Young Achievement Australia - Business Skills Program™ for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander participants

Through the support of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA), Young Achievement Australia are pleased to offer an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to gain enterprise and employability skills by participating in the Business Skills Program™

The Business Skills Program™ is a practical hands-on business experience owned and managed by Young Achievement Australia, a not for profit charitable organisation, enabling participants’ to develop the skills to be able to run or contribute to the successful running of a business.

Participants meet on a weekly basis and are supported by an experienced Coordinating Mentor to set up and run their own small business for up to a period of 24 weeks.

As a group, participants:

• Agree upon a company name including the letters Y&A
• Elect a board of directors and management teams
• Choose a product or service based upon participants' interest, knowledge, skills and/or resources available in the community
• Develop and implement a business plan
• Develop and manage a budget
• Sell shares to develop funds to produce their product/service
• Learn how to market, promote and sell their product
• Liquidate their company, write an annual report and evaluate the operation of their business
• Consider future business, employment or training opportunities.

If the business is a success and is found to be a viable business opportunity, Young Achievement Australia can assist to seek further support and resources to continue as an ongoing business.

Who can get involved?

The Business Skills Program™ is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages with a special  focus on women, young people, people who are unemployed and students in years 9 – 12.  Participants do not need to have a business idea, just an interest in developing their skills, being creative and challenging themselves.

There are various mentoring opportunities available across a range of locations including; coordinating mentor, assistant mentor and specialist mentor roles.

Mentors further develop their leadership, communication, time management and group presentation skills while contributing to economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities.

What does it cost?

Through a partnership with IBA, Young Achievement Australia is able to deliver this program at no cost to participants. However each participant is encouraged to buy at least one share in their business at a cost of $2.00.

Participants may purchase up to ten shares at a cost of $20.00.

It is expected that participants will sell shares in their company to raise start up funds for their business. A minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1000 can be raised. If selling shares is a problem, participants may choose to make YAA a major shareholder to access $500 - $1000 in start up funds.

How do I get involved?

To become obtain an expression of interest form to become a participant in the Young Achievement Australia Business Skills Program™, or to obtain a Mentor Application form, please contact Young Achievement Australia’s Indigenous Program Manager, Sara Hamilton on (02) 9232-3088 or by email at sara@yaa.org.au

Flavoured Chickpeas from YAA Company, "Jarjums Yarn" - Kurri Kurri, NSW.

For further information

Contact	:	Sara Hamilton - Indigenous Program Manager
Address	:	GPO Box 3800, SYDNEY NSW 2001
Phone	:	(02) 9232 3088
Fax	:	(02) 9223 3725
Email	:	sara@yaa.org.au

WWW

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http://www.yaa.org.au