When Shahab Antar arrived in Australia as a refugee from Iraq in 2019, he knew he wanted to build a new life for his family. Now, during Small Business Month, his story is a shining example of how determination, passion, and the right support can turn an idea into a thriving business.
Back home, Shahab had spent over ten years working as a chef, mastering a mix of cultural cuisines and sharing his love of food with others. Cooking was never just a job for him, it was his passion, his skill, and a way of bringing people together.
With that passion in mind, he began dreaming of running his own business in his new country. He wanted something that combined his experience as a chef with the flexibility to support his young family. That dream became Lava Kebab, a mobile food business with a name that holds a special meaning.
“Lava is my daughter’s name, Shahab explained. The name has a double meaning, too: Lava as a tribute to my family, and a cheeky nod to the way Aussies say “Luv-a kebab.”
Starting a food business was not without its hurdles. Shahab had already researched trailers and vans, but navigating the maze of approvals, regulations, and paperwork was overwhelming. That’s when he was referred to VERTO’s Self-Employment Assistance program through the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga. From there, Shahab was matched with VERTO’s Self-Employment Facilitator Nathaniel Dalgleish, who became a vital source of guidance and support.
Nathaniel worked alongside Shahab to find a compliant second-hand trailer and tackle the council approval process. He also helped set up the essentials of running a business, from bookkeeping and sourcing suppliers to developing menus and branding.
“The council process was very difficult for me,” Shahab shared. “There was so much paperwork, and it was hard to understand. Nathaniel helped me step by step until I had everything approved. Without his support, I don’t think I could have done it.”
All the effort paid off when Shahab proudly opened Lava Kebab. “My first night serving customers was the best moment,” he said. “Seeing people enjoy my food and knowing this was my own business made me so happy. It was a dream come true.”
Now, Shahab is building a loyal following, travelling to different spots with his food trailer, and sharing his flavours with the community. The trailer gives him the flexibility to work as a sole trader without the heavy costs of a restaurant lease, while still letting him do what he loves most: cook.
Looking to the future, Shahab hopes to grow Lava Kebab into a fixed restaurant one day, creating jobs for others and expanding his menu. But for now, he’s proud to be working for himself, creating a better future for his family, and bringing people together over food.
“I feel very grateful,” he said. “I came to Australia to start a new life, and now I have my own business. Nathaniel’s help with regulations, planning, and branding was invaluable. I would definitely recommend the program to anyone wanting to start their own business.”
For more information about the Self-Employment Assistance program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit: www.verto.org.au/our-services/self-employment-assistance.
