The region’s young people can obtain much-needed entrepreneurial skills through a free, three-day bootcamp in Newcastle this month.
The Hunter Futurepreneurs program is coordinating the Young Entrepreneurs Bootcamp leading into NSW Youth Week (7-9 April), with support from the City of Newcastle.
Facilitator Cheryl Royle said the event was for anyone aged between 15 and 25, who wanted to set up their own business, or for those wishing to gain key employment and enterprise abilities.
Participants will create a business solution to a real-world problem with the help of the bootcamp facilitator and each other.
They’ll then present their idea to a panel of local business experts on 22 April.
Ms Royle said the bootcamp would be fun and supportive but also challenging.
“It will help participants learn to innovate, think on their feet and be creative,” she explained.
“There’ll be a focus on personal development – knowing your own strengths and weaknesses and being more open-minded is an important part of an entrepreneurial mindset.
“The bootcamp also focuses on creating sustainable businesses and organisations by using the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.”
Those undertaking the program will continue to benefit through the Youth Entrepreneurs Network, where they’ll connect with mentors, coaches, innovators and each other.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the initiative was a fantastic resource to help young people develop or grow their business idea.
“We’re committed to becoming a smart, liveable and sustainable global city by delivering high-quality services for our city and fostering the innovation, investment and job creation needed for our community to prosper every day,” she stated.
“Many successful businesses have been built in our region, offering proof of the importance of encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship in our community.
“City of Newcastle’s Digital Library provides the ideal location for this type of workshop as its range of state-of-the-art digital technologies, such as the free podcasting studio, are designed to ensure our community has the digital skills required to secure jobs and develop their business ideas now and into the future.”
Ms Royle said developing entrepreneurial skills was crucial if the Hunter was to be a smart region and remain an economic powerhouse.
She added the definition of entrepreneurship was often too narrow and did not just mean being a business founder.
“Entrepreneurial people have initiative, self-drive and emotional intelligence; overcome risk and uncertainty; are flexible, adaptable, creative and innovative; and they aren’t just critical thinkers – they take ownership and solve problems,” she said.
The Australian Government-funded Hunter Futurepreneurs program offers free resources and mentoring support for people looking to set up a business and works with other organisations to foster the development of entrepreneurial skills in the region.
To register for the bootcamp or to find other support to be entrepreneurial, visit www.hunterfuturepreneurs.com.au
DETAILS
What: Hunter Futurepreneurs Young Entrepreneurs Bootcamp
When: 7, 8 and 9 April from 9.30am- 3pm (Leading into 2021 Youth Week)
Where: City of Newcastle’s new Digital Library
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