A training program that provides budding entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skill to test and validate their ideas has been given a boost by Bundaberg Regional Council.
The Startup Onramp program was recently proposed by The Generator Innovation Hub with the goal of providing the region's residents with a platform to learn what's involved in launching a startup and gaining the confidence to commit to pursuing their business.
What is Startup Onramp?
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey said Startup Onramp was a 12 week pre-accelerator program that comprised of weekly two hour workshops and individual mentoring sessions, culminating in a pitch night in which all participants present their startup.
“This program was initially licenced by the State Government in 2018, through Advance Queensland, and has been offered for delivery via one innovation hub per region,” he said.
“The Generator has been authorised as the Bundaberg Region's hub and I am pleased to see this go ahead.
“It will bring with it the presence of entrepreneurs and the growth of an entrepreneurial community which drives the local economy and promotes job growth in a region.”
Young minds share in innovative ideas
Mayor Dempsey said there was already a young generation of budding entrepreneurs in the region who were taking on innovative ideas and challenges.
“Earlier this year we held the Mayor's Telstra Innovation Awards with many high school students showing off their skill in entrepreneurship,” he said.
“The Awards here in Bundaberg saw the highest amount of entries and the highest number of schools participating of any other regional council in Queensland.
“It goes to show that innovation and entrepreneurship is thriving and programs like Startup Onramp will continue to benefit our region and residents into the future.”
Mayor Dempsey said following the successful awards event, Queensland's Chief Entrepreneur Leanne Kemp had been invited to the region to share in the finalist team's projects and provide mentoring to students.
He said the Bundaberg Region had also recently pioneered Chief Entrepreneur Michael Norton, through Community Lifestyle Support, who would be working in the region over six months provide support to the business ecosystem.
“With Michael's help, I know we can go another step further and create even stronger business relationships and goals that will further shape our region in a positive way,” he said.
Startup program part of Council's vision
Mayor Dempsey said the Startup Onramp program by The Generator was in line with Council's vision to establish Bundaberg as a model intelligent community in regional Australia.
“To deliver this aspiration, Council developed its first Intelligent Community Strategy last year,” he said.
“This strategy focuses on working with community stakeholders to increase investment, collaboration and job creation in relation to growth of the entrepreneurial community – and grow the region’s reputation as a leading innovation hub.
“In particular, the strategy identifies key actions around support and promotion of innovation initiatives run by organisations across the ecosystem, such as the Generator.”
Mayor Dempsey said it was organisations such as The Generator who were planning for the region's bright future.
In today's Ordinary Meeting, Council approved of the program and voted to contribute $10,000 to the Startup Onramp.
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