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The Laundry Lady has launched into the Christchurch and Auckland markets courtesy of support from the Queensland Government’s global business agency, Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ).
Laundry Lady, which offers a pickup and delivery wash, dry, fold and ironing service to homes and businesses, was successful in TIQ’s recent round of grant funding in the New to Export program, which aids international expansion.
Over the past six months, Laundry Lady has used the funding and mentorship to establish operations in Christchurch and Auckland, with more locations coming soon.
“In New Zealand, our model works as a franchise system,” Laundry Lady CEO Susan Toft said.
“Expansion into New Zealand was always on the radar for us, given the growing demand for affordable and mobile laundry services. The support from TIQ allowed us to fast-track those plans,” she said of the $15,000 boost, market insights and export expertise.
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Laundry Lady made its international debut at a women’s lifestyle expo in Hamilton, before taking its roadshow to other key locations like Christchurch in late-2023.
“We now have six franchises up and running across Auckland and Christchurch,” Susan said.
“TIQ’s central role in those initial expos allowed Laundry Lady to have an on-the-ground presence, where we were able to share what we’re all about, how customers can benefit from our services, and opportunities to earn income from home as a franchisee.”
The numbers speak for themselves.
Laundry Lady already has an established presence in Australia, with more than 220+ contractors Australia-wide and multiple awards under its belt.
The addition of New Zealand locations to its service footprint is a huge achievement for the former Gold Coast startup, which now boasts revenue of more than $6M while supporting mums, dads, and career-changers in running their own businesses.
The business also featured on the latest season of TV show Shark Tank Australia, reeling in a record-breaking $1M investment offer from Canadian businessman and US Shark, Robert Herjavec.
“To have that sort of validation and offer for investment from someone as esteemed and globally recognised as Robert goes to show the global possibilities for The Laundry Lady,” Susan said.
Susan received face-to-face business mentoring and export strategy development as part of TIQ’s New to Export Grant.
“We’re very grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to see what the coming 12 months bring as we continue to expand in Australia and now internationally thanks to Trade and Investment Queensland and the State Government.”
About Trade and Investment Queensland
Trade and Investment Queensland is the Queensland Government’s dedicated global business agency with representation in 16 countries, across 21 locations, with 12 Trade and Investment Commissioners covering seven regions around the world. TIQ helps Queensland companies access international markets and facilitates foreign investments in the state. Book a consultation