Entrepreneurs have a head start with Jumpstart
Inspiring and engaging the next generation of young Jewish entrepreneurs is the core focus of Jumpstart, a new JCA initiative.
Officially launching at Sydney’s Paddington, the Jumpstart Innovation Hub – the first Jewish co-working space in Sydney – is one of Jumpstart’s key projects.
Young Jewish entrepreneurs who have their own start-up or an idea ready to be launched can rent a space at the hub, and have ongoing access to the community’s business leaders through its mentorship program. Powered by JCA, occupants will have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and attend skills building sessions that give them the best opportunity for success.
At the opening event, Stephen Chipkin, President of JCA, reflected on the initiative’s evolution: “The opening of the Innovation Hub is a milestone on a journey. That journey began years ago when we recognised that JCA had little engagement with the next generation. We realised that peer group engagement rather than a top-down approach was needed. Our initiative enables young entrepreneurs to inspire other budding entrepreneurs, creating a hub in which ideas can grow into flourishing businesses.”
Jumpstart’s Innovation Hub is modelled on a thriving and vibrant co-working space in London named WE Hub. After Jonathan Barouch visited the space full of young, Jewish entrepreneurs creating innovative businesses, he returned to Australia and pondered, “if these guys in London can do it, surely we can do something similar in Sydney.”
Jonathan Gavshon and Kelly Bayer Rosmarin
Generously funded by members of The Giving Forum and JCA, Jumpstart’s vision is to foster a vibrant community of young Jewish adults committed to the future, the sustainability of JCA and engaged through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Adam McCurdie and Joshua Ross are some of the first occupants at the Innovation Hub. Their inspiring start-up, Humanitix, redirects event booking fees to a noteworthy charity such as Beyond Blue, Sane Australia, and even JCA.
Budding entrepreneurs, Chana Kavka and Sophie Levy, will also utilise the offerings of the Innovation Hub as they progress their start-up business, The Friendship Bakery. By empowering adults with a disability to create and sell their own baked products, The Friendship Bakery encourages the development of independence, self-esteem, purpose and self-worth of young people with a disability in the Jewish community.
Desks at the Jumpstart Innovation Hub are available for rent at $150 per month for a part-time spot, $300 per month for a full-time spot, and $400 per month for a designated desk.
“The Jumpstart innovation Hub is a terrific physical manifestation of Sydney’s vibrant community spirit,” commented Jumpstart Co-Chair Kelly Bayer Rosmarin. “I look forward to seeing it filled with amazing entrepreneurs and buzzing with their ideas for making the future better.”
