The Cowra Entrepreneur Program (CEP) recently celebrated the successful completion of its fourth group of graduates.
They are now ready to launch the fifth group, the ‘Young Guns’ course which teaches young business people entrepreneurship and business skills.
An initiative of Cowra Shire Council, the CEP was also selected as one of ten semi finalists in the Business Development Organisation Category of the 2011 NSW/ACT Regional Achievement & Community Awards earlier this year.
The culmination of the one year course is a Certificate IV in Small Business Management which is managed by Skillset.
The event was opened by Cowra Mayor Bill West and attended by representatives of Cowra Shire Council, participants of past CEPs and business people of the Shire.
“Council recognises the importance of local businesses and we will continue to support them through initiatives such as the CEP,” he said.
Special guest speaker for the evening was Justin Herald, founder of Attitude Clothing and International Entrepreneur of the Year 2005, who regaled the audience with his remarkable story.
Justin will continue with the Cowra Entrepreneur Program as a mentor to the 15 young participants taking part in CEP Group 5.
Jamie Hibberson of Cowra business Hibbo Installations, will be the youngest participant in the Group 5 ‘Young Guns’ course commencing later this month.
About to turn 18, Jamie said he was “really looking forward to getting the skills needed to build and strengthen his business and working with Justin as a mentor.”
Cowra Business Officer Mike Foster couldn’t be happier with Group 4 and the prospects for Group 5.
“We are in excellent hands with Skillset providing the Certificate IV and Justin Herald as the inspirational mentor,” he said.
“With over 100 businesses now being involved in the program I think we have a professional and significant training product to assist Cowra businesses.”
For further information contact Cowra Business Officer Mike Foster on (02) 6340 2000.
