By SARAH MATTHEWS

Horsham fledgling business owners looking for ‘expert’ assistance can apply for a Business Horsham cadet program.

The organisation has two placements available for the program, which provides support and guidance, information, access to member programs and promotional activities.

Existing Business Horsham members sponsor the cadets, providing free membership as they establish themselves in the industry.

Business Horsham chair Paul Atherton said cadet guidelines were applied to businesses, not individuals.

“It is more so based on the duration of operation of the business, rather than the age of the individual,” he said.

“We are looking at fledgling businesses and those that have been established for up to two years.”

The cadet program is designed to introduce a new business to the greater business community and help build networks across the region.

Mr Atherton said providing an important step within the Young Entrepreneurs Program, a cadetship was a fantastic opportunity for people seeking to get their business off to the best start.

Well-known Horsham business leaders Robyn and Des Lardner, of Des Lardner Organic, are among sponsors of the cadet program.

Mrs Lardner said getting a business off the ground could be tricky, but help was available.

“People in small business are expected to know many different aspects of running a business, from human resources to social media – a whole range of things,” she said.

“One of the ways to learn more about what is involved in running a business is to join an organisation such as Business Horsham.

“They have access to information from state and federal governments and are able to provide advice about legislation and the like.”

Mrs Lardner said being involved in the program would help business owners improve their knowledge of the industry.

“Some people might think they can’t afford that amount of money to join, I’ll leave it, but then they might miss out on something that affects them or proves costly later on,” she said.

“Des and I have 97 years of full-time work experience between us. We know how difficult it is to get started in business – we’ve started businesses from the foundations.

“We want to help others by sponsoring them into the group and help them get started in business.”

ACE Radio Horsham will also sponsor a cadet placement.

People can email Business Horsham ambassador Stacey Taig at ambassador@businesshorsham.com.au or call her on 0423 200 332 for more information about the cadet program, including how to apply.

The entire June 30, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire June 30,, 2021 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!