Most communities are full of people with fabulous ideas for new businesses. Yet close to two thirds of all businesses fail within their first two years. Without a network of commercially viably businesses, communities are in real trouble. Inevitably problems associated with unemployment and poverty will arise and community members will look elsewhere for opportunities.
A seminar in Sydney on 28 November will present an approach for revitalising economically disadvantaged communities. Known as Enterprise Facilitation, this business mentoring program has been extremely successful all around the world. It was first developed by Dr Ernesto Sirolli in Esperance, Western Australia in 1985. Since then, the town with a population of just 13,500 has started up 800 successful new businesses.
Enterprise Facilitation is based on the idea that within community members is all the talent and enthusiasm needed to create strong, flourishing, economically viable neighbourhoods. What’s needed is people who can help transform that talent and enthusiasm into tangible business results. Enterprise Facilitators work with a community based board to provide free, confidential, business management and networking advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing businesses. They don’t provide funds, but help entrepreneurs develop a solid business plan that can be used to approach lending institutions.
The seminar is presented by Dr Ernesto Sirolli and is being supported by the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors. They are planning to initiate Enterprise Facilitation in the Auburn area of Sydney.
For more information telephone Felix Ryan on (02) 9794 1922 or visit www.sirolli.co.uk/events.cfm
