Some of the nation’s smartest minds in business growth and innovation have committed to support businesses within North-East Victoria to become stronger and more resilient to change.
Now, a new business ‘incubator’ program is helping ten entrepreneurs from regional Victoria take their ideas to the next stage using innovation and technology.
Some of the nation’s smartest minds in business growth and innovation have committed to support businesses within North-East Victoria to become stronger and more resilient to change.
Now, a new business ‘incubator’ program is helping ten entrepreneurs from regional Victoria take their ideas to the next stage using innovation and technology.
The Wangaratta students have been engaged by Melbourne startup ROVing Intelligence to develop software for remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) used to survey underwater assets including jetties, weirs and bridges.
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Plenty of people have a great business idea, but that’s often as far as it goes because they simply don’t know what to do next.
Now, a new business ‘incubator’ program is helping ten entrepreneurs from regional Victoria take their ideas to the next stage using innovation and technology.
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Startup Shakeup has received $246,000 to support the next generation of regional entrepreneurs. This investment will generate millions of dollars for the region, and support the growth of new startups.
Continue readingStartup Shakeup, the innovation ecosystem for North-East Victoria, have now launched their free program, the Regional Skills Network for North-East Startups, Shakeups, and Innovators to assist in upskilling and supporting their developing businesses.
The Regional Skills Network provides tailored support for participants through a range of skilled Advisors that are sharing their skills and experience to foster business growth through a range of formats.
Tailored support has never been more needed during our current economic climate, and we are already seeing many local Startups, Shakeups and Innovators jump on board the Regional Skills Network.
We know that innovation builds out the regional economy, businesses, and jobs, bringing in outside investment and growth. Startups are wanting to take up opportunities and grow into what they can be. For existing businesses, this is the time to Shakeup, do things differently, renew, and think outside the square.
Participants of the Regional Skills Network, Nick and Jay Cooper from startup ‘Issimo’ state, “The North East has so many talented people, and sometimes the issue is just knowing that they are there.”
“It’s been great to be connected through the Regional Skills Network and to have access to Advisors who are genuinely interested and excited about our business’ growth.”
Shakeup Shakeup are looking for Participants and Advisors to be a part of the Regional Skills Network. You can find out further information or fill out an EOI on the Startup Shakeup website here.
It’s not just business as usual – with the ever-changing COVID-19 economy, there’s never been a better time to seek extra support and training for local businesses and start-ups.
Startup Shakeup, in collaboration with Benalla Rural City and Business Victoria, is hosting a workshop, presented by Resilient Futures. The workshop will explore what the emerging new COVID-19 economy will really mean in terms of opportunity and risk and focus on changing ahead of change to leverage the disruption that is yet to come.
Local businesses are invited to be part of shaping a resilient future for our region and will be joined by other local leaders and innovators who are committed to rethinking what is possible in light of immediate disruption.
Resilient Futures specialise in enabling people to help activate their business resilience by understanding and leveraging disruptive change and it is an opportunity not to be missed.
Director of Resilient Futures David Platt says “What we’re seeing is a new economy, the COVID Economy, rise in real time. What every individual, business and community now needs is the mindset, skill-set and strategic focus to pursue opportunity, mitigate risk and accelerate innovation in that new reality.”
“The ability to understand disruptive change, interpret what it means for you, your business and your community and focus on action that will make a difference is a critical skill in today’s world.” says David.
During the webinar, attendees will develop an understanding of the realities of the rapidly emerging COVID economy, be able to clarify which conventional business and operating modes are dropping away. They will also gain insight into what is starting to rise and replace ‘business as usual’ and acquire skills on how to find their way forward in terms of actively addressing opportunities and risk that are present to their businesses.
The webinar is the first of three other workshops which will allow participants to explore the issues in an in-depth and collaborative manner.
One lucky North East startup is singing to a very different tune after progressing through the first round of a competition that could see them share in over $100,000 in prizes, including a trip to China!
Congratulations to “MachEst”, a web platform that automates CNC design quotations, for taking home the winning prize at last night’s Pitch Fest held at the Wangaratta Regional Study Centre.The prize includes an all-expenses paid trip to attend the Jiangsu Victoria Startup Summit held in Nanjing, China in May, to compete for a share in over $100,000 in prizes.
Founder Sidney Steele is grateful for the opportunity.
“It’s really exciting to build this type of stuff locally. This is really going to put North East Victoria on the map, encourage growth and keep our people local with new opportunities.”
Guest judges Mark Cooper of Defining Leaders, Amelia Hartney of Crowe Horwath, and Sarah Brindley from the Rural City of Wangaratta, had a tough decision to make in their selection.
“I was truly impressed by the quality of submissions we received” Says Emma Jones, Coordinator of Startup Shakeup. “It’s clear from our first pitch night that Northeast Vic has caught the startup bug. With the support and interest shown last night, our Startup Shakeup community will only strengthen.”
Second place was awarded to “Teledrome”, a real-time drone tracking app by Jay Davis, and in third place was the permaculture-based shelter “GarDen” by Callum Morrison.
The Pitch Fest was one of several competitions held state-wide to select 15 Victorian startups who will then be matched with Jiangsu startups or companies to participate in a hackathon and Mayors and Investors Forum on 14-15 May in Nanjing, China.
