Name: Alessandro Borda

Country: Italy

Business: The Gnocchi Way

Entrepreneur’s Description:
Alessandro came to Australia as a student, because he wanted to fulfil his dreams of traveling. His student journey then became an entrepreneur’s success story when he accidently turned his grandmother’s Gnocchi recipe into a business.

He has always had a passion for cooking, and recalls being inspired by the Gnocchi festival that took place in summer all over Italy when he was younger.

He also always loved extreme sports, such as snowboarding, surfing and skating. He also had a passion for art, graduating with a degree from Film Production in Italy a few years ago.

Business Description:
Alessandro started his company when he saw a lack of high quality Italian food providers at affordable prices in the markets.

He started the business with his grandmother’s original recipe, but has now added a personal twist to win the hearts and tummies of the multicultural population of Australia. The Gnocchi Way was started in 2018, with the basic tools (cooking at home and serving in weekend markets), but now he has a huge food truck and has participated in big festivals, sometimes 2 at the same time!

Alessandro is always attending and networking with his clients, he loves to create these connections – and understands how important it is for his business’ growth.

Why this idea?
It started with a dream – to transform an idea into a project
Alessandro says, “But now we are a startup.. With the goal of becoming a restaurant chain”.

Biggest Challenge?
He says that he “lost” a lot of time at the beginning because he wanted to do everything perfectly! But it was when he learned Project Management skills at Academy of Entrepreneurs that he started setting his priorities and progressing faster.

Alessandro’s Tip:
“Create a team who wants to achieve the same goals as you. Find people who believe in your idea and are looking to grow the company with you”. Alessandro sees himself not like a boss, but as a team player.

How has Academy of Entrepreneurs helped Alessandro with his entrepreneurial journey?
“The classes here are so practical, not the regular classrooms and we have no boring theory”. The Academy gave him the push & tools to start and transform his idea into a successful business. “Thanks to Academy of Entrepreneurs, I also learned how to open business in Australia”.

What is Alessandro’s next goal?
“I want to create a factory in Australia and open a restaurant. Once the system is working, I want to open franchises all over this country… and then all over the world.”.

What is Alessandro’s next goal?
“I want to create a factory in Australia and open a restaurant. Once the system is working, I want to open franchises all over this country… and then all over the world.”.

Alessandro’s advice for 1st time entrepreneurs?
“Don’t give up, the journey is going to be super hard but you will need to keep going. You can do it! You’ll need to focus on the good stuff, to keep yourself motivated and focused.”

Favourite Quote:
“When there’s a will, there’s a way.”