Charles (Yuzhao) Chen – Small business owner – convenience store

Background

• Name: Charles (Yuzhao) Chen
• Nationality: Chinese
• Family members: My partner, who is a student at Griffith University
• Location: The Gold Coast
• Occupation: Convenience store owner and manager

First steps and experiences in building a new life

Q: Why did you choose Queensland?

A: I felt that regional Queensland had great potential area for future business development.

Q: When did you first arrive?

A: I first arrived in Queensland November 2019. I had been on a trip to the Gold Coast in 2015.

Q: What were the biggest challenges?

A: The purchase process seemed to be more complicated and lengthy through the business broker and solicitor, although it was good to have their technical guidance. I found direct communication with the seller himself worked well for me.

Q: What were the greatest successes?

A: 491-SBO (Small Business Owners) pathway has provided me with the chance to move in Queensland and create my own opportunities. I created this stable job on my own by investing in the business during the COVID-19 pandemic. I think my greatest success has been being able to be profitable in my business even during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020.

Migration Queensland nomination process

Q: How did you find out about Queensland nomination and why did you choose a state-nominated business visa?

A: I found out about the 491-SBO by registered migration agents' online posts.

Q: What was your experience with the application process? Do you have advice for prospective applicants?

A: The application process was smooth and I was surprised and excited to be nominated in a such short time.

Current situation

Q: What are you doing now?

A: I own a convenience store/general store/milk bar in beautiful Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast

Future plans

Q: What are your next steps?

A: I will improve the store’s decor to a modern convenience store level. I aim to create more ‘uniqueness’ for the store such as selling souvenirs from local suppliers for tourists and partnering with more local suppliers to offer something different to larger supermarkets.