The Enterprise Network for Young Australians (ENYA) is a not for profit organisation run by young people, for young people. ENYA supports and promotes the active participation of young people in enterprise, in an ethical and sustainable manner. ENYA believes that not only does youth enterprise impact on employment, business acumen, workplace opportunities and financial independence amongst young people; it also encourages young people to become active, innovative, creative and socially responsible citizens.

" These young Australians are keen to share their experiences and help other young entrepreneurs. We need to back our young business and social entrepreneurs..." Prime Minister John Howard, May 2003.

If you're aged 18-30 then ENYA can support you in your enterprising activities. If you need information on:
• How to start a business.
• Grow a business.
• Support services for young people.
ENYA can help. For those who are 'young at heart' with an interest in youth enterprise, we encourage your participation as members, mentors, advisers and supporters.

Advice Line:
ENYA runs a toll free advice line service for young people who need information on issues effecting youth enterprise. So, if you need advice on establishing a business or being in business please call (Toll Free) 1300 136 921 and select OPTION 3 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Business Council for Young Australians (BCYA):
ENYA hosts and coordinates the BCYA which is made up of eight young people selected by the ENYA Board each year. Each council member is a young person in business and throughout the year provides feedback to ENYA on current issues affecting young people in business.  ENYA then researches these topics and provides draft submissions to stakeholders on behalf of the BCYA. In the last year alone, the BCYA has been working closely with the Australian Tax Office, ASIC and the various State Law Societies and Attorney-General’s departments, providing these bodies with feedback and observations that may assist them in streaming their services to young people in business.

Microenterprise Loan:
ENYA, with the support of the National Australia Bank (NAB) is committed to assisting young people overcome these barriers and is proud to introduce the NAB Microenterprise Loan Program to young people. This innovative Program makes finance, business training and ongoing support available to young people to establish or expand a business.

Specifically ENYA and the NAB’s Microenterprise Loans have been developed to support young entrepreneurs by offering:

• A loan of between $500 and $20 000 to young people for the purpose of starting or growing a business.
• A low interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan. The interest rate will be confirmed at the time of the application.
• Access to wide network of support services including a toll free advice line, an on-line forum for young entrepreneurs and free access to business information.
• Access to the Youth and Enterprise Legal Centre, another of ENYA’ s initiatives, which can help you with many of the legal matters associated with starting a business on a reduced-fee basis.

To Apply

To be eligible to apply for a loan, each applicant will need to satisfy the following requirements:

• Must be between 18 and 30 years of age.
• Must be committed to starting or expanding a business.
• Must not have had any bankruptcies in the last 7 years.
• Must demonstrate sound business planning skills, or the potential to develop these skills.
• Be highly motivated and committed to establishing a sustainable business.
• Must be willing to work with a mentor for at least 12 months.

NB: Applicants are not required to own any property to apply for a Microenterprise Loan.

Youth and Enterprise Legal Centre (YELC):
The Youth and Enterprise Legal Centre (YELC) is a not for profit legal centre established to provide free advice and assistance to young people and those in business. YELC provides services under two streams - the Youth Stream and the Enterprise Stream - and its services include free legal information, legal advice on a cost recovery basis and legal representation in limited circumstances.

YELC can assist people in a various areas of law including debt and credit matters, intellectual property, insolvency and bankruptcy, commercial law and practice, taxation matters, Trade Practices Act matters and limited employment law matters.

For more information please call ENYA (Toll Free) on 1300 136 921 and select OPTION 1 and leave voice message for legal advice. The next available volunteer will contact you.