New event to ignite young entrepreneurship in the region
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5 July 2022
Bailey Locker | Owner of B.R. Locker Mechanical Services
Young adults in the Western Downs are being encouraged to spark their passion into action with Council’s newest business event, ‘Ignite Your Own Business Idea’.
‘Ignite Your Own Business Idea’ is a free fast-paced one-day masterclass and networking opportunity for residents to develop business ideas and to transform these into a successful business in the real world.
Delivered in collaboration with Future Anything, an entrepreneurship program tailor-made for young adults, ‘Ignite Your Own Business Idea’ aims to challenge and inspire up-and-coming changemakers to take the first steps toward launching their venture. Through a series of problem-solving, prototyping and pitching exercises, participants will be guided by a panel of mentors to shape their ideas into viable business models.
Mayor Paul McVeigh said this new initiative would equip young aspiring businesspeople with the vital tools they need while ultimately supporting the local economy.
“This new event will be a fantastic resource for our region’s young adults and demonstrates Council’s commitment to attracting business opportunities as a way to facilitate a strong and diverse economy,” Cr McVeigh said.
“The great thing is, you don’t need to have a fully-formed idea to get involved — if you have an interest, or just a hobby, our team of experts can help you take it to the next level.
“While there are many programs available that aim to help start-ups, we have identified a gap in the development of business ideas. This event is our way of bridging that gap and providing mentorship, networking and workshop opportunities to foster those ideas in young adults.
“We’ve seen so many successful businesses built in our region and it’s proof that entrepreneurship plays an important part in our communities and our economy.
“It’s a pleasure to partner with Future Anything to deliver this program and I know it will support the community to come up with innovative business ideas and to bring those to life.
“We know in the Western Downs it’s the people that make it, so this event is yet another opportunity for our young adults, and their ideas, to make a difference to their community.”
Local resident Bailey Locker, 23, who operates B.R. Locker Mechanical Services in Dalby said he would encourage anyone thinking about starting up their own business to get involved in the Ignite program.
“I decided to go out on my own because I wanted the freedom that came with it, choosing my own hours and working for myself were huge selling points for me,” Mr Locker said.
“It is no easy task setting up a business and it can be incredibly daunting, especially when considering the extra work involved like building a client base, managing your bookwork and taxes, and offering quality customer service.
“The best thing I did was ease into it and I would encourage anyone interested in starting their own business to attend Council’s workshop. Getting that pre-emptive support will go a long way in preparing to build your business and will reduce a lot of the stress further down the track.
“I’m a huge advocate for young people stepping out and starting their own business, and I believe there is no better time to start than when you are young.”
Whilst this event is free, registrations are essential. To register for ‘Ignite Your Own Business Idea’, visit www.wdrc.info/ignite.
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