Government Programs & Contacts - A Critical Evaluation

Author: Youth 2 Youth.

This article examines the Government Programs and Contacts that exist for young entrepreneurs and evaluates their usefulness. This article by no means lists the huge amount of information or assistance out there for people in business or young people in business. It draws on the current experience of the author, a young entrepreneur, of such programs and contacts.

What is available?

Lots. There a number of government programs and contacts (usually web sites) for people in business, and in particular a large number of resources of people in SMEs (small-medium enterprises). Generally what is available tends to be competitions, schemes and programs to advance your business skills or level, or general information and advice. Government funding is not available across a wide range of industries, as it currently tends to focus on science and technology.

You can find information for the most part, online. Check both the Federal and State information available on a certain issue. For example, if you were after some basic business start up information and lived in NSW, you would check the information available with the (State Government's) Department of State and Regional Development as well as with (the Federal Government's) Business Entry Point. This way, you get both local and national information about what is available.

How useful are the opportunities and information?

Keep in mind that much of the information is not tailored to young people in business. Naturally, some of the laws, advice and programs can therefore be confusing to younger young entrepreneurs! Essentially, this is part of what Y-Biz Hothouse is trying to do - get members info written for and by young people (but run by the experts) so that everyone can understand it. There are some sources tailored to young people in business, though frustratingly, these only focus on the start-up phase of business for the most part, and do not suit young entrepreneurs with growing businesses who still require information and advice!

As most of the stuff available (web sites, fact sheets, etc) is free - take advantage of it. But don't feel like you're the only one whose frustrated by the lack of youth-friendly materials! The good news is that the Federal Government is working on this is collaboration with young people in 2003, and that Youth 2 Youth and Y-Biz Hothouse will be a part of this new National Agenda to bring youth entrepreneurship services up to speed!

What should I keep in mind when dealing with Government people from these programs?

For the most part, these people do have your interests at heart. Yes, it is unfortunate that few of them have little experience or know-how in how to deal with young people, let alone with young people in business - but consider yourself a pioneer - get them used to dealing with youth biz!

You may also encounter frustration that some of these Government people have never run a business or owned one, which may make you think, "How do they know what it's like?" The truth is they don't, so get a business mentor to supplement the 'real world' advice you may need!

'Copyright 2003 Youth 2 Youth'

Disclaimer: This article is for your information, but it may not apply to or be suitable for your situation, so seek professional advice. Youth 2 Youth cannot be held liable for anything resulting from how you use the information provided in this article.