How do I apply?

To get involved with , simply download and complete the Expression of Interest form. This application will be assessed by the Advisory Group (a panel who have knowledge of agribusiness, local conditions, entrepreneurship, youth and environmental issues including climate change mitigation).

You will then need to complete a formal application (don’t worry this won’t be too much paper work! Essentially, we need to get some information from you for our reporting purposes and ensure you are committed to the program – we will help with this bit!).

Once selected you will join a cluster group of up to 15 young entrepreneurs / businesses.

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Am I eligible?

This program is for you if you can answer to the following…

  • I am aged 18–30 and work in the agri-food sector;
  • I have an idea for (at least one of the following):
  • a new concept or innovation that will enable the business to be more sustainable in a changing climate. Or
  • an innovative way to diversify or expand the business through the value chain.
  • Can commit to bi-monthly activities (at a time decided by mutual agreement). This will equate to around 12 full days per year. Note: if you nominate a business to attend (i.e. a husband and wife partnership) one member of the business must be present at each session);
  • I am located in one of the following regions Barossa Valley, Mid North, Murraylands and Kangaroo Island;
  • I am prepared to pay a $80 registration fee if selected;
  • I have access to the Internet and email; and
  • I am prepared to have images of myself used for promotional or educational purposes – for example on the website.

Other points to consider

  • participants should live within a reasonable travelling distance of one of the four clusters.
  • Participants should be willing to participate in 12 full days of professional development activities over 12 months.
  • As places are limited we ask you to consider your commitment carefully.
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What's not supported

While we are providing and investing a fair amount of money into this program, we need to be clear about some things we won’t support (just so we are all on the same page).

We will not fund or support:

  • Business projects already completed before the commencement of program period;
  • Start-up business costs;
  • The purchase of equipment or machinery;
  • The purchase of services contracted by you for your business;
  • Your travel costs to attend cluster activities unless specifically advised that this is the case. In general, travel to the cluster activities is at your cost. However, travel on field trips will be supported and we will advise you on these occasions. Lunch, morning and afternoon tea will be provided on the training days.

We are also not liable for any costs you incur as part of establishing your business nor are we liable for the advice offered.

Speak to us if you are unsure about any of these things.

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Application assessment

Successful participants will be selected on the following:

  • Response to the selection criteria;
  • Demonstrated commitment to the agri-food sector;
  • Long term environmental concepts of the new business idea
  • Business sustainability – economic and environmental; and
  • Support from referees.

We are also not liable for any costs you incur as part of establishing your business nor are we liable for the advice offered.

Speak to us if you are unsure about any of these things.

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What's next?

Expressions of Interest are registered and processed by the Office for Youth and we will acknowledge your expression of interest by email.

Your applications will be forwarded to the peer assessment panel members, who individually evaluate them before the panel meets. If necessary, an application may be sent to additional assessors for comment.

The Assessment Panel will assess applications against a given criteria. There may be more eligible applications than the funds can support and so participation will be on the basis of the applicant that best meets the selection criteria.

Assessment will be confidential and assessors will be required to sign an agreement not to discuss your business idea out of session with other people. Assessors names will not be published as we would prefer these people are able to make independent judgement without fear or favour.

All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email, mail or phone as suggested in your application form.

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Important dates

Expressions of interest to participate in the program are now closed.

 

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Submitting...

Please submit your expression of interest, along with your personal resume and any other supporting documentation via one of the following:

Email to:
 
Fax to:
(08) 8204 8499
Post to:
The Ignite Program
The Office for Youth
GPO Box 320
Adelaide SA 5001
 Download Form

All information provided is treated as strictly confidential and will not be disclosed outside of any official Office for Youth business relations. You have the right to access/update this information held by the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology under the Freedom of Information Act.

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MENTOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

Please download the PDF mentor expression of interest form and return to us via email, fax or post.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

Please download the PDF expression of interest form and return to us via email, fax or post. The form is an editable PDF which can be completed and emailed back to us.