New pilot program for emerging entrepreneurs to begin in Sydney

A new pilot program to teach emerging entrepreneurs the skills they need to develop their ideas is set to begin in Sydney next month.

The program is being delivered by the University of Technology Sydney Business School and co-working space Hub Sydney with funding support from the Sydney City Council.

The school’s director of executive education Gauri Bhalla told StartupSmart entrepreneurs had told the university they wished they knew things like how to sell to customers, how to pitch and what the “lean start-up” concept is about.

“We think we have some great content and want to share it,” she says.

“We want to help business succeed.”

The program, Practical Business Learning for Entrepreneurs: UTS@HUBSYDNEY, is targeting entrepreneurs in the tech and creative sectors, the university says in a statement.

It says 50 places are available in each of five, two-hour workshops between November and April, with 12 entrepreneurs to be selected for a mentorship program where they’ll be matched with experienced entrepreneurs and consultants from PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The first workshop, on November 6, is titled “Lean Canvas Model: What is a CVP” (compelling value proposition).

Other workshops will look at defining and attracting customers, identifying and exploiting competitive advantages, funding, and building a team.

The statement says fast-growing tech-based ventures, as well as creative people working in industries such as ceramics, film-making and graphic design, are encouraged to enrol.

The workshops will be held at Hub Sydney’s co-working space at 101 William Street, Darlinghurst and cost $20 each with participants able to sign up to one, a couple, or all five.

More information about the program can be found here.