Aspiring start-ups or young people with an existing business are urged to sign up for a new program matching young people with industry experts.
The Yarra Ranges Entrepreneur and Innovation Program is a partnership between Council and the iGen Foundation. Community members aged 17 to 30 years with a business idea or a small business will be matched with an industry expert who can provide guidance and feedback on how to build their business.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Jim Child, said the program will help guide young people over the many hurdles in getting business ideas off the ground or help a small business to grow in the current market.
"We know that so many people in the community will have a fantastic idea for a business, a program or an artistic endeavour that will improve the day-to-day lives of people in the Yarra Ranges," he said.
"However, we also know that setting up a business from scratch – especially as a young person – is incredibly difficult and hard to navigate. That's where this program comes in.
"We want any young person who has a great idea to apply, so we can help partner successful applicants with leading industry experts who have already navigated those hurdles and have priceless advice on how to harness their passion while juggling the realities of starting your own business.
"This program benefits our community both through supporting young people to make their dreams a reality, but also means all of us get to benefit when that reality is set up in our region.
"We're proud to invest in our budding entrepreneurs, encourage innovation and support future capacity-building in our local economy, and I hope that many people take up this great opportunity."
There are 25 places available in this first round. The program is free, and open to all Yarra Ranges resident aged between 17 and 30 who have a business idea or a small business that they want to see grow.
Applications close on Friday, 26 May.