“This is a unique opportunity for regional Victoria, and all thanks to the 40th anniversary of the partnership between the City of Melbourne and Jiangsu province in China.” Says Shane McIlroy from the City of Melbourne. “It’s not often that we can get 15 seats on a plane funded by China for the benefit of Victorian based startups, and it’s great to see such strong support and potential in the North East’s rural communities.”
Mayor Scott Upston from Benalla Rural City, was enthusiastic about an event of this type happening in our region, and the potential for regional growth.
“What excites me about this Startup Shakeup movement is that there’s now an opportunity for young people and local talent to stay in their communities and prosper – without having to go to the big smoke. After tonight, it’s now up to the leaders in our communities to step up and encourage men, women, and youth to get involved in events such as this so we can continue regional growth and keep people local.”
The Pitch Fest was a taste of things to come with a similar celebration event planned for July 26 which will see even more startups contesting for a helping-hand prize that could have their North East product or service launched into a global market. Stay up to date at: startupshakeup.co
Startup Shakeup, in partnership with Runway Geelong, is bringing a Pitch Fest to North East Victoria on April 4.
The competition, to be held in Wangaratta, will see startups pitching their business idea and competing for a share in over $100,000 in prizes – including an all-expenses paid trip to attend the Jiangsu Victoria Startup Summit held in Nanjing, China in May 2019.
Co-organised by the Nanjing Municipal Government, City of Melbourne, Pukou District Government, Nanjing Overseas Innovation Centre and Australia-China Association of Scientists and Entrepreneurs (ACASE), the Summit creates a unique opportunity for Victorian and Jiangsu cities and businesses alike to exchange knowledge, build strong commercial relationships and discuss solutions to current issues affecting communities.
Peter Dostis, CEO of Runway Geelong and sponsor of the event, is excited for the opportunities it will bring to our North East Victoria region.
CEO of Runway Geelong, Peter Dostis:
“China can be a difficult market to enter without the right level of connections and introductions. The summit is a fantastic opportunity for any North East startup or scaling-up business looking to get started in China.”
The winner of the April 4 Pitch Fest competition will win a fully paid trip including travel, accommodation, and a formal introduction that could pave the way for a thriving global venture.
This will be one of several competitions held state-wide to select 15 Victorian startups who will then be matched with Jiangsu startups or companies to participate in a hackathon and Mayors and Investors Forum on 14-15 May in Nanjing, China.
Applications for the Pitch Fest close on March 27th, 2019. Submissions can be made at www.startupshakeup.co
Everyone is invited to come and enjoy an evening of exciting pitches and support our local startups from 6pm-8pm on 4 April at Wangaratta Regional Study Centre, 218 Tone Rd, Wangaratta. For catering purposes please book at:
PHOTO CAPTION: L-R Catherine MacMillan (Benalla Rural City), Peter Dostis (Runway), Emma Jones (Startup Shakeup), Rachael Richards (Rural City Wangaratta), Anne Shaw (NE Tracks LLEN), Brett Ambrosio (GOTAFE), Ilena Young (Charles Sturt University), Danielle Roberts (Mansfield Shire) planning the upcoming Pitch Night in Wangaratta
Photo Credit : Startup Shakeup
It’s the time of year when tree-changes and career moves make the list of new year’s resolutions. And there’s never been a better time to start a new business venture than in 2019 with the Startup Shakeup.
Founded in 2018, this local North East Victorian network is the place for current and future business founders to pitch ideas, gain support from bright minds and potential investors, and access resources to get a side hustle off the ground.
2019 brings networking events and workshops to Indigo Benalla, Wangaratta and Mansfield municipalities that will connect like-minded movers-and-shakers, identify local community problems that could benefit from innovation, and support the founding of innovative new business ventures to shape and grow our region.
Startup Shakeup Coordinator Emma Jones
“Everything we offer is either free or low cost, thanks to funding from LaunchVic and support from local councils, CSU, NE Tracks LLEN and GOTAFE.”
LaunchVic CEO Kate Cornick
“93% of Victorian startups are based in the Melbourne CBD – so our focus is to expand the opportunities for startups to be created anywhere in Victoria with the right support and ecosystem”
What is Startup Shakeup?
Thanks to a $400,000 grant from LaunchVic, Startup Shakeup is a network of entrepreneurs, businesses, and investors striving to turn big ideas into jobs and opportunities for growth in North East Victoria. More information and event registration at: www.startupshakeup.co
Whether you’re a person with a great idea to solve local problems, a visionary who wants to leave their mark and give back, or someone looking to pursue a side hustle outside the 9-5, the Startup Shakeup network invite you to be part of the new calendar of events across Beechworth, Yackandandah , Benalla, Wangaratta and Mansfield.
Photo credit: Paul Dillon
Photo L-R: Some of the Startup Shakeup team
Danielle Dalmau (Mansfield Shire Council), Anne Shaw (NE Tracks LLEN), Emma Jones (Startup Shakeup), Catherine Macmillan (Benalla Rural City Council), Kate Cornick (CEO, LaunchVic), Rachael Richards (Rural City of Wangaratta), Ilena Young (Charles Sturt University), Rohan Latimer (Jewellers Coworking)