YES Australia

1. YES Australia Ainsley Gilkes, Project Leader Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship in Australia October 2004

2. Youth Entrepreneurship & Employment in Australia – The Context • Youth unemployment largely seen as a ‘problem solved’ politically and in the public eye • Youth unemployment has decreased, but still 23% • The promotion of youth entrepreneurship and small business ownership amongst young people, however, has social and political interest • No reliable statistics on young entrepreneurs – estimates anywhere between 50 and 500 thousand

3. Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship – The Blueprint Project • Launched Global Youth Service Day 2003 www.iyps.org/blueprint • 3 workshops providing youth with access to inspiring role models, motivation & skills to start them on their entrepreneurial journey • Creation & distribution of 1000 CDs & booklets telling stories of young entrepreneurs • Financed by Foundation for Young Australians & Australia’s National Innovation Awareness Strategy

4. Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship – ENYA (Enterprise Network for Young Australians) • Peak organisation for youth enterprise development • An inclusive view of what constitutes ‘enterprise’ • Information on and referral to enterprise services • Web Resources, Guidance Line, Q&A & Media Liaison • Innovative service-provider filling gaps in the sector • Education, Finance, Policy Recommendations & Expertise • Run by youth in partnership with government, non-profit supporters and Australian business • This year’s rapid growth and future sustainability • www.enya.org.au

5. Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship – Moving Ahead • Blueprint project again in Australia in 2004/2005 • International Blueprint with other YES Country Networks in 2005/2006 • ENYA’s Finance Fund with international accreditation and corporate backing from 2004 • ENYA & CBF’s financial literacy and enterprise workshops touring nationally in 2005/2006 • Future strategic directions of both ENYA & YES • Future policy needs for youth entrepreneurship