One of Australia’s most successful franchise development programs has been opened to high school students for the first time, with Banjo’s Bakery Cafe launching a pilot on the Gold Coast.
A hands-on introduction to franchising
Students from Helensvale State High School took part in a hands-on version of Banjo’s Self Raising Program, which has helped transform employees into business owners — every new Banjo’s store opened in the last 10 years is owned by a graduate of the program.
Traditionally reserved for Banjo’s employees and new franchisees, the Self Raising Program has been adapted to give students a hands-on introduction to business ownership, helping them explore career pathways beyond the classroom through real-world experience.
If the Gold Coast pilot proves successful, it could pave the way for a full rollout across Banjo’s national network, giving more young Australians the chance to explore entrepreneurship and franchising before they finish school.
Student self-employment aspirations on the rise
The pilot comes as new NAB research found almost half (47%) of Australian secondary school students now aspire to be self-employed after finishing school, up from 35% in 2023, a trend franchise operators will be watching closely as they look to the next generation of prospective franchisees.
From public servants to bakery owners
Helensvale franchisee Donna Bosworth, who completed the Self Raising Program before becoming a business owner herself, said she hoped the experience would broaden students’ career aspirations.
“It’s really special to be able to open our doors, give students a look behind the scenes and hopefully introduce them to opportunities they might never have known existed,” Mrs Bosworth said.
“Finishing school can feel overwhelming when you’re not quite sure what comes next, so if we can help show them there’s more than one path to success, then that’s something we’re really proud to be part of.
“Four years ago, my husband and I were both public servants in Hobart. Today we’re running our own bakery on the Gold Coast. Sometimes all it takes is someone showing you what’s possible.”
School welcomes real-world business exposure
Helensvale State High School Principal, Rachel Cutajar, said the partnership with Banjo’s would expose students to career opportunities they may not otherwise experience.
“Stepping inside a successful local business like Banjo’s gives our students practical insights that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom,” Mrs Cutajar said.
“We’re grateful to Banjo’s for investing in the next generation and helping our students see what’s possible after school.”
CEO eyes a national rollout
Banjo’s Bakery Cafe Chief Executive Officer Jessica Saxby said the pilot was a natural extension of a program that had already helped a significant amount of employees build rewarding careers.
“Our Self Raising Program has always been about recognising potential and giving people the skills and support to become successful business owners,” Ms Saxby said.
“All of our bakeries opened in the last decade are owned by graduates of the program, so we’re excited to see what happens when we introduce those same principles to students before they leave school.
“If the pilot is successful, we’d love to expand it across our network and help inspire the next generation of Australian bakery café entrepreneurs.”
Inside the pilot
The first group of students took part in the pilot on Tuesday, spending a half-day behind the scenes at Banjo’s Helensvale learning about bakery operations, customer service, marketing, staffing and the fundamentals of running a successful business.
For more information on Banjo’s Self Raising Program, visit franchise.banjos.com.au.
About Banjo’s: Banjo’s Bakery Cafe was founded in Tasmania in 1984 and has grown to more than 52 stores across Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, with more than 9 million customers visiting a Banjo’s store each year.
