With the COVID-19 pandemic putting many young people out of work, a Hunter-produced podcast featuring local and successful entrepreneurs is inspiring others to start their own business.

The Youngpreneur Podcast is an initiative of the Federal Government’s Hunter entrepreneurship facilitator, Cheryl Royle, and Newcastle-based podcast creator, Welcome to Day One.

The podcast was launched this month to coincide with Youth Week.

Ms Royle said each episode featured one of the entrepreneurs sharing their inspiring story and tips for others.

She added that, young people, including those who struggle to get, or fit into, conventional paid work, were often told that they were too young to start their own business.

“The Youngpreneur Podcast features really inspiring young people who have started their own business and are making incredible progress,” Ms Royle said.

“Becoming an entrepreneur while you’re young is an incredible opportunity that also gives you skills that make you highly employable.”

“It is a time in life when you can give stuff a go and have flexibility and room to fail fast and learn.

“This podcast is for young people who have an idea for a business or just want to explore their options.”

Welcome to Day One producer, Adam Spencer, said he hoped the podcast helped young people living in other regional areas.

“Like the other podcasts we produce, Youngpreneur is about discovering and sharing the stories of regional entrepreneurs to inspire others to action and remind all of the regional founders out there that they are not alone,” Mr Spencer said.

“Even if it just knowing there are others out there facing similar challenges to you.”

Four of the entrepreneurs in the podcast are from the Hunter – Erin Wilson, from Urban Base Fitness; Jack Antcliff, from Oasis Media; Tyler Regan, from Orchard School Systems; and Josh Freinberger, from GVP esports.

Lara Davis, from Central Coast-based Lovely Little Lights, and Taj Pabari, from Fiftysix Creations, are also featured.

The podcast is available for free from usual podcast channels, including Apple Podcast, Podfollow, Whooshkaa and Spotify.

People may also access it via the Hunter Futurepreneurs program website.

The Hunter Futurepreneurs program is a Federal Government-funded program that provides free ongoing advice and resources through the start up process to help people turn business ideas into reality.

The program inspires, educates, mentors and connects future entrepreneurs to start or build a sustainable business.