November 13, 2020

UOW Commerce student wins 2020 Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards

Youngest participant to win the award in the new business category

A University of Wollongong (UOW) student with an entrepreneurial mindset and a believer in getting things done has won an award at the 2020 Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards (ISLBA).

Darcy McKenna, who is currently in the final year of a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in management and marketing, is the youngest participant to receive the prestigious ISLBA award in the new business category.

Darcy started his business, Biz Sites, with his best friend and business partner, Jye Turner, in 2019 with a vision to serve the ever-growing digital marketing needs of businesses.

His company took away the award after facing tough competition from 18 other local businesses in the New Business category.

“Jye and I launched Biz Sites in May last year, as a website agency. As we started to grow, there was a demand for a range of digital services. So we quickly became a full-service Digital Marketing Agency. We’re continually growing and innovating our services. From websites to social media advertising, and now finishing off the development for our first Mobile App,” Darcy said. 

“We are so grateful for this award, and it felt extra special that we were the youngest ones to have won this award.”

Biz Sites was also a finalist for excellence in digital service delivery at the Illawarra Business Chamber Awards announced last month.

L-R: Darcy Mckenna and Jye Turner at the 2020 Illawarra and South Coast Local Business Awards

Originally from Orange, Darcy said he’s planning to expand his business further into Orange and will start offering app development services in addition to the digital marketing solutions the company is already offering. The company has been located at UOW Innovation Campus for the past 15 months.

He also advises young entrepreneurs “to not let anyone stop you from starting up” and investing in skills that would provide an advantage to running a business.

“I would suggest to entrepreneurs who are just starting up to start building your portfolio and surround yourself with good people and stay focused on your business,” Darcy said.

“Whatever I Iearnt at UOW, I put it back into my business.”

Biz Sites currently has a team of four:  Darcy McKenna (co-founder and director), Jye Turner (co-founder and web designer), Emma Lancaster (marketing assistant) and Vivian Tang (graphic designer). Darcy, Emma and Vivian are full time UOW students.

About Biz Sites:

Biz Sites specialises in digital marketing solutions. It was founded in 2019 by Darcy McKenna and Jye Turner with the goal to help local businesses grow online through a variety of digital services, including; websites, online stores, social media advertising, social media management, search engine optimisation, and search engine marketing.

More information about the company can be found here https://www.bizsites.com.au/