Startup Gippsland launches its new Tech Startup Skills program, which will support 17 local entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wed 21/4/2021
On Friday 16th April, Startup Gippsland officially launched their new program, the Tech Startup Skills Incubator. From all across Gippsland, program participants, mentors and alumni, councillors, and community members came together at the Herd Coworking space in Warragul to celebrate what is set to be an exciting year for local founders. Among the attendees were Mayor Danny Goss, Russel Broadbent, Member of Parliament, and Harriet Shing, Member of Parliament.
Now in its third year, Startup Gippsland has an impressive alumni of over 100 Gippsland-based entrepreneurs, who built or developed their businesses with the support of the program. However, this year’s Tech Startup Skills program is different in nature. The program has been specifically designed to overcome digital and technical literacy barriers which may exist for startups in Gippsland; a problem which is not so prevalent in metropolitan regions. Spanning over 4 months, the 17 program participants will learn about how to incorporate digital and technology platforms, such as app development, ecommerce stores, and social media, to make their business ideas a reality, whilst also learning the fundamentals of agile startups.
“Every business needs technology these days to reach its full potential”, says Elena Kelareva, Startup Gippsland Program Director. “Past Startup Gippsland participants cited lack of a technical cofounder as their biggest barrier to success, alongside lack of funding. That’s why I’m so excited about the Tech Startup Skills program, which will teach business owners to use simple no-code tools to overcome this barrier, and help them to make the most of technology to grow their business.”
The Tech Startup Skills program consists of a range of founders from across the six Gippsland LGAs, each with a unique business idea from various industries, including education, sport and health, food, and music. The program participants will attend weekend intensive sessions, held across each shire area, and gain specialised support and assistance from a number of local mentors and industry experts. The participants will learn the business fundamentals required to develop their idea, and build confidence in their capabilities as a startup founder. At the completion of the six month program, they will have a working product which will be presented at the Pitch Final on August 20.
“Startup Gippsland is particularly important for our economic recovery, given the prolonged drought, bushfires, and now the Covid-19 pandemic”, says Geoff Hay, Wellington Shire Council Senior Business Development Officer. “Many businesses have been compromised or downsized, so Gippsland will need new successful businesses to be developed to support the recovery and creation of new jobs. Startups, with a focus on growth, and a focus on technology, will be vital to creating new businesses and new jobs in or our region.”
Startup Gippsland is a project by the Bass Coast Shire, Baw Baw Shire, East Gippsland Shire, Latrobe City, South Gippsland Shire and Wellington Shire councils, co-funded by LaunchVic, and delivered by GippsTech.
Visit https://startupgippsland.com.au to learn more about the program and how Startup Gippsland is supporting local entrepreneurs.
Contact:
Zoe Doyle, Startup Gippsland Marketing & Communications Specialist
hello[at]startupgippsland.com.au +61 (0)3 5644 3321
