A Startup Sprint Weekend will give local entrepreneurs a chance to test their ideas and develop a winning pitch over two days at The Generator in Bundaberg.
The event has been designed to help aspiring businesspeople gain clarity on their ideas while learning how to communicate effectively to receive a buy-in.
Those who attend will also be in the running to be chosen for the Hinkler Innovation Series presentation called the Hinkler Hotseat, a Shark Tank-inspired event that gives locals the opportunity to present their big idea to Glen Richards, who was a shark on the Network Ten show, and other innovators.
Executive manager, Regional Business HQ Brooke Fossey is working with The Generator to produce the Startup Sprint Weekend and said it would assist in taking ideas from validation to pitch-ready and equip participants with essential presentation skills.
“One of the most crucial skills for anyone wanting to start a new business is being able to accept feedback on their idea,” she said.
“We see it all the time when people come to us for advice.
“Your friends and family might think your idea sounds great, but when an experienced investor is critically evaluating it, you need to have the answers that show you’ve really done the groundwork.”
David Wise, community manager at The Generator and event coordinator said Startup Sprint Weekend would also help participants develop the crucial skills required to communicate their business idea and its potential.
“In my previous business as a communication skills trainer, one of the most fundamental problems clients came to me with was that they knew what they wanted to say but didn’t know how to say it,” he said.
“Over the course of the weekend, we will help them gather crucial content for their pitch presentation and put it into a proven structure.
“We will also provide advice on how speak confidently so that their personality and passion for their idea shines through.”
The duo said Startup Sprint Weekend was open to anyone who had a business idea, with plenty of benefits involved.
“If we have some pitches with particularly high merit at the end of the weekend, some participants may also be chosen to present their pitch to a panel of well-known influencers at the Hinkler Innovation Awards Breakfast on 10 November where they will receive feedback from some highly experienced entrepreneurs including Dr Glen Richards, founder of Greencross Vets and Petbarn,” David said.
Startup Sprint Weekend will be held at The Generator (above post office 155 Bourbong St) on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October from 9 am to 5 pm each day.
Register your attendance here.
The current early bird price of $55 ends on 21 October, then the price to participate is $66.
