together, then please email Jill at ➡️ jill.singleton@iamdata.solutions

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If you would like to see a particular topic covered in these newsletters, then please let me know about it. The chances are other people will be interested and would like to hear about it too! Please email me at: ➡️ jill.singleton@iamdata.solutions with your suggestions.