Local start-up gets Fed grant

LOCAL education start-up, Story Box Library, has been awarded funding from the Federal Government’s Boosting Female Founders Initiative.

Receiving just under $470,000, the online education website was one of 38 companies nationwide who got just $12 million as part of the second round of the scheme.

“The grant will support an important new product, ensuring our future growth which we’re really excited about,” said Annette Wagner, creative director at Story Box Library.

“It will enable Story Box Library to increase our accessibility digitally and accommodate a greater audience.

“We’ll be able to introduce a tier system which will offer multiple products and packages at different price points which is important because not all schools have the same funding.”

The money will go towards helping develop a product called ‘story tools’, set to be an online video series for students who want to learn how to write stories.

Finding funding has been a challenge in the past according to Ms Wagner, who said the team at educational website are thankful for the Federal backing.

“Securing funding has historically always been challenging which restricted growth,” she said.

“We’re incredibly grateful. This funding helps us build a robust and sustainable business model and it helps reduce risk associated with downturns and strengthens our industry expertise.”

Story Box Library won’t be the only ones who benefit from the grant, as it’s expected to bring economic and job benefits to Bendigo.

Victorian Senator Bridget McKenzie said she was delighted to see Story Box Library “take the next step in its commercialisation journey.”

“Not only is this great news for the hardworking female-founders, but also our local community in Bendigo with the economic and job benefits it can bring,” she said.