Young Social Pioneers would not be possible without the continued support of our valued partners. We are grateful for the resources, insight and commitment you offer throughout the delivery of the program, which enables us to together support young Australians leading positive social outcomes.  

Thank you for your partnership, we look forward to continuing our work together. 

 

This report was prepared by the Foundation for Young Australians | January 2017 

 

 

The economic, social and environmental challenges Australia and the world currently face - from discrimination to climate change to unemployment - are diverse, complex and pressing. There is an expanding disconnect between economic growth and well-being that is playing out in the form of social inequality, geopolitical instability and environmental degradation.   At the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) we believe in young people’s capacity to respond to these challenges; to create a future in which they can live with dignity and pursue their dreams and ambitions.   In 2016 the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship found that it is through value adding innovation, the development of social impact leaders and the fostering of a supportive ecosystem that this can be achieved.  

  With a focus on ingenuity, entrepreneurship and sustainable solutions, the program develops the competencies, networks and environment requisite to being a successful young social impact leader.   It is a highly curated, individually tailored experience comprised of access to mentors, workshops, resources and a community of other young leaders and supporters, all so that those with drive and ideas may have more impact with their changemaking pursuits.   As of 2017 over 130 young social impact leaders aged 18- 29 have partaken in the program, with 60 inspirational young individuals going through in 2016.  These young Australians now also form part of the International Youth Foundation’s global network YouthActionNet, which to date has supported 1350+ fellows from 23 institutes across 90 countries.   The following report outlines the impact the 2016 Young Social Pioneers program had on those that partook.  

 

  

 

Young Social Pioneers is a six month incubator program that provides young entrepreneurs and changemakers the skills, networks and clarity of purpose that will ensure their ventures are set up to create social impact and grow sustainably. 

The 2016 YSP program was designed to: 

- Develop the confidence, purpose, networks and enterprising capability of young social entrepreneurs and their capacity to create change; 

- Incubate participant’s ideas and strengthen the venture’s capacity to influence and drive positive social and environmental impact. 

YSP does this by: 

- Backing young people who are making a difference in  communities, industry and public life. 

- Developing a cohesive group of participants who will support one another during the program and are likely to do so into the future. 

- Connecting participants with experts in order to increase participants’ industry knowledge and their ability to improve  their initiatives. 

- Preparing participants for success by developing their  technical, enterprise and personal skills. 

- Broadening participants’ professional networks and offer the skills and know-how needed to take advantage of these networks. 

- Enhancing participants’ clarity of purpose by developing their understanding of the context in which their initiatives are situated. 

- Preparing participants to pitch their initiatives in order to  access resources 

In the 2013 Ernst & Young report, Australia is recognised as a leading nation in fostering entrepreneurship, however Australia is lagging behind when it comes to young entrepreneurs (aged between 18-24 years). The Total Early Stage Entrepreneurial Activity for Australia is 8.7% well below the USA at 13.5% for 18 to 24 year olds. 

 3 days Melbourne Delivery Sydney Delivery 

 5 days Combined Melbourne  and Sydney Groups 

 2 days Melbourne Delivery Sydney Delivery  

Establish a collaborative  working relationship  between participants  Introduce participants  to their mentors  Introduction to Pitch  Deck frameworks  Interrogating Social Purpose  and Impact of ventures  Understanding of their place in a global context  

Learning the nature of entrepreneurship in Australia (Unleashed Festival)  Business and Financial knowledge and acumen  Fundraising and  resource mobilisation  Marketing, media and social media knowledge and skills  Impact Assessment   

Mastering Communication workshop  Prepare and practice Pitch  with mentor and community stakeholders  Boardroom Pitch  Live Pitch and  funding awards   

  

 

The evaluation methodology was designed to assess the extent to which YSP achieved its objectives. Data was collected in surveys of 2016 participants (pre and post), alumni and mentors. This data was analysed using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods.   In 2016 the YSP program was re-designed to strengthen the focus of the content on building the technical and enterprise skills of the participants, growing their peer and industry networks and ensuring they leave the program with a strong clarity of purpose for their venture.  At the conclusion of the program participants indicated an impressive increase in technical and enterprising skills: 

 

 

 

‘I was able to establish a clear budget and start managing it after I received some input and advice from mentors in YSP’ Post Survey Participant 2016 ‘I had started a passion project to support people online which had absolutely no way of remaining sustainable… Through the expert knowledge shared by some of Australia’s best business leaders, YSP taught me how to create a sustainable business model and that our ability to make a positive social impact can go hand-in-hand with remaining sustainable, the two do not need to be thought of as opposing forces.’ Winner Interview Participant 2016 

 One of the greatest challenges in being a young social entrepreneur is ongoing sustainability. As a result of YSP, the Pioneers became more confident in their ability to deliver their initiatives sustainably in the long term.    

