Business SA is pleased to be continuing its highly successful and popular South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme (SAYES).
The program, which had funding cut in last year’s State Budget, will continue to operate out of Business SA.
Business SA Chief Executive Officer, Peter Vaughan, said that Business SA was keen to ensure the survival of the popular program.
“The SAYES program has played an important role in getting hundreds of businesses up off the ground and we are delighted that this will continue,” Mr Vaughan said.
“There are many success stories of small businesses that have been involved with the program and we are proud to have been part of their journey.
“Programs like Business SA’s South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme are vital in nurturing entrepreneurial young business people with bright and diverse ideas.”
The SAYES program is open to people aged 18-35 years and are the owner of a business or business idea and are in the early start-up stages of operations.
A series of workshops help participants build their business skills which are presented by an expert in their field.
Participants also receive business training, mentoring by leading Adelaide business people and the opportunity to meet other young entrepreneurs.
“Entrepreneurship and enterprising business people are essential to South Australia’s long-term vibrancy and prosperity,” Mr Vaughan said.
“The South Australian business community is dominated by small organisations so it makes perfect sense to promote entrepreneurship.
“We need to encourage young entrepreneurs with the drive, creativity and willingness to take a risk and turn their ideas into reality.
“Students are often given the standard options of finding a job, trade or going to university, however there needs to be this support for people to pursue the option of opening their own business.”
The continuation of the program was announced at a cocktail networking evening at Minter Ellison Lawyers with past graduates, supporters and mentors in attendance.
Last year’s ‘SAYES Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award winner, Becky Hirst, from TableTalk Engagement said the program’s re-launch was great news for local businesses.
“I was really concerned when I heard that SAYES might be closing as I gained so much out of the scheme, but am thrilled that Business SA is going to be continuing it,” Becky said.
There was a large waiting list for the July intake and, following recent interviews, the 30 successful applicants will begin the program this month.
More information is available at www.sayes.com.au
Pictured from top: former SAYES participant, Nick Ferguson www.sustainfitness.com.au
Current SAYES Entrepreneur of the Year (2010), Becky Hirst, Becky Hirst Consulting www.beckyhirstconsulting.com.au with Susan Jackson-Wood, Business SA.