Australia has a great tradition of entrepreneurialism and innovation. Small businesses with less than four staff members make up 28 percent of all Australian businesses,[1] and many organisations that are now household names started off as little more than a great idea.
Unfortunately, many aspiring small business owners on low incomes are excluded from the financial and support services they need to make their idea a reality. This results in a loss of opportunity for people and our economy.
The LaunchME program supports people to start their own business, gain employment or embark on further study. There are four programs: LaunchME for Young Carers, LaunchME South Australia, LaunchME Dandenong and LaunchME Morwell.
The program supports individuals to develop and establish their own microenterprises – small businesses of five or fewer people. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach: the program is tailored to the needs of each participant.
Through research and consultation, we have identified six key supports that we believe are required to establish a microenterprise. These core services will be provided, dependent on the needs of each participant.
LaunchME is available in three locations:
- South Australia
- Dandenong, Victoria
- Morwell, Victoria
We also offer LaunchME for Young Carers aged between 16-25 who live in Victoria.
What our program includes:
- Coaching
Our Microenterprise Coach works directly with participants to identify and meet their business needs.
- Mentoring
Small Business Mentors provide participants with one-on-one support and guidance on the development of their business idea.
- Business Planning
Supporting the development of a business plan, liaising with local providers as needed.
- Building Skills
Supporting participants to identify the skills they will need to move forward with their microenterprise, and liaising with local providers to deliver targeted skills training.
- Building Networks
A supportive community, including a mentor, coach, other program participants, suppliers, customers and stakeholders.
- Finance
A microenterprise loan to help participants get their business up and running.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have a Healthcare or Pension Card; or
- Earn under $45,000 per year (after tax); and
- Live in South Australia, Dandenong or Morwell (Victoria) or is a Victorian Young Carer aged between 16-25
What kinds of businesses does the program support?
No two small businesses look the same, but some examples might include a handyperson, hairdresser, craftsperson, tailor or gardener.
Want to know more?
- Print a hard copy of the program brochure
- View a list of frequently asked questions for more information or;
- Contact our South Australian Microenterprise Coach, Nick Limberis on (08) 8285 0607 or our Program Assistant, Rachael Tallboy on (08) 8285 0604 to express your interest
- Contact our LaunchME for Young Carers Buddy, Shelley Karpathikas on 0477 990 809 to learn more
LaunchME is supported by the South Australian and Victorian Governments.
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics, 8165.0 – Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, Jun 2012 to Jun 2016