SARA GILLIGAN

LOCALS looking to start a new business in 2020 will have access to a free training program from next month at the Gawler Business Innovation Hub.

The New Business Assistance with NEIS Program, delivered by Brace Education and Training, offers candidates who are unemployed or under employed – working less than 15 hours a week –
free support and mentoring in partnership with Regional Development Australia (RDA), University of Adelaide and Town of Gawler.

RDA Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains CEO Anne Moroney said the program, beginning on Monday, February 10, would address Gawler’s unemployment rate and create new business activity.

“The program will help new businesses start and to unlock the entrepreneurial capacity within people who have the desire and capacity to start a business, but don’t quite know where to begin or where to find the right support,” she said.

“People who qualify may receive income support over 39 weeks and, on completion of the program, some will have the opportunity to attend a free 90-day Sprint at University of Adelaide  hincLab.

“It’s a really explosive model pushing people to start their own businesses and creating jobs and opportunities in the local region.”

Kirsten Abel is one of four people to already enrol in the program and, without giving too much of her business model away, is looking to begin a lifestyle rehabilitation business.

“I’m looking to help those who have come through adversity to find a sense of belonging and connection leading onto long-term employment and housing and for a family connection,” she said.

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said the program’s experts could help people like Kirsten achieve their vision through the local innovation hub.

“The wonderful versatility of our amazing centre has allowed this type of program to not only be developed, but to be implemented and delivered,” she said.

“Now we have an amazing entrepreneur bringing in fresh, modern ideas that weren’t thought of 20 years ago, but our world is changing, our state is changing, and we need people like Kirsten to drive the new jobs agenda and I can’t wait to see what her business delivers for the people of this region.

“This centre is really what this type of initiative is all about… and council is developing strong relationships with tertiary providers to achieve (its) vision for the Civic Centre and in particular the innovation hub.”

NEIS program manager Di Minnis said an open day for the program would be held from 10am to 3pm at the Gawler Business Innovation Hub on January 29 for people to ask questions, complete
enrolments and discuss their business ideas.

The skills program will run for five weeks from February 10, 2020 to March 13, 2020, from 9.30am to 3pm, four days a week, followed by 12 months of further mentoring.

To apply for the program visit: (https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/wantto-start-your-new-businesstickets-86089011551). NEIS is an initiative of the Australian Government.