A Newcastle community organisation has committed to helping launch 600 new ventures over the next five years.
Not-for-profit The Business Centre recently unveiled its Entrepreneurship Pathway.
The program is designed to ensure participants walk away with the skills, knowledge and support to successfully launch their own business.
“Individuals may have great technical skills,” CEO Steve Wait said.
“Or, they might boast a concept to bring to life, be in the early stages of starting up or looking to shake up what they have already started over the past 18 months.
“But, they don’t possess the knowledge about the business side of things.
“This initiative will provide them with a BSB40302 Certificate IV Entrepreneurship and New Business; business model review and iteration; and individual business mentoring for 12 months, which is fully-funded to the tune of $14,952.”
As a part of the program, The Business Centre is joining forces with other like-minded groups to help add value to regional economies.
Its inaugural partner is Business Hunter.
Mr Wait said the region’s peak business organisation was the perfect ally, due to its aligned goals to support the region in creating sustainable economies and resilient communities.
“Our team is on that mission, to assist go-getters to start their own [sustainable] businesses while being part of an initiative founded on real education and support,” he explained.
“This program is nothing to sneeze at – it’s a carefully designed year-long journey to build knowledge, confidence and develop business ideas that solve problems for customers.”
Business Hunter is excited at the prospect of having an initiative in place that will provide meaningful backing for establishing 600 new businesses over the next five years.
“The region has a strong reputation for supporting entrepreneurs and start-ups,” CEO Bob Hawes said.
“This program will add another dimension by virtue of its structure and the equivalent value it offers to participants.
“The ambition across the region to grow into new sectors and industries will be enhanced by having this program available.
“Business Hunter is a strong advocate for growing business locally.
“The more great ideas that emerge that can stay and grow here, the better off the region will be.
“We’re keen to promote this program across the business network in the Hunter.
“I’m sure it will provoke responses from both existing businesses seeking to spur a new idea and newcomers who might otherwise hesitate to take the step to launch a business.”
Business Hunter believes the comprehensive framework around the program – funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations – will ensure it has broad appeal and, in turn, help ensure the participants continue on and grow with the potential to generate local employment opportunities and supply chain benefits.
To find out more, phone 4925 7700.
