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# Lifelong friends branch out into business with A & S Tree Services

Details
:   Read Time: 3 mins
:   Published: 23 Oct

![](https://www.verto.org.au/images/GNS_SEA_AS_Trees_440x330.jpg)

Ali and Seerwan have been friends since childhood, and for years, they've talked about starting a business together. Now living in Wagga Wagga, the two lifelong friends have turned that ambition into reality with the launch of A & S Tree Services.

Although they followed different career paths over the years, both wanted the opportunity to build something of their own.

> “*We always wanted to start our own business so we could make the decisions and build something for ourselves*,” Ali said.

For Seerwan, the ambition was also about establishing a stable income to support his family.

When the pair identified what they believed was a gap in the local market for tree services, they began looking seriously at what it would take to establish a business in the industry.

Recognising that tree care requires specialist skills and careful preparation, Ali and Seerwan explored the requirements of the work and undertook the necessary training before moving ahead with their plans.

But while they had taken steps to prepare for the work itself, navigating the unfamiliar process of establishing a business presented another challenge.

In May 2026, they approached the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga, a valued community partner of VERTO, which connected them with Self-Employment Assistance Business Coach Nathaniel Dalgleish.

> “*We had no idea how to open a business or how to advertise, and since English isn't our first language, it was extra challenging for us*,” Ali explained.

Over the following weeks, Nathaniel worked closely with the pair to develop their business plan, helping them understand the legal, regulatory and practical requirements involved in getting started.

With a clearer understanding of what was required, Ali and Seerwan made the decision to invest in their new venture, purchasing a truck, wood chipper, stump grinder and other equipment.

In June 2026, A & S Tree Services launched, offering tree lopping, wood chipping and green waste removal across Wagga Wagga and the surrounding Riverina region.

Nathaniel's support continued beyond the initial planning stages, with guidance on branding, marketing and establishing an online presence to help the pair promote their services.

For Ali, learning how to showcase their work through social media was particularly valuable.

> “*Nathaniel's encouragement to put videos and pictures of our work on social media has been the most helpful to us*,” Ali said. “*It helps us show customers that we are capable and professional*.”

As their business began to find its feet, there were moments that stood out for each of them.

For Ali, it was seeing their business signage installed on the side of their truck, something tangible that represented the business they had worked towards establishing.

For Seerwan, it was securing their first job through A & S Tree Services.

Both milestones marked the beginning of something the two friends had spent years hoping to achieve.

Looking back on the experience, Ali believes having someone to guide them through the unfamiliar parts of starting a business made a real difference.

> “*We would recommend the Self-Employment Assistance program to anyone thinking about starting a business. Having someone who understands the process and can point you in the right direction has been really helpful*,” Ali said.

With their business now up and running, Ali and Seerwan are focused on building their reputation, growing their customer base and establishing themselves in the local community.

What began as an ambition shared between two childhood friends has become something they can now call their own, with plenty more they hope to achieve together.

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](https://aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.verto.org.au%2Four-services%2Fself-employment-assistance&data=05%7C02%7Ckgardener%40verto.org.au%7C494be87dce324214a42808dd5a0a0e48%7C2d22555d87324d1ea3ab6d1b9c911359%7C1%7C0%7C638765721510649631%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9WlehRRGAreCPNiYgiwqwTC9N31XYb9x%2F5DqtWeIae4%3D&reserved=0).

To learn more about A & S Tree Services or enquire about tree lopping, wood chipping and green waste removal in Wagga Wagga and the surrounding Riverina region, visit their website: [A & S Tree Services](https://aandstreeservices.com.au/)