St Paul’s African House in partnership with RMIT University, AP Marketing Works delivered a 6 week business program for African community members to learn about starting their own business. The program was funded by the Commonwealth Government’s Fostering Integration Grant Program.
Over 35 community members expressed interest in being part of the ‘Start Your Own Business’ program and participated in the sessions. 21 participants graduated from the program, having completed a draft business plan and submitted it to the trainers for assessment and feedback.
A formal graduation ceremony was held at African House, with the member for Northern Region Victoria, Mark Gepp, and the Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Cr. Seema Abdullah presenting certificates of completion.
The community thoroughly enjoyed celebrating their success at the event. Two of the graduates aspiring to have their own catering businesses supplied some African catering at the graduation. At the ceremony, six graduands deemed to have the most impressive business plans were each awarded a $1,000 grant to assist them in setting up their business.
WIN News and the Shepparton News featured the program through their news channels. This provided the wider community with a positive narrative about the African community and excitement about upcoming African businesses in Greater Shepparton.
Business aspiration posters hang in the main hall at African House detailing some of the participants business ideas and aspirations. These provide inspiration to other community members thinking about starting their own business. See the posters here.
A number of our participants have gone on to start or build upon their own businesses. We congratulate and are proud to promote the following businesses:
Nickel’s Art
T’s Luxurious
Lumiere et Grace
