Young entrepreneurs find their spark

Published on 13 October 2025

For many young people with big ideas, knowing where to start can be the hardest part. But a new initiative by the City of Onkaparinga is helping aspiring entrepreneurs find their footing in the business world.

The Future Makers Program, a free 8-week incubator for young people aged 13 to 25, provides hands-on business training, mentoring and real-world market experience.

Whether it’s tech, fashion, art, hospitality, photography or home decor, the program is designed to help young creatives and innovators turn their ideas into sustainable micro-businesses.

“We created the Future Makers Program to empower young dreamers,” says Wilson Ndung'u, Community Development Officer at the City of Onkaparinga.  “It’s about giving them the tools, support and confidence to take their passions seriously.”

The program guides participants through the fundamentals of starting a micro-business, from ideation, market research and costing to marketing and launching.

“We wanted to make entrepreneurship accessible – no matter the interest area – and help break down what can feel overwhelming into achievable steps,” Wilson said.

Participants receive one-on-one mentoring, learn from guest speakers, and test their ideas in real-world settings like markets and events.

Local entrepreneur and owner of Healthy Allsorts Vending, Michelle Gregory, helped Onkaparinga’s Youth team facilitate this year’s program.

For 15-year-old Jonathan, who was among the first cohort to complete the Future Makers Program in July this year, said the program helped transform a childhood fascination with magic into a fully-fledged business.

After rediscovering magic through a second-hand magic kit, he found it tough to find good tutorials, especially when looking to learn something specific. And from that, JC Magic Entertainment was born.

“I had ideas for my business, but didn’t know how to put them into practice,” Jonathan said.

“The Future Makers Program helped me refine my ideas and provided me with the tools to bring them to reality.”

“I wanted to create the kind of learning experience I wish I had, where students can ask questions, get accurate answers, and feel confident about learning it the right way from the start.”

Jonathan not only performs at events but offers group workshops and private lessons – both in person and online – with a particular focus on younger learners, including home-schooled students.

“I want to keep the art of magic alive by inspiring other young people to learn magic,” he said.

Jonathan says the most valuable takeaway from the program is “don’t wait until you find time, make time”.

Over the next year Jonathan plans to expand his business by taking on more students, build a social media community, and put the wheels in motion for performing at the Adelaide Fringe, so stay tuned!

For fellow Future Makers participant Emily, the journey started with a sewing machine.

“I’ve always struggled to find clothes that fit well, and reflect my style, personality and values, whilst being affordable,” she said. “So, I solved this problem by using clothing I had already owned and turning the pieces into something new.”

This DIY approach evolved into the clothing label, Second Nature.

With a focus on upcycling, sustainability and handmade design, Second Nature pieces often feature embroidery, lino printing, painting and patchwork, and take cues from vintage and nature-inspired aesthetics.

“My business is designed for the creative dreamers, and people who value sustainability, individuality and craftsmanship,” she explained.

“People who are drawn to clothing with a personal feel and value one-of-a-kind handmade, ethical items.

“I believe sustainability is now important to more people than ever before and, in light of the current cost of living crisis, I feel that no one should have to compromise on their environmental values or style in order to access affordable clothing.

“I also feel that there is something special about using discarded materials that have lived different lives to create something new.”

Emily says the Future Makers Program helped turn her creative passions into a business.

“The Future Makers Program broke down the overwhelming task of forming a business into small digestible chunks, guided by engaging mentors who had been in our position before and now lead successful businesses,” Emily said. 

“The biggest challenge the program helped me overcome was a lack of belief in myself and it provided me with access to opportunities in order to start my business.

“The mentors and the group built me up and armed me with theorical and practical knowledge, and the confidence to start my business.

“I also learnt how connecting with the community, local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs can assist with motivation, inspiration and cultivating opportunities.”

Next on the horizon for Emily is launching an online store and selling at local markets.

A second round of the Future Makers Program kicks off this month.

“Our goal is simple: to give young people the confidence, tools and community to turn their ideas into something real.”

“We’re also developing a strategy to support past participants and young entrepreneurs to access market opportunities, and plans are underway to run a dedicated youth-led market later this year,” Wilson said.

More information
Interested in joining the next Future Makers Program or supporting local youth businesses, visit the Future Makers event page or contact the council’s Youth team on 8384 0535 or youth@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au

To find out more about Jonathan’s business, JC Magic Entertainment, including tutorials and hire for events, call 0411 384 365 or email jonathancsiow@gmail.com. You can also view content on JC Magic Entertainment’s YouTube channel.

To follow Emily’s journey and see what’s on offer at Second Nature follow the SecondNature.Shop Instagram page, Second Nature Facebook page or email secondnature.shop@outlook.com