Wednesday, 13 November 2019
In 1998, a group of young people keen to learn more about how to start their own business took part in the inaugural South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme.
In the years since, more than 700 South Australians aged between 18 and 35 have graduated from the South Australian Business Chamber’s 12-month program, generating more than 1000 jobs, and putting South Australia on the entrepreneurial map.
SAYES is tonight celebrating 21 years of helping young people kick-start their business careers, armed with an understanding of business fundamentals and the skills and confidence to implement their ideas.
The South Australian Business Chamber Chief Executive Martin Haese said that as an SME state, SAYES had been essential for hundreds of people receiving mentoring, advice and support from experienced practitioners to build on their ideas and turn them into a growing business.
“Taking a business leap of faith in the current climate can be daunting, but these young entrepreneurs, who are prepared to take a risk, learn and grow, are key to the state’s economic future,” Mr Haese said.
Entrepreneurs who have taken part in the SAYES program include body artist Emma Hack, mural artist Dave Court, augmented reality specialist and Lateral Vision founder Alex Tolson, Barossa Valley Cheese Co’s Victoria McClurg and Algo Mas owner Julie Wrobel.
To celebrate the anniversary SAYES alumni, Shifty Lizard Brewing Co’s Lee Stone, has brewed a beer to celebrate the program — Nothing Comes Easy Ale.
Nothing Comes Easy Ale will be launched at tonight’s event at the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra’s Grainger Studios on Hindley St, Adelaide, from 6pm.
“Watching the state’s young entrepreneurs grow their business, employ staff and become successful is a great thrill,” Mr Haese said. “South Australia was built on an entrepreneurial spirit, and these young people should be commended for taking a supported leap into the great unknown.”
Mr Haese said SAYES, which receives funding from the Department for Innovation and Skills, had been so successful it had resulted in two additional programs – Encore for entrepreneurs aged over 35, and Regional SAYES.
Applications are open for the November intake of Regional SAYES, which for the first time will cover the accommodation and transport costs for country participants taking part in a condensed course at Lot 14. Regional participants will also vie to become the SA Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2020. The 2019 graduation takes place next week.
“The South Australian Business Chamber is helping young people from the South East to the West Coast develop their business plans and kick-start a business career. With today’s telecommunications, it’s easy to sell products and services to the world from your living room, and we’re helping young people do exactly that, no matter where they live.”
