Last week I had the pleasure of congratulating 20 aspiring businesspeople from 10 different countries on completing a small business skills course run by Newcastle City Council.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Graduates of the inaugural Multicultural Small Business Program gathered at Newcastle Museum on Friday to celebrate their new knowledge of Australian business processes and the prospect of running their own businesses.
With the support of Council, Navitas English, Northern Settlement Services and volunteer mentors, The Business Centre ran a 10-week course to familiarise participants with various regulations in classes taught in English and Arabic.
The aim of the course was to familiarise refugees and migrants with Australian regulations and customs and help fast track financial independence for them and their families.
Many of the participants had successful careers back in the countries they came from, and the lessons they've gained in business planning, financial management and marketing will help them prosper in Newcastle.
The program included workshops, business advisory sessions, networking opportunities and access to mentors from the local migrant business community.
Participants learned how to set up a business, meet legal requirements and get basic instruction in marketing, financial planning, budgeting and taxation.