  

 

At the conclusion of YSP:  

of pioneers were confident in their ability to run a business/organisation sustainably 

of pioneers reported they could make sound business decisions 

of pioneers were confident in their ability to resource their project 

  

‘YSP enabled me to call myself a social entrepreneur and own it… [and] to see social impact as just as important as financial return and that there is great support for this business model.’ Post Survey Participant 2016 ‘Especially for those just starting out - YSP gives a framework of courage.’ Alumni Survey Participant 2016 

In an open source world, the access to technology, resources and information available can be overwhelming, and knowing where and who to go to first can be unclear. YSP challenges participants to explore and intentionally grow their networks, and develop new ties both in their own field and more broadly.   Through the program, participants increased their knowledge of the industry they operate in:  

94% of pioneers reported that through connecting with industry experts during YSP their industry knowledge increased 

  

‘[Previously] I considered myself relatively well tapped into the network of science communicators, researchers and academics with a bit of an understanding of the startup and tech landscape in Aus. YSP opened my eyes up into how interconnected this landscape is with entrepreneurialism.’ Post Survey Participant 2016 ‘This project/program has really encouraged me to reach out to experts in the field and build a genuine rapport with people who care about the initiative.’ Post Survey Participant 2016

A significant component of success is the ability to clearly communicate your ideas to multiple stakeholders, funders and communities.   

‘By having to concisely represent my idea, I had to investigate the real WHY, HOW, WHY NOW? behind my idea and look at what is most desired in the market and how information is best received.’ Winner Interview Participant 2016 

 

  

 

Pioneers demonstrated their skills to access resources for seed funding and to present in board rooms. At the conclusion of YSP:   

98% of pioneers reported they had the confidence to pitch their projects. 

 

 

‘[I learned how to] pitch my projects [and] refine public speaking skills & effectively connect/ engage the audience.’ Post Survey Participant 2016 

A full day of the program is dedicated to training, rehearsing and refining both the participants live and board room pitches.   

‘It allowed me to secure my first round of seed funding which I never thought would  be possible.’ Post Survey Participant 2016 

The pitch sessions were an effective tool that supported pioneers to develop their clarity of purpose:   

‘Seven minutes to pitch to a board is surprisingly a very short amount of time and things I thought were essential to convey I realised were not the core of the idea. Equally so with the three minute live pitch! As an exercise, it was incredibly valuable in assisting that ‘clarity of purpose’. Winner Interview Participant 2016 

Mentors are one of the most valuable resources a young entrepreneur can tap into. As part of YSP each pioneer is connected with a mentor for the duration of the program, many of these relationships continue well into the future. Pioneers work with mentors in a way that suits each individual relationship. Some connected regularly each week or each fortnight. Others communicated less frequently, at monthly intensives or on a more ad-hoc basis.  

‘My mentor has been the main resource for me, particularly in terms of knowledge access’. Winner Interview Participant 2016  ‘My mentor was amazing. [It] felt like she was really there for me and offered me invaluable advice and support for my initiative. I was able to improve my pitch to the next level with her help, a level that I wasn’t getting from my support network before.’ Post Survey Participant 2016 

Mentors described providing constructive feedback, encouragement and support to pioneers in the following areas: 

Fundraising  Financial and Business Modeling 

Engagment Modeling  Problem Solving 

Strategic Planning  Budgeting  Pitch Preparation (content & technique) 

Innovator’s Method Framework 

Theory of Change  Networking  Messaging & Communication 

 

  

 

Not only do partners ensure the program's existence through financial backing, they play a key role in its success. To create real and lasting change we connect our alumni through a collaborative ecosystem, where business, government, philanthropy, and individuals can work together to solve the numerous, complex and urgent social challenges we are facing as a society.  Our YSP partners actively participate in Australia’s social entrepreneurial ecosystem. They provide valuable industry and business knowledge, which equips the pioneers with greater insight into the landscape they are entering. The professional mentors guide the pioneers and provide invaluable feedback throughout their journey.  Mentors agreed that young people improved their ideas: 

of mentors interviewed responded that they witnessed improvement in their  young person’s idea. 

  

‘[I] loved being able to support young people and provide real value to them and their idea.’ Mentor Survey Participant 2016 

Arts  Creative Partnerships Australia The Meers Foundation Betty Amsden AO 

10 

Education  UBS  10 

Environment  The Dyson Bequest  10 

Open   Mutual Trust  5 

STEM Education   PwC  5 

Sustainability  Lord Mayor’s’ Charitable Foundation  10 

Youth Mental Health  The Wilson Foundation  10 

  

Mia Falstein-RushArts stream supported by Betty Amsden AO, Nelson Meers Foundation, Creative Partnerships Australia

27 year old Mia Falstein-Rush is a Young Social Pioneer from Melbourne. Her YSP project Seen & Heard Melbourne aims to redress the industry biases for women behind the camera, focusing on the film industry, with an online platform that will screen both short and feature length films made by women.

Victor Zhang Education stream supported by UBS

Victor Zhang is an 18 year old Young Social Pioneer from Sydney. He co-founded Generation Entrepreneur, a not-for-profit social organisation that runs weekend events where high school students are empowered to launch a startup, social venture or project they are passionate about.

