Head start for new businesses

ASPIRING entrepreneurs from central Victoria are being encouraged to join a new initiative to help grow their ideas.

Startup Central Victoria, funded by Regional Development Victoria, will provide a free range of programs for new businesses based in Greater Bendigo, Loddon Campaspe, Mount Alexander, Central Goldfields and Macedon Ranges.

City of Greater Bendigo director of strategy and growth Steve Hamilton said the initiative was designed to create new opportunities in the regions.

“Startup Central Victoria will provide invaluable support for startups and young businesses looking to scale-up in central Victoria,” he said.

“We are seeking to nurture a culture of innovation across the central region, and this is an opportunity for people to convert great ideas into reality, help burgeoning businesses to attract new markets and create future job opportunities in central Victoria.”

The City will collaborate with La Trobe University to assist with two 12-week “accelerator programs” in October this year and February next year.

La Trobe vice-chancellor Professor John Dewar said the university is “deeply embedded in regional business communities.”

“Many highly-successful entrepreneurs have gained valuable insights and financial support since La Trobe started offering accelerator programs in 2017, and hundreds of others have successfully adapted their business models as part of our popular COVID-19 industry response programs,” he said.

“We look forward to applying the significant knowledge and experience we have developed in this area to this important initiative, which comes at a critical time for regional businesses.”

The virtual hybrid accelerator programs will feature online streams for newer businesses and advanced streams for businesses looking to expand nationally and globally.

Applications for the first accelerator program close on Monday, 11 October.

Other programs involved in Startup Central Victoria include an opportunities forum at 6pm tonight, covering topics such as robotics, supply chain security and circular economy.

From Friday, 15 October to Sunday, 17 October a hackathon competition will be held, with the aim of building a completely new business in one weekend.