Franchise stalwart Bakers Delight is giving 50 keen youngsters an opportunity to operate their own business in 12 months.

The company believes a lack of start-up capital, the unavailability of finance and limited experience are putting the dream of young Australians to own their own business well out of reach. So it is launching a new recruitment program called Manage to Own, and this month starts the recruitment drive for people who have the competency and desire to own their own bakery, but not the funds.

Co-founder and CEO of Bakers Delight, Lesley Gillespie, said, “We are very pleased to be able to offer 50 people such an exciting foot-up in their careers and the chance to get ahead in business that they probably never thought or dreamed was possible.

“Energy and enthusiasm counts for a lot and young people play a fundamental role in our businessÕ success. The Manage to Own program will help ensure we continue to have the very best franchisees in the Bakers Delight network.”

The successful Manage to Own applicants will each receive five months of paid on-the-job training, followed by six months experience managing a retail bakery. Bakers Delight will then help them take the next step to purchasing a bakery through a combination of financial assistance, possibly including working capital, vendor finance and bonus schemes, as well as ongoing advice, training and operational support.

The selection criteria is broad but a background in retail, hospitality or management may particularly suit the program. Although this national program is aimed at Generation Y, it is not limited by age if the right skills or capabilities are in place.

“More than anything weÕre looking for people with the right attitude, drive and self belief to carve out a successful and profitable career with Bakers Delight,” Gillespie explained.

The Manage to Own program is expected to play an important role in Bakers DelightÕs growth strategy and financial success through the injection of fresh new talent into the business. The company posted global revenues of $581 million in financial year 2009 and is expected to increase this to $608 million this financial year.