Murrawah JohnsonEnvironment stream supported by The Dyson Bequest

Murrawah Johnson is a 21 year old Young Social Pioneer and Wirdi woman hailing from the broader Birragubba peoples of Central and North Queensland. She comes from Wangan and Jagalingou country. Murrawah is a spokesperson, community organiser and campaigner for the Wangan & Jagalingou Traditional Owners Family Council who are fighting to stop the Adani Carmichael coal mine proposed on their traditional country.

Usman IftikharOpen stream supported by Mutual Trust

Usman Iftikhar is a 26 year old Young Social Pioneer from Sydney. Usman’s YSP project, Catalysr is a startup incubator working with exceptional individuals from migrant and refugee backgrounds, by supporting them to break down barriers to employment and starting their own businesses.

Ally WatsonSTEM stream supported by PwC

Ally Watson is a Young Social Pioneer from Melbourne. Code Like a Girl, Ally’s YSP project, is a small initiative with big ambitions to inspire females into careers in coding and leadership roles within the tech industry. Code Like a Girl has an online community of women and hosts free events around Melbourne with a focus on celebrating women in the local tech-industry.

Dimitri VidinSustainability stream supported by Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation

Dimitri Vidin is a 22 year old Young Social Pioneer from Sydney. Dimitri’s YSP project Sustainaballs addresses the problem of non-biodegradable synthetic rubber found in tennis balls. It provides an alternative, renewable input source for manufacturers and empower consumer and the sporting bodies to manage their waste. Dimitri is a professional tennis player.

Laura PinturYouth Mental Health stream supported by The Wilson Foundation

Laura is a 24 year old Young Social Pioneer from Melbourne. Her project What’s Normal aims to engage and educate young people about what is currently being normalised in regards to pornogrpahy, sex, relationships and success.

Zoie Carroll Youth Mental Health stream supported by The Wilson Foundation

Zoie Carroll is a 28 year old Young Social Pioneer from Queensland. She is the founder of Zottie Dottie, an online platform that shares video content to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The videos focus on inspiring individuals who have overcome adversity and organisations who are making a positive social impact.

Meet Our 2016 Winners

 

Now in its sixth year, FYA, together with our partners, has invested over $1.5million in 136 of Australia’s young social entrepreneurs and granted over $250,000 in seed funding. Our alumni is an engaged and connected cohort of young entrepreneurs driving change in Australia and beyond. 

Our YSP Alumni are contributing to making the world a better place: 

Currently running one or  more ventures 

Are confident to make the world a better place 

Prepare to scale their projects Described themselves as running a venture (defined as not-for-profit, voluntarily run or for-profit entity) 

Are turning over $50k+ per year  Employ 5 or more people 

Are breaking even or making a profit   

 

  A selection of fields that alumni were working in include: 

International  education 

Business support in remote Australia 

Theater for  social change 

Disability services  and employment 

Homelessness  Urban renewal  Women’s micro enterprise 

Intrapreneurship  in infrastructure 

Men’s mental  health 

Engineering  education 

Social entrepreneurship 

Agriculture 

Indigenous  advocacy 

     

       

The continued success of our YSP Alumni speaks to the strength of the program, it’s without question that our 2016 cohort will continue to build on Australia’s social entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

 

 

  

 

Lucinda Hartley is a YSP from 2009. Lucinda, a landscape architect and urbanist place maker, spent two years working in slum communities in Viet Nam and Cambodia. On her return she co founded design studio a place making consultancy that works to make neighbourhoods more connected. Under Lucinda’s leadership Co-Design Studio has delivered projects across five countries in the Asia pacific region, engaging over 700 people. Plus more than 40 urban renewal projects across Australia. 

Elliot Costello is a YSP alumni from 2010. His venture Y-Generation Against Poverty (YGAP) uses fundraising and social enterprises to support poverty alleviation across Australia, Africa and Asia. YGAPs mission is to use entrepreneurship to HELP improve the lives of one million people living in poverty in a significant and measurable way. One of YGAPs fund raisers is called “5cent: Change for Change”, So far 5cent have collected 11 million coins, changing the lives of 139 591 people (5cent.com.au).  

 

 Participants, alumni and mentors would recommend YSP 

of pioneers who responded to the post survey would recommend YSP to their friends and/or colleagues. 

 Participants and mentors rated FYA support highly 

of pioneers felt supported by FYA 

of mentors felt supported by FYA 

 The Global Accelerator Learning Initiative found that choosing quality ideas, giving entrepreneurs more free time, focusing on communication and networking and starting early are among the most effective ways to help startups get off the ground. The report also concluded that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and understanding local context is key.   YSP achieves this with a proven model, creating a dynamic and empowered environment to both ensure the individual success of the pioneers, their ventures, and their continued contribution to Australia’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

‘Doing YSP finally upended questions I had been sitting on for 18 months, which led to a major breakthrough.’ Winner Interview Participant 2016