Age: 38
Head office: New South Wales
Revenue: $470,000
Founded in: 2006
Justine Curtis is part of a new breed of social entrepreneurs who have managed to combine business with philanthropy. Her company, Inspired Adventures, is a travel company that organises and operates adventure trips - including treks, marathon bike rides and mountain climbs - that also raises money for charities.
Customers pay a registration fee and then are assisted in fundraising the rest of the funds needed. Inspired Adventures has organised 40 different trips and raised more than $2 million for charities.
"People want to do more than just make a donation to charity or run in a fun run, so we offer them an incredible opportunity to fundraise, get fit and have the adventure of a lifetime," Curtis says.
"I could not wish for a more fulfilling business - raising vital funds for amazing charities and helping people enjoy incredible travel experiences, fulfill lifelong dreams and tick things off their bucket lists."
Curtis, who previously worked in the media industry, started the business in 2006 with partner Jamie Ling after spending a few years in the not-for-profit sector.
Inspired Adventures' business model is unique and services provided include the creation of marketing materials to support each trip, liaising with charities and travel companies and most important of all, supporting the fundraising efforts of participants.
Three years after starting her company, Curtis' advice for would-be entrepreneurs is to just have a go.
"The most challenging part was having the confidence to do it," she says. "Once we got started the rest was easy."
