Onkaparinga Youth Enterprise Hub (OYEH) is an incubator for South Australian innovators, change makers, creatives and entrepreneurs aged under 30.
The hub recorded over 2300 attendances in its first 12 months, launched three start-ups, and provided space for 13 young entrepreneurs to run their businesses.
The City of Onkaparinga initiative has been a vibrant and incredible space where young people have been given opportunities to connect, collaborate, create and develop skills and pathways to unlock and maximise their creative and entrepreneurial potential.
Sam Wannan, 23, a painter and filmmaker with a growing reputation, said, “It’s allowed me to connect with the community in a way nowhere else could.
“I’ve been able to advertise and sell artworks as well as connect with young artists to mentor them in developing their portfolios and selling their work.”
Josh Moorehouse, a 24 year old professional jazz musician, shares Sam’s passion for OYEH, saying it changed his life.
“It’s given me opportunities to get involved with other young people, transition to volunteer roles, be a crew member at our Dare to Dream events, and get involved in the advisory group.”
Stoly Mercers’ expresses her creativity through her jewellery.
Debilitating pain from rheumatoid arthritis has restricted Stoly’s mobility but not her determination to achieve her dreams.
Attending OYEH’s jewellery making workshop 12 months ago sparked a desire to make a living from the hobby she loves.
Stoly embraced other programs, learning business and marketing skills, working alongside other creatives and volunteering.
Michael Davies, is a parkour practitioner who sees things differently. Nothing is impossible. If you want to get from A to Z he’ll show you how.
Michael says he tried to “kick off a hobby business” instructing children at local playgrounds and thought that was the best he could achieve.
“Then I got involved in OYEH and they’re like ‘you can do it’.
“They showed me what I could do and how I could do it.
“I now have my own business and make a living from teaching parkour.”
