Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Program

Our Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Program helps entrepreneurs of all ages to turn their business ideas into reality or further develop and grow their start-up businesses.

Our nine-month Program supports South Australian early-stage businesses, to build their capabilities through the development of a sustainable business model and business strategy.

We teach fundamental entrepreneurial and business skills through workshops, supported by individual mentoring from highly experienced Business Advisors. This assists entrepreneurs who join our Program, to test and refine their business idea and develop a Business Plan ready to launch or scale their business.

By attending monthly content-specific workshops delivered by industry experts, participants will learn how to develop a sustainable business model and business.

Program Participants will attend the following in-person workshops:

Business Modelling
Business Plan – Getting Started
Law for Start-ups
Digital Strategy – Digital Engagement
Marketing and Brand
Digital Marketing, Media and Public Relations
Sales and Customer Service
Finance – How to make sense of your Financials
Human Resources for SMEs
Leadership and Entrepreneurial Thinking
Business Plan Support and Business Plan Review

At the completion of the Program, participants will have developed a business model, strategy, and plan for their business.

Dedicated mentor

In addition to workshops, participants are allocated their own dedicated mentor who will nurture and guide participants throughout the program with monthly one-on-one mentoring sessions.

By participating in mentoring sessions and workshops, Program participants gain an understanding of business fundamentals. At the completion of the Program, participants will leave armed with a comprehensive, fully formed Business Plan, ready to successfully launch or establish their business.

The key to the success of this Program is the ongoing support from experienced mentors and industry leaders who present comprehensive workshops, providing participants with all the essentials to launch and run a successful business.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for our Early-Stage Entrepreneurs Program, you must be:

Demonstrate an intention to either establish a new business or grow an existing one
Be aged 18 or above
Reside in South Australia
Willing and able to commit to and attend the nine-month Program, work with a Mentor, and develop and submit a Business Plan.

Program Cost

There is a cost for the program of $1,500 plus GST per person. With financial support from the Department of State Development, we have been able to reduce the Program cost from $1,800 to $1,500 plus GST.

Participants will be required to complete an online application and have a discussion with a member of our Programs team.

Program Graduation and other value-add services

The Program includes a graduation ceremony upon completion and submission of a Business Plan.

The South Australian Business Chamber offers participants:

Complimentary access to our Business Advice Hotline at the commencement of the Program
12-month complimentary Start-Up Membership to the South Australia Business Chamber upon completion of the Program
Access to business workshops held at the South Australia Business Chamber during the Program

If you like to speak to somebody about the Program, please complete an online enquiry form or call us today at (08) 8300 0000, and one of our staff will get back in touch with you.