The 20 students from three schools learnt skills to help them share ideas and build rapport in the lead up to the launch of the 12-week program aimed at guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“They’re really excited to be here and it’s a really good group of kids,” the emcee for the two days’ training and author of End Game, Leigh Louey-Gung, said.

“We want them to create their own lives and be what they want to be.

“The program can help give them the life they want.”

The program was funded by the NSW Department of Family and Community Services as part of their Youth Opportunities initiative and a joint project managed by Bega Valley Shire Council, Lighthouse Business Innovation Centre, and Community Training Partnerships (CTP).

CTP’s Leanne Atkinson said the program is about providing students with access to mentors and creating opportunities outside the box.

“I think these days there is a chance for these kids to create a global opportunity for themselves,” she said.

Access to the internet and online opportunities have increased the potential for people to be independent and collaborate ideas and innovations across Australia and overseas, she said.

The program’s official launch day will be held at noon on Tuesday, July 28, at the Bega Youth Space on Gipps St to welcome aboard mentors and sponsors interested in contributing to the project.

Bega Valley Shire Council’s manager of community culture and information, Simon Schweitzer, said the launch day will include an information session for people who want to get involved.

“Government figures show that in regional areas there is high rate of young people having difficulties in transitioning from school to further education or employment,” he said.

“This problem is compounded by many school leavers choosing to leave the area which leaves an ageing population and a growing skills shortage to provide the services needed on a local level.

“However, we can stem the flow of young people and skills from our community if we choose to invest in 15-17 year old students interested entering the business world.”

The program will provide a toolkit to foster ideas and invest in home communities with the hope it will lay the groundwork for building skills, confidence and generating business opportunities within the shire.

The project needs people to volunteer for one hour per fortnight to work with a student, sponsorships to book trainers and speakers, and businesses to offer experience in local trading.

For more information call Bega Valley Shire Council on 6499 2222.