Free business workshops helping City of Mandurah kickstart local economy

CITY of Mandurah is using an innovative entrepreneurial program as part of its economic initiatives.

In 2014, the council started delivering a series of free entrepreneurial workshops for mums, artists, migrant women and unemployed people seeking to start their own business.

Since the program began, more than 435 participants have attended a range of eight-week workshops, with each series custom-made to address specific needs of the target groups.

The program’s success has contributed to 41 full-time businesses being established and 75 per cent of all participants registering an Australian Business Number with most of them trading part time.

The new full time businesses are expected to inject $4.74 million into the local economy.

Mayor Marina Vergone said the council was one of the first local governments in Australia to offer a free entrepreneurial program as a way of growing the economy.

“The program provides community members with an opportunity to generate their own employment and create their own future,” she said.

“We know that Mandurah’s economy is struggling, and we are committed to playing our part but we can’t do it alone, we need State and Federal Government help.”

The aim of the program is to create economic independence for people seeking alternative employment opportunities by starting their own business.

The program encourages participants to design their own job and become their own boss and focuses on changing mindsets, teaching lifelong skills, and supporting participants to develop and implement their business ideas.