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With social media, artificial intelligence and “no code” web platforms levelling the playing field, there’s never been a better time for young people to turn their passions into a thriving business, according to 25-year-old entrepreneur Scott Millar.
After first visiting Warrnambool in 2019, Scott’s education business Bop Industries will return later this year to run the 10-week Warrnambool and Moyne Young Business Leaders Program.
Coordinated by the Warrnambool City Council, the program is for people aged 16-21 and is free to join, with expressions of interest now open.
Mr Millar said a lot has changed since his last visit six years ago, both with his own business, as well as the opportunities for young people.
“Since I was in Warrnambool last I’ve had the pleasure of getting to work with over 100,000 young people in 36 cities across Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, China and North America,” he said.
“It’s been really interesting to see how much has changed in the youth entrepreneurship space.
“Overall I think it’s become easier than ever before for a young person to build a business and get paid for doing something that they are interested in and passionate about.
“You no longer need to be a business whiz, you no longer need to have a business degree or an MBA to bring your business idea to life.
“You can be building businesses that operate across the country and around the world from anywhere regardless of your postcode, your age or your skillset, as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection.”
Research says young people more willing to back themselves
And while technological advances have made it easier for driven young people to start a business, Scott said that research suggests that it’s a career path more young people want to pursue in the future.
“Recent research shows eight out of ten young people under the age of 25 want to be their own boss and four out of ten want to run their own business at some point,” he said.
“A recent study found that 70 per cent of young professionals under the age of 35 in Australia would consider working freelance as opposed to a traditional 9-to-5 career.
“So with that, we’re seeing a lot of young people saying ‘How can I build my skills and build my brand as a freelancer and be able to work when I want, to work from where I want and to work on the projects that I want to work on?’.”
“That gives them a lot of autonomy, a lot of ownership and a lot of flexibility, and it’s those entrepreneurial skills that are giving young people the ability to do that.”
Skills for the future
As well as running education sessions, Mr Millar has also consulted with major brands like IBM, Qantas, Westpac and the Olympic and Paralympic Games on how they can attract and retain top young talent.
He said that with the future of work ever-changing, big corporates are looking for young people with the skillset and mindset of an entrepreneur.
“So regardless of whether or not young people think they are going to run a business for the rest of their life, these entrepreneurial skills will help them no matter what career pathway they go down in any industry,” he said.
Helping South West youth get ready to launch
He encouraged all young people with a business idea to look at the Warrnambool and Moyne Young Business Leaders Program and get involved.
“Over the course of the program students will be getting to work with local mentors, connect with industry experts, hear from entrepreneurs and access support as they build their businesses and bring their ideas to life,” he said.
“At the end of the program there’s the opportunity for students to showcase their businesses to the local business community and also win in a share of prizes to continue supporting them along their business journey.”
The Warrnambool and Moyne Young Business Leaders Program is a partnership between the Warrnambool City Council, Moyne Shire Council, Bop Industries, Engage! and the Ideas Place.
To find out more and express your interest
Expressions of Interest close on May 16.