The 2019 CONNECT Innovation Hubs program will bring together regional entrepreneurs with innovative and scaleable ventures, to incubate new ideas and business models, foster new collaborations, and access expertise and resources. These start-ups can be private companies or not-for-profit entities and from any industry.
New co-working spaces have been established at three regional centres in southern WA: Northam (Central Wheatbelt), Busselton (South West) and Albany (Great Southern). With a maximum of 10 businesses per hub, the programs and events will be tailored to each of the regions with a focus on export market access and building capacity of start-ups to attract investment.
The program is worth more than $10,000 and is FREE for selected participants. The structure of the program will vary for each hub, but will involve:
- Kick-off with a bootcamp – held over two days and will focus on ideation, validation, value proposition and lean business modelling.
- Monthly masterclasses on topics such IP protection and strategy; branding and digital marketing; capital raising and investor readiness; export market opportunities and pathways; and pitch training.
- Fortnightly mentor meetings
- Online forums connecting all 3 hubs
- Optional online training modules
- 6 months hotdesk in the co-working space
- Opportunity to participate in regional pitch events with prizes
Apply online HERE.