WORRIED about employment prospects?
Why not create your own job by starting a business?

A free workshop encouraging self-employment among Hunter residents and provide assistance and support in developing ideas into a business will  be held Thursday 27 April at the Tomaree Library and Community Centre at 10am – 12pm.
Titled “From Unemployed to Self Employed”, the program is an Australian Government initiative and is free to anyone who is interested in starting their own business.
The program has come to Port Stephens due to the high youth unemployment and low new business start ups in the area.
This free workshop supports anybody who is considering starting up a business or has a business idea they want to explore further, providing them with essential information to start their own business.
Participants will learn how to identify critical issues and make the right decisions as they prepare to start their business.
After the workshop, attendees may wish to explore the free business support services offered by the Hunter Futurepreneurs Program.
“This is a free service to begin business, to assist people in what business they could start based on their passions, hobbies and interests,” Cheryl Royle, the Entrepreneur Facilitator, told Bay News Of The Area.
“A lot of people have an idea but lack the knowledge, the skills or network to develop their ideas into a successful business,” Ms Royle said.
Ms Royle provides mentorship, contact and support throughout the entire process of creating a business, providing hands on help in navigating the way.
There are only three regions in Australia currently undertaking this program, Cairns, Launceston and here in the Hunter.
Ms Royle is also creating a framework for entrepreneurship in schools and TAFE Colleges in the Hunter region to develop business ideas in the near future.
For more information contact Cheryl Royle on 0407 991 277 or through email cheryl@thefinerline.com.

By Jewell DRURY