“I am a sommelier, a barista, a hospitality manager and today - after 24 years working in the industry - I am also an entrepreneur,” Berliat tells .
The SA Government launched its SISA program in November 2018 with a $400,000 initial fund, aiming to support foreign talent in developing innovative new business project in the state.
Berliat’s visa-winning project consists of developing a website and app to connect clients and customers of agri-business and agri-tourism services in rural areas.
“As the economy's strength comes from the market and not from one single business, the chance to create a platform for products and services is the best way to develop the sector,” he says.
“The project was selected because it answers the government interest to develop rural areas.”
The start-up idea came from Berliat's hospitality experience in Australia and abroad. He had noticed a communication gap between industry operators and customers that, in many cases, would cause a loss of potential customers.
Berliat's plan is to develop an app and platform where farmers will be able to showcase their produce and advertise farm stays and other services to a wider number of people.
Hoping to promote the best of rural and regional business, he will also develop a geolocation feature for his app. Being able to visualise and locate businesses on a map, he believes, will be one of the keys to the app's success, considering the vastness of Australian territory.
Simone Berliat Source: Courtesy of Simone Berliat
“The project was selected because it answers the government's interest to develop rural areas,” says Berliat. “The idea brings together two pillars of the Australian economy: agriculture and tourism, at a time when many universities in the country are developing the agri-tech sector.”
“Over the last few years, tourism reports have shown a growing interest towards visiting rural areas as well as major cities.”
After living in several countries, Berliat spent two years in Australia studying business and management. This new program, known as SISA 408, will see Berliat stay for three further years in Australia, while developing his project and using those skills.
As for others with ideas that could win this visa, the SISA program requires to submit detailed documentation and to prove the ability to make the initial investment.
“The initial investment required depends on whether you are in Australia or not. You need up to $10,000 if you apply in-country and up to $24,000 if you do it abroad.”
“The idea brings together two pillars of Australian economy: agriculture and tourism"
The visa has a three- or four-year term, so what is Berliat's long-term plan?
“At the end of the three-year period, if the start-up proves to be successful I could apply for a business visa. I will have to prove I have made enough revenue and that I can employ two people.”
“I feel the honour and the responsibility of this incredible chance I have been given: the possibility to develop an innovative project in Australia is amazing.”
“Australia is constantly looking at ways to grow internationally, this means that those who set up a business here can receive support to expand internationally immediately," Berliat says. “I hope for my project to be up and running successfully as soon as possible so it can be extended to the rest of Australia."
