In 2018 the Stretton Centre supported 11 young entrepreneurs studying or living in the northern suburbs of Adelaide to transform their innovative business idea into a productive venture or social enterprise through the Young Entrepreneurs Program Pilot (YEPP).
Participants were provided hands-on coaching and mentoring from industry experts and other young entrepreneurs. They participated in bi-monthly 'stretch days' at the Stretton Centre, with the Program facilitated by Enterprising Partnerships.
YEPP came to a conclusion on Saturday, 17 November with six participants pitching their business ideas to judges Paula Luethen MP for King representing the Government of South Australia's Department for Education, Mayor Glenn Docherty City of Playford and Mayor Karen Redman Town of Gawler.
"Young people are incredibly important to the growth of the local economy and community."
"Which is why it's important the City of Playford supports Program's such as the Stretton Centre's YEPP, providing young people the skills and confidence to create their own employment opportunities," continued the Mayor.
The judging panel awarded Francie the winner for her business pitch on kindness cards. The Stretton Centre will sponsor Francie to participate in Business SA's SAYYES program in 2020, once she has completed her high school studies. She will also receive 12 months Co-Working at the Stretton Centre to support the continual development and execution of Francie's kindness cards business concept.
Thank you to the judging panel which comprised of Paula Luethen MP, Mayor Docherty and Mayor Redman for providing your time and expertise at the event. The Stretton Centre would also like to acknowledge and thank Richard Harvey MP, Member for Light for supporting the young participants at the final pitch event.
Through the advocacy of the Hon Tony Piccolo MP YEPP was officially launched and at the Stretton Centre on Friday, 16 February 2018 by the former Minister for Education and Child Development, Susan Close.
YEPP is funded by the State Government through the Premier, the Minister for Human Services and the Minister for Industry and Skills.
