SAYES graduates demonstrate the bright future of business

South Australian Business News
Anthony Caldwell
Wednesday, November 1st 2023
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Last Thursday, 15 young entrepreneurs graduated from the South Australian Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (SAYES).

At a small celebration at the South Australian Business Chamber, the cohort of up-and-coming business leaders concluded a 12-month journey where they learned the skills to succeed as they proceed to start and establish their unique businesses. 

The event recognised the achievements of all who were involved in SAYES, but most notably, announced the 2023 South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year. 

Arseniy (Arie) Kolesnichenko, Founder of Property Management Agency HMO Unity Pty Ltd, was awarded the prestigious title, recognising the 23-year-old’s tremendous achievements. 

Arie, who is originally from Kazakhstan, embarked on his entrepreneurial endeavour by relocating to Australia to complete his Commerce Degree. His motivation to establish HMO Unity stemmed from a personal struggle to find compatible housemates and the perfect place to call home.

Arseniy (Arie) Kolesnichenko received his certificate at the SAYES Graduation Ceremony.

HMO Unity operates as a dynamic Property Management Agency, specialising in purchasing or renting properties from real estate agencies and landlords, transforming them into Houses in Multiple Occupations’ (HMOs) and subsequently subletting individual rooms.

Since its inception in 2020, Arie’s innovative concept has seen impressive growth, encompassing the rental of approximately 85 rooms across 18 properties.

The South Australian Business Chamber CEO Andrew Kay commended Arie’s entrepreneurial spirit and offered his congratulations on a well-deserved new title. Arie has already started to make his mark and is committed to HMO Unity’s expansion,” said Mr Kay.

Once again, the South Australian Business Chamber SAYES program has delivered an exceptional standard of graduates, and what Arie has learned and developed under the guidance of his facilitators and mentor will help propel HMO Unity towards its ambitious growth objectives”, he added.

Judy Forbes, author and former proprietor of the cherished Plympton book café, Once & Again, was also recognised for her commitment to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Judy was honoured as the South Australian Mentor of the Year, a testament to her seven-year dedication to the South Australian Business Chamber’s programs.

Throughout this time, she has played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting entrepreneurs embarking on their respective journeys across a wide range of industries.

Andrew Kay also acknowledged Judy’s invaluable expertise, which has made a mark on countless South Australian entrepreneurs.

Judy’s extensive experience as a small business owner, covering a breadth of disciplines, has significantly enriched the South Australian Business Chamber’s programs,” he said.

Her 23 years of experience in vocational education and training has been instrumental in shaping the futures of emerging business leaders,” he added.

Judy Forbes with the South Australian Business Chamber CEO Andrew Kay

Bernadette Nicholson, owner of Whispering Sheoak and Judy’s 2023 mentee, praised Judy as the perfect mentor. Judy has a remarkable ability to connect with individuals and adapt to their unique circumstances with unwavering kindness and profound understanding,” she said.

Drawing from her wealth of business experience, Judy imparted invaluable wisdom and consistently motivated me to remain true to my vision and allow my passion for my business to guide my decisions and business plan.

Judy went the extra mile, visiting our property in Springton, where she not only connected with my family but also gained a deep understanding of our operations.

I can’t thank Judy enough for her guidance and support throughout the past year, and I look forward to continuing our mentorship journey for years to come,” Bernadette expressed.

Celebrating its 25th year, the SAYES program is designed to nurture, grow, and scale start-up and early-stage businesses for South Australians under 35. 

The South Australian Business Chamber thanks the Department for Industry, Innovation and Science and VAILO for their generous support of this program, which has supported over 700 young South Australians over the last 25 years.

See full photo gallery from the SAYES graduation here.

Author

Anthony Caldwell

Manager, Marketing, Media, Communications
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