Programs to promote start-up businesses, increase the profitability of small businesses and mentor and support young northern entrepreneurs in the Gawler and Hewett areas were launched today.
The programs are the result of a partnership between the Stretton Centre at Playford Alive, the Gawler Businesses Development Group and Business SA. Business SA will provide a range of complementary programs to generate economic activity in the local area.
A State Government Grant designed to create new job opportunities in the north in response to the closure of Holden, has made the program possible. Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo, who successfully lobbied for the grant to help generate new economic activity, said the partnership between the three organisations will help small businesses grow.
The Business SA Northern Entrepreneurial Scheme 12 month program is modelled on the popular SAYES Program and aims to give our northern entrepreneurs 18 years and over, the skills to take a business idea and make it a reality. Business SA’s Kerry Sutton said with the guidance of industry experts and their own experienced mentor, participants will gain an understanding of leadership, finance, Marketing and human resources – all the essentials to launch and run a successful and sustainable business.
“Aspiring business owners will leave the course armed with a comprehensive, fully-formed business plan, ready to conquer the world, all fully funded,” said Ms Sutton.
Phillip Arnfield from Build a Better Business will facilitate the Gawler Business Development Group program designed to grow businesses, no matter how small, by improving their profitability.
Lindy Hunt & Leigh Parsons, Directors of Adelaide Retaining Walls Pty Ltd, who completed an earlier version of the program, said the training empowered them to create change.
“We began to focus more on what makes the business profitable rather than just winning the next sale, and we learnt how to make ourselves accountable, “said Lindy Hunt.
“We have always known what we wanted the business to be like, but prior to doing this program we lacked a system that made us accountable to the vision we had for the business,” added Leigh Parsons. Stretton Centre Manager, Mr Dermot Cussen said the Home to Curated Office Environment initiative provides home-based businesses with the opportunity to operate from the Stretton Centre’s co-working office floor.
“In addition to receiving one to one business mentoring, successful applicants will benefit from working alongside and learning from other small businesses,” said Mr Cussen.
“Here at the Stretton Centre, it’s been great to see our Co-Workers grow within our curated office environment and employ new staff.
“Two examples include BT Group, a dynamic and innovative electrical contracting business and Sail & Swan, which produces bespoke, wedding stationery for national and international Markets.
“BT Group currently employs four electricians, three apprentices and office staff, four of whom have been employed since July. In September Sail & Swan commenced its first employee,” added Mr Cussen.
Mr Piccolo encourages all local small businesses, and in particular young entrepreneurs, to go online and read the guidelines and application forms to see if they eligible to apply.
Guidelines and application forms for the various programs can be found at www.strettoncentre.com.au/index.php/the-northern-entrepreneur-growth-program from tomorrow (Tuesday 31st January 2017) and close on Friday 3rd March 2017.