Following last year’s successful Cultivate KI graduation of 13 business owners on Kangaroo Island, the Cultivate Hills program launches today with the opportunity for local business owners to focus on reimagining and rebuilding their business following the COVID-19 pandemic and the catastrophic bushfire season of 2019/2020.
Business SA Executive Director, Employer Solutions and Programs Jenny Briggs is excited to bring the best parts of Business SA programs to Adelaide Hills businesses.
“Cultivate Hills is based on programs that have been running for over 20 years, including SAYES (South Australian Young Entrepreneur Scheme) and ENCORE (for 35-year-olds +). But there are no age limits on this one, if you have your sights set on getting your business off the ground, or if you want to scale or take your business in a completely different direction, this program will help you do that.
“We are extremely grateful for the support provided by the Government of South Australia as the key Program Sponsor.”
It is open to aspiring and existing business owners of all ages. This program is for anyone who is ready to launch their business or further develop the business they already have.
Under the guidance of an experienced mentor and with assistance from industry experts, participants will develop the skills and confidence to develop a business plan in this four-month program.
Adelaide Hills business owner and SAYES graduate Luke Timmins can only encourage other business owners to take advantage of this opportunity.
“When you go through these Business SA programs, you will learn about business modelling and planning, finance, sales and customer service, marketing, human resources, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking, legal, digital strategy, media, and PR.”.
Luke Timmins
Luke’s business partner and current ENCORE participant Jarrad Tait says that the program gives you more than just reading a book ever could.
“You work with other business owners, and while you might be in entirely different industries, there are really common business issues across the board. You’ll get the chance to brainstorm solutions to some of these tricky business issues.”
Luke agrees when Jarrad says that he found the support of his mentor invaluable.
“It’s incredible that these successful business owners are so generous with their time, and while they don’t provide the answers for you, they make you really think about what you’re trying to achieve with your business.”
Minister for Innovation and Skills, the Hon David Pisoni MP, said Cultivate Hills is a terrific initiative designed to help regional business owners elevate their business plans to the next level.
“The Marshall Government has a proud history of partnering with Business SA to deliver business accelerator programs, and I am pleased to see this opportunity extended to Adelaide Hills residents,” said Minister Pisoni.
“The peer-to-peer mentoring model gives participants greater levels of confidence to make well-informed decisions in a particularly difficult business environment.”
Business SA, CEO Martin Haese recognises that Adelaide Hills business owners have suffered over the last two years.
“By partnering with the Department for Innovation and Skills, we can offer owners this high-value program for a nominal fee of $350 + GST.
“The Cultivate Hills business growth program embraces the needs of the Adelaide Hills businesses and provides them with the tools they need to flourish in the future.”
Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact Business SA to discuss the application process for the program commencing in late April 2022.