The second phase of the Northern Entrepreneur Growth Program kicked off on Wednesday evening when Business SA launched the Northern Entrepreneur Scheme at the Stretton Centre.
The NES run by Business SA is a key component of the NEGP. The NES is based on Business SA’s already successful South Australian Young Entrepreneurs Scheme, which has assisted in launching numerous successful business people such as Emma Hack, Vinh Giang and Luke Patton.
Business SA will run the program through the Stretton Centre. The NES will assist the successful applicants in turning their ideas into a successful business.
Through the NES, the participants will be coached in leadership, finance, Marketing and human resources. They will receive one-on-one mentoring with an experienced businessperson.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo worked alongside Business SA, the Stretton Centre and the Gawler Business Development Group to obtain funding for programs designed to support small businesses in the greater Gawler area.
Mr Piccolo said that by fostering and educating these northern entrepreneurs we are providing them with a strong foundation for future success.
“The ultimate goal is to ensure that these businesses grow to a point where they are able to provide employment for others in the greater Gawler area,” Mr Piccolo said.
Mylan Nguyen, one of the successful applicants, said that as a part of the NES she hopes to receive insight and support to build a successful business.
“I am very grateful and excited about the opportunity,” Ms Nguyen said.
“I believe it encourages participants like myself to learn, grow and further [develop] our career,” she said.
Ms Nguyen’s business, Sepherra’s Beauty will be importing beauty products for sale and providing training workshops in makeup, face painting, body art and henna.
Geoff Pfeiffer of Car Gleamers said that through the NES he hopes to fine-tune his business to operate more efficiently, ultimately enabling him work sMarter and not harder.
Kristy Blunden said that she was looking forward to learning the skills to launch and run her business successfully for many years to come. Ms Blunden operates a home based business Kristy’s Reiki Room.
Alyce Cockram said she is excited and honoured to be a part of the NES.
“My business is still in the concept stage and I hope to achieve the ultimate goal of making this a successful reality,” Ms Cockram said.
“I hope to create, support and nourish the thriving artisan community within Gawler’s surrounding areas and the greater South Australian demographic,” she said.
The successful businesses are as follows:
Alyce Cockram – Agorá
Explore House will provide a unique retail experience, by combining the indoor Market platform with a retail shop and a place for wellness and nutrition. Creating a space for small businesses to share the load at a one-stop shop.
Geoff Pfeiffer – Car Gleamers
Mobile Car Detailing service operating in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, including Gawler and the Barossa.
Greg Hodgkinson – Indigispace
IndigiSpace is an online Market place, a hub for the Indigenous community to be able to reach audiences and customers across Australia and the world. Selling fantastic genuine Indigenous products. Bringing together genuine products from many Australian Indigenous artists and product makers.
Kristy Blunden – Kristy’s Reiki Room
A holistic approach to healing and wellness incorporating one on one Reiki healing sessions, group mediation sessions, chakra balancing, aura cleansing and crystal healing.
Mylan Nguyen – Sapherra’s Beauty
Mobile and home based business that provides services for Makeup Artist, Face painting, Body art and Henna for all events, occasions and parties.
Nikki Pates – Blondies Beauty Roadshow
A mobile beauty salon
Noel Donald – Northern Auto Detailing
A small mobile car detailing service providing affordable car cleaning.
Roumi Ganev – Argan Bookkeeping
Ryan Power – Lonely Light Co
A surf/skate/streetwear clothing brand made from hand drawn designs sold online and through a pop up store.