What is Ignite?

is an entrepreneur program that will enable young people (aged 18-30) in the agri-food sector to develop the skills to establish and expand agri-enterprises that are commercially and environmentally sustainable and innovative. If you have a new idea that will grow your business, then this program is for you.

The program will utilise experts to deliver an integrated professional development program that covers business, financial management, sustainability, managing in a changing climate, family business planning / relationships and entrepreneurial skills. The program will consist of field trips, networking events, lectures and panel discussions. Another key feature of the program is mentoring, where young participants will be teamed with a mentor who will provide support and advice in building entrepreneurial agri-enterprises.

All up, will provide an experience that helps build both the young entrepreneur and the young entrepreneurs business.

It’s all about getting the skills, the contacts, the support and advice to make existing businesses more sustainable and resilient in a changing climate.

clusters will initially be established for young people located in the following regions:

  • Kangaroo Island
  • Barossa Valley
  • Murray Lands
  • Mid North

Why Ignite?

Managing a business in the agri-food sector can be challenging. With climate change, increased consumer demands, higher operational costs, and an international economic slowdown (need we say more!) building or expanding a business requires you to be business savvy, financially ready and innovative.

offers you the opportunity to be proactive and develop new skills and networks so that you can plan for these changes and manage your future.

The vision for is to give young agri-food entrepreneurs (aged 18–30) a learning opportunity that delivers skills, networks and support to build or expand their business in an innovative and sustainable manner.

What's in it for me?

Time commitment

Over the first year there will be 12 days of networking, mentoring events, field trips and professional development / training from a range of experts. Through this program we want to see young entrepreneurs grow innovative commercially and environmentally sustainable businesses.

Quality program...

The program will utilise the skills of academics, lecturers, successful business owners, business consultants and numerous skilled training providers from throughout South Australia. These people will be of high standard with practical experience of regional communities and their needs. Further, the program combines structured training sessions with an element of self direction – this will ensure you can have your say on what skills you want or need to grow (i.e. marketing, business management, product development, commercialisation or other).

Personal Development

Throughout this program you will develop not only your entrepreneurial skills but you will develop and build a business plan tailored to your business and an eco plan to determine how you can save costs through sustainability measures. You will also gain a whole heap of skills and contacts. Your mentor will also offer you support – this part is what you make it!

Ignite Support

is supported by the state and federal government to build capacity of young people in regional areas. Further, the government is keen to invest in people who are building sustainable and productive businesses in a changing climate. Over a two year period, the Australian Government (through the Targeting Skills Needs in the Regions Programme) will invest $262,000 to provide professional development events to the participants in four areas of regional South Australia. The South Australian Government through the Office for Youth in partnership with PIRSA will contribute a further $294,000 in operational and administration support.

This funding will support the professional development of 10–15 young entrepreneurs / businesses at four Ignite clusters. These clusters will be located in regional South Australia – Kangaroo Island, the Mid-North, Murraylands, and the Barossa Valley (further clusters may be established subject to further funding). Participants will be selected on an application process.

Costs

There are NO COSTS for successful participants other than the $80 registration fee. You will also be responsible for getting to and from the events (unless indicated otherwise). How’s that for value for money!

Project outcomes

The program will be fun; there will be field trips, panels sessions, networking, mentoring and more. There are however, a number of deliverables by you. These include:

  • The development of a business plan or action plan (we will provide experts to help you develop this);
  • The development of an eco-plan; and
  • You/your business making a presentation about how the program has influenced your business.