Get your idea off the ground with the help of the Business Igniter program.
Every startup requires expert knowledge and support to transform their idea into a thriving business. At Startup Gippsland, we know that entering the world of entrepreneurship can be daunting – there’s so much to learn, jargon to wrap your head around, and it can be difficult to know where to start.
The Business Igniter program is the pathway to help you take your idea and turn it into a real life product or service, ready for your customers!
What’s often missing for founders is an understanding of the technical tools and platforms that’s available to help them to launch. At the end of the day, every business requires a digital presence to succeed, whether that be a simple website, social media channels, or a sophisticated platform. The Business Igniter program will help set you up for success, and you’ll not only learn a wide range of business fundamentals, but you’ll gain an understanding of the digital tools that can help take you to the next level.
This program is run by locals, for locals, along with facilitation from a team of highly experienced industry experts, and a pool of mentors who can guide you toward success. Startup Gippsland will give you the support you need to launch your business and build confidence in your capabilities as a startup founder.
If you’re ready to make 2022 the year you start your business and make your first sales, then you won’t want to miss out on joining the Business Igniter program!
No, you don’t need any experience in order to participate in the program as you’ll be guided by our team of expert facilitators and mentors. What you do need is a willingness to learn, curiosity, and to be open to trying new things.
If you currently live or work in Gippsland, and you have a great idea for a business which has the potential to scale, then you are eligible to apply. You can also apply if you currently have a small business, but wish to expand on your offering(s) and develop it into a scalable model.
By the end of the program, we expect our participants to have launched their business, and have made (or be close to making) their first sale.
The program is held between March-August, over 6 weekend intensives. We also expect participants to be putting an additional 3 hours a week toward their business, in between the weekend sessions.
The program is held across each of the 6 Gippsland LGAs over each of the 6 weekends. Accommodation is included for participants (location depending).
Yes! All learning materials will be shared with participants after each weekend.However, participants are required to complete an 80% “in person” attendance rate, in order to have the program marked as completed. Each weekend builds upon the one prior, so it’s important to catch up on any missed classes, so you don’t fall behind.
Weekend meetups, networking dinners, collaboration opportunities, 1:1 access to a diverse pool of mentors, Q&A with industry experts, and the tools & knowledge you need to launch your business idea in a supportive environment.
The program is delivered at no cost to participants, as Startup Gippsland is a Government funded initiative.
The Mindful Hub
For Tegan McKay, provisional psychologist and founder of The Mindful Hub, she knows all too well the implication the current COVID-19 crisis can have on the wellbeing and mental health of communities, particularly those in rural settings.
She launched her business as a result of participating in the 2019 Startup Gippsland program, as a way to provide online psychology services and appointments to those in need. From an early age, Tegan saw the divide in the level and quality of services offered to rural communities, compared to those in the city. Whilst suffering from a childhood disease, Tegan would frequently travel a 5 hour round trip to most appointments, which were located in the city, and it was here she realised the difference in medical care.
Scarlet & Grace
Ryan and Kaitlyn, from Scarlet & Grace, inject a sense of lightheartedness and positivity into the way they approach our conversation; even amidst these tumultuous times. However, it is evident that the passion for their business, and commitment to the health of their end consumer, is no laughing matter.
This family-owned business has successfully cut through the noise of a saturated marketplace to come up with a range of products that are both beautiful and unique. After spending 4 years on research and development of their luxury homewares (candles and reed diffusers), Scarlet & Grace was launched; and their products are now stocked in lifestyle and gift stores around Australia. “Our jars are designed to be heat resistant, meaning they will never explode or burn your hands”, says Kaitlyn.
Content Queen Mariah
Content Queen Mariah has been in operation for 2 years, and is a content marketing and educational business for entrepreneurs and online business owners. I am the founder and main content creator of the business, but have a team of freelancers helping and supporting me. Together, we offer retainer and project packages for businesses wanting their content done for them, and DIY courses and templates for those who want to learn how to create their own!
CABARET ON CALL
Cabaret on Call was inspired after finding myself unable to perform in person at aged care sites during Covid-19, so I had to pivot to online delivery. Some nursing homes don’t offer live entertainment due to visitor restrictions, so I perform for residents through the screen, singing songs they love and request. I bring life back to old songs from previous decades, by dressing in the style of the era or genre.
Little Bumble Wraps
It may be hard to imagine, but food wastage makes up for $10 billion dollars each year in Australia alone; which equates to approximately $1,200 annually per household.
For Laura Eddington, founder of Little Bumble Food Wraps, her business journey began 3 years ago as a way to reduce food wastage in her own home. After struggling to find a suitable beeswax food wrap in the market, she put her studies to use and set about to develop her own. Since starting her business, Laura has seen great success in creating a product that sees avocados and bread stay fresh for 2 weeks, and leafy greens remain fresh for up to 4 weeks.
THE ONLY STRAW
The Only Straw offers an alternative drinking straw to paper and plastic. The straws are 100% biodegradable, home compostable, and completely zero waste – made entirely of natural ingredients, and safe for everyone to use. The straws will last in a drink for over an hour, which proves better than paper straws which just don’t last the distance. Our straws break down within 90 days in any environment, landfill, or waterway, and are marine life and wildlife friendly.
Aeromedical Solutions
When we think about building a business to fill a much needed gap in the marketplace, we often don’t look to crisis or unfortunate events for inspiration.
But for Erin Lord and Steve McLaren, co-founders of Aeromedical Solutions, their opportunity in business was staring them in the face during their time working for the Royal Flying Doctors Service.