Funding for a new $114,000 pilot program to accelerate the growth of entrepreneurs, businesses and jobs for the Gawler region was announced this morning.

The pilot program, called the Northern Entrepreneur Growth Program (NEGP), is an initiative of the State Government under the Northern Economic Plan (NEP) and has been delivered thanks to a campaign for additional funding from the Member for Light, Mr Tony Piccolo MP.

Mr Piccolo said the announcement of the NEGP recognises that the Gawler region is also being impacted by the end of Australian automotive vehicle manufacturing in 2017, as it is home to many automotive industry workers.

Scheduled to commence in February 2017, the pilot program is being delivered through the Stretton Centre in partnership with the Gawler Business Development Group and Business SA. The NEGP consists of the following six initiatives designed to cater for a range of small businesses and those entrepreneurs who wish to establish a new business.

“The Northern Entrepreneur Scheme (NES) and the Northern Business Coaching will be delivered by Business SA,” said Mr Piccolo.

Minister for Manufacturing and InNovation, and Minister for Automotive Transformation Kyam Maher is keen to foster inNovative growth in the Gawler area.

“These pilot programs will give extra support to some of the brightest minds in the Gawler region, giving them every chance to succeed, and in doing so generate economic activity and jobs for local families.” aid Minister Maher. Kerry Sutton, Manager of Learning Solutions with Business SA said, based on the successful South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme model, the NES will assist eligible participants, aged 18 and above to develop a business model and the skills and confidence to establish their new business.

“Over a period of 12 months, participants will attend interactive workshops and be assigned a personal business mentor for the entire program duration, said Ms Sutton.“Northern Business Coaching is designed to provide local businesses with strategies for growth.“Sessions are interactive with Industry experts in their particular field facilitating monthly workshops.

“Over a period of six months, participants share and collectively solve issues affecting their business, which may include: leadership, finance, Marketing, sales management or business planning,” she said.

Each Business Coaching participant also receives six individual sessions with a business coach. The Gawler Business Development Group (GBDG) will deliver the Profit Improvement for Existing Businesses Program. Caren Brougham, GBDG Co-ordinator said the program helps businesses build on their current level of business knowledge and skills to support increased business growth, profitability and employment.

“Those seeking to start up a business will find the GBDG program, Business Fundamentals for Start Ups ideal, as it provides new start-up ventures with information and assistance that is required to operate a successful enterprise, said Ms Brougham. ”

For existing home based businesses, the Business Fundamentals Plus program will provide essential business information for growth focused and early stage businesses,” she said. The Stretton Centre at Munno Para will provide a home to curated office environment, with mentoring support through the Gawler Business Development Group and Business SA.

Stretton centre Director, Mr Dermot Cussen said The Home to Curated Office program provides home based business with the opportunity to operate their business from the Stretton Centre’s curated co-working office floor.

“Successful applicants, in addition to receiving one to one business mentoring, will benefit from working alongside and learning from other small businesses, said Mr Cussen. “

The Stretton Centre’s purpose is to explore and enable local jobs and it is very pleased to be supporting the delivery of this important regional initiative in partnership with the Gawler Business Development Group and Business SA,” he said.

Mr Piccolo added the NEGP will be piloted for businesses and residents in the post codes of 5115, 5116 and 5118. NEGP guidelines and application forms will be posted on the Stretton Centre’s, Gawler Business Development Group’s and Business SA’s website in late January 2017.

Interested businesses and residents in the eligible posts codes, are encouraged to register their interest with the Stretton Centre on t: 8254 4666 or connect@strettoncentre.com.au