We recently had a chance to talk with Edwin Kemp Attrill - a recipient of a scholarship from the City of Charles Sturt to access Business SA's SAYES Entrepreneurship Program. The program is for people between the ages of 18-35 to gain advice, develop skills and create a solid foundation for their business.
This 12 month government-funded program helps entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality or where a business already exists - provides support to create a sustainable business model.
We wanted to learn more about Edwin's business, Replay Creative, and how he has found the program.
How did you find the program? What motivated you to apply?
I found the SAYES program to be good and helpful for my business.
It was a really difficult and challenging year for business, and you really get out of these programs what you put in.
When I discovered that the City of Charles Sturt supported local businesses with the sponsorship, it really motivated me to apply. I had applied for the program in the previous year also, so it was fantastic to be sponsored this year.
How did you decide you wanted to start a business?
I have always been entrepreneurial – I left school when I was 15 to pursue an entrepreneurial journey. I founded and was the Artistic Director of ActNow Theatre and was also the Artistic Director of the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild. My theatre work has always centred around social justice themes.
Can you tell us more about your business?
Replay Creative is a new artist-led social enterprise focused on integrating digital and live events and creating hybrid theatre/film projects. Replay Creative was established 2 years ago to “improve access to film and online audiences for local performing arts organisations”. Currently, in its start-up phase, the organisation is looking to find ways to support South Australian artists and organizations to build capacity, develop networks with new artists, and have access to affordable, high-quality services.
What was your original business idea and is it any different to the current idea which you're working on?
Throughout this program I have been carrying out market research to decide which direction I will go in my business. This program has been instrumental in helping me narrow down my direction into 3D mapping and new technologies. My experience is that the arts is very risk adverse, and the technology sector is more progressive.
What did you find most valuable in the program?
The sessions were really good with business owners. It was also great to network with businesses at different levels.
The other sessions were a great snapshot of every area of business: finance, human resources, and marketing.
Can you give us some examples of how the program has helped you?
The program is helping me find what I really enjoy in the business and do more of what I love.
I was at a crossroads in my business when I started this program, which has helped me investigate new technologies, while pushing what I’m passionate about.
The program has been beneficial in helping me decide what kind of role I want within business and to analyse my business model.
What was your mentor experience like in the SAYES program?
My mentor was open to communication and very generous with their time. My mentor was a personal sounding board.
What advice do you have for entrepreneurs starting out or considering this program?
One of my biggest take-aways is that failure is part of the process.
I really recommend this program, but my advice is that you need to set aside the time. You need to schedule in the time to work strategically and this program has provided this for me. This is challenge for business owners.
Do you find the environment of City of Charles Sturt to be supportive of the new entrepreneur?
Yes, the City of Charles Sturt has been supportive of entrepreneurs and me personally, completing this program.
SAYES is taking expressions of interest for 2022.