Lachlan Sweet has been named South Australian Young Entrepreneur of the Year after graduating from the SA Business Chamber’s Entrepreneur Start up Program.
The award is presented to a graduate who has shown exceptional commitment to the program, embraced the mentoring arrangement at a superior level, and developed a very high-quality Business Plan. The judges declared that Sweet “produced an exceptional Business Plan, showcasing not only a deep understanding of their business goals but also a commitment to strategic growth.”
Sweet, who has been working in the design industry for six years, made the leap from employee to sole trader post-pandemic, setting up Lachlan Sweet sole trader due to a lack of employment opportunities at the time in the South Australian creative sector. Drawing on a background working in marketing teams, especially within the ecommerce industry, Sweet has focused his work on brand identity, creative direction, print and digital design.
Two years into his entrepreneurial journey, Sweet has built up a client base across the country with a calculated and selective approach. Elisa Luck, General Manager of Programs and Consulting at the South Australian Business Chamber, said Sweet’s clarity of vision impressed from the outset of the program.
“Lachlan has a clear picture of the clients he wants to collaborate with and the projects he wants to deliver,” said Ms Luck. “He is also at an exciting phase of his business with a goal to convert to a company structure by the end of 2025.” “He showcases the best of what the program has to offer.”
Mr Sweet said “The SAYES program has been a major turning point for my career. Over the last nine months, my business thinking was continually challenged throughout the workshops and monthly mentorship. This strategic process has shifted my mindset to have a stronger understanding of the value my business provides as well as an alignment of my vision and goals.”
Sweet found immense value in the mentorship that this program provided, as it allowed him to gain real time advice from an industry expert. “In turn, this advice has empowered me to produce a business plan that will now perform as a roadmap for the next one to five years” said Mr Sweet.
“Now the Program has come to an end, I’m excited to officially launch my brand studio, Make Believe, in the coming months and deepen my relationship with the Business Chamber.”
“With the generous support of the Department of State Development,” said Ms. Luck, “this program, which has supported more than 1,300 South Australians over the last 26 years, will go from strength to strength.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, the Hon Susan Close MP acknowledged the value the program has delivered for South Australian entrepreneurs.
“This program has been a great success for young people starting off on their business journey and I’m pleased to see it expanded so the entrepreneurial spirit can continue to be nurtured, regardless of age,” said Dr. Close. “The South Australian Government is proud to invest $380,000 over two years to ensure greater access for regional participants and underrepresented cohorts.”
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to make your business dream a reality, expressions of interest for April 2025 intake are now open. Apply here.
