Sourdough Business Pathways

BUSINESS PATHWAYS

StartUp Northern Rivers Launches

Do you have an idea for a business and want to be supported to get going? Are you a purposeful startup looking for support? Does your business provide services to startups? Or are involved or want to get involved with startups and looking to connect with others in our region?

The expanded StartUp Northern Rivers (SNR) 2021 Program run by Sourdough Business Pathways has expanded it’s initiatives aimed at providing further support to our startup community in the Northern Rivers to connect, network, expand and grow.

“We are such an entrepreneurial community with an incredible array of talent and support services for emerging businesses, but at times it can be hard to find sources of support or even a fellow entrepreneur to connect with when our region is so vast.

Sourdough has long been supporting growing businesses in our region and we’re excited to do what we can to support all the existing and new organisations and groups, and entrepreneurs and startups - essentially our local and growing ecosystem - to be able to better connect for everyone’s benefit” says Sourdough’s Expert in Residence, Ashleigh Camm.

The expansion of the SNR initiatives have been formed in consultation with an advisory board consisting of representatives from NSW Business Chamber, Byron Chamber of Commerce, Byron Ventures, Byron Bay Angels, The Community Well and local startup entrepreneurs and advisors.

StartUp Northern Rivers now includes:

• The Pre-Accelerator program, • Virtual StartUp Northern Rivers Hub, • StartUp Service Provider Panel, • Incubator program

“SNR’s purpose is to be a transparent, collaborative and community-powered hub which supports founders to build purposeful and sustainable businesses that are aiming to have a positive impact on our economy, community and environment“ says Ashleigh.

All local startups and those involved in the startup community are invited to join the StartUp Northern Rivers 2021 Program initiatives to be involved or contribute to the expansion and growth of the local startup community.

For more information visit https://sbp.org.au/sourdough-startupnr/

Introducing Treena Lenthall

Student: Certificate IV Community Services

I felt like a bit of a sham doing a Certificate IV as I already have a degree in social work. I’ve previously worked in child protection and domestic violence in Brisbane and in homeless shelters overseas. But, after over a decade of working with my partner making social justice documentaries and raising our son, I had no recent experience and wasn’t even getting to interview stage of job applications.

I was feeling insecure about my abilities so felt like I needed a refresher and a way to develop contacts in this region. I was quite strategic when I started the course. After becoming disillusioned with statutory government organisations, I knew I wanted to work in a community organisation, like the Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre. The course was daunting at first. It involved a lot of group work, presentation and role playing – things that are not my natural strengths. At times I’d feel apprehensive, yet I liked the challenge and learned to step up.

The formal learning was good but it was what happened in the spaces that I found exciting. We were such a diverse group of people but it was a small group and we developed real trust and respect. Not that it was all smooth – people held different opinions and there were moments of tension. I admire the skills of our tutor, who managed all of this so well. My work placement was at the Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre – exactly where I had hoped for. Forty hours isn’t long but I did further hours on a voluntary basis and now, a couple of months after finishing the course, I work there on a casual basis and hope something more substantial comes up. I also work as a receptionist at Mullumbimby Psychology. The course was such a great experience for me. It offered me the chance to say to myself: “I can do this.”

REFUND POLICY

Please choose your course carefully as REFUNDS WILL NOT BE GIVEN unless cancellations are received three full working days prior to course commencement, and will incur a $15 administration charge.

Byron Community College reserves the right to cancel or change details advertised and cannot take responsibility for any loss or inconvenience caused. Byron Community College receives funding from the NSW Department of Industry. Byron Region Community College Inc. RTO: 90013