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Startup Success is an SSE signature program aimed at powering up startups and aspiring entrepreneurs. Outcome-based and tailored to support lifelong learning, Startup Success provides participants with the essential skills and mindset needed to overcome common barriers to business growth and success.
It is designed to directly address participant skills gaps in developing a product or service, establishing a business, accessing or growing a customer base, sourcing capital, connecting with appropriate talent, and key regulatory barriers.
On completion, participants receive a verified digital microcredential certification in alignment with the National Microcredentials Framework.
Penrith City, bordering the western fringe of metropolitan Sydney, is the lifestyle and economic heartland of Western Sydney, connecting locals to a diverse range of opportunities for employment, leisure, and lifestyle.
However, while Penrith’s population is expected to grow up to 68% by 2040 (from 220,000 to almost 370,000), and the city’s economic catchment now covers some 1.5 million, over 60% of employed residents are still travelling outside of the local government area each day for work.*
*Source: Treasury.gov.au
To combat this, says Penrith City Council’s James Marshall, “[Council is] developing an economic development strategy that provides a framework for attracting investment to and supporting businesses and creating more local jobs in the [local] area.”
SSE partnered with Penrith City Council to deliver Startup Success to a cohort of 148 local participants. Leveraging the insights and expertise of local business owners, the program was customised to address crucial skills gaps and build the capacity of businesses, particularly early-stage startups, in the Penrith region.
In all, over 100 microcredentials were awarded and Council, SSE, and the participants themselves were united in their praise for the program’s impact.
Council’s James Marshall said “Startup Success has given participants the skills and knowledge they need to run their own businesses and get their first customers. We hope that by doing that, they can take control of their careers and live closer to home, enjoying everything that our city has to offer.”
Dr. Sarah Jones, SSE’s CEO agreed. “The Startup Success program aligns perfectly with SSE’s commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship,” she said. “We are proud to support the growth of startups and small business, and to play a valuable role in contributing to the economic prosperity of the Penrith region.”
148
participants
102
microcredentials issued
100%
satisfaction rate across all modules
