ATTENTION young entrepreneurs - applications are open for the Getting Down to Business 2015 intake.
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The program, an initiative of the state government, aims to promote youth enterprise and develop a culture of youth entrepreneurship in Victoria.
Getting Down to Business is delivered by Enterprising Partnerships and was launched in February this year.
The program is open to people aged between 16 and 25.
Frank Wyatt, who is involved in the program, said 40 youths were part of the first intake.
"The Department of Human Services initiated the program as a means of engaging young people in the community through connecting and helping them fulfill an idea they might have to create a business," Mr Wyatt said.
"Nothing else was around to support 16 to 25 year olds. There was support but it was essentially targeted at existing businesses, businesses that had evolved already and had the fluidity, money and capacity to grow."
My Wyatt said young entrepreneurs took part in webinars, seminars, round table discussions and one-on-one mentoring sessions.
He said one participant had gone onto open a nightclub in Geelong which employed 25 people.
Other success stories include a participant who is expanding a cattle breeding enterprise to create high-end paddock to plate produce for restaurants and another who is developing an information technology platform to match and manage mentoring relationships between young people and their mentors.
Charles Walker, 21, was a participant and said people should not be afraid to put themselves out there.
"I had an idea about improving business cards. I had no idea how to turn it into a business," he said.
"There was no structure for me to convert my idea into a business.
"I have been exposed to a lot of new ideas and have definitely gained a sense of entrepreneurial spirit."
To register for Getting Down to Business or for more information, visit http://apps.enterprisingpartnerships.com.au/