Expressions of Interest for our 2025 Startup Central Victoria Pre-Accelerator Program open on 1 May. APPLY NOW
WHO is eligible to participate?
- Anyone 18 years or older
- Has a business startup idea.
- The lead applicant must live or work in Central Victoria (Campaspe / Loddon / Greater Bendigo / Mount Alexander / Central Goldfields / Macedon Ranges LGA’s)
NB: Other participants outside this area may be considered if space allows.
Level of experience: It doesn’t matter. You may already be experienced in business, or this may be your first startup.
Teams of 3 (and more) are encouraged to participate, ie. co-founders and/or support team.
Places are limited and will be offered to those who demonstrate the strongest commitment to the program.
NB: A minimum of one team member is requested to attend each session.
NB: A minimum of one team member is requested to attend each session.
WHY should you apply?
If you’ve got a great business startup idea in any sector then there is no better time to scope it out and test if it is viable in a safe, supportive and confidential environment. This program is FREE of charge thanks to the support of the City of Greater Bendigo and the Campaspe, Loddon, Central Goldfields, Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander Shires.
You will be connected with likeminded entrepreneurs, experienced business mentors and professional services in the region who offer their services pro-bono.
WHAT is involved?
To help take your idea to a startup you will:
- Attend a program of master classes over a 12-week period (please refer to the proposed schedule below).
- Actively work on your startup idea in-between classes. ie. There may be some reading and activities suggested by masterclass presenters.
- Meet with a business mentor at mutually agreeable times and locations for a total of up to 6 hours over the duration of the 13-week program.
Topics covered over the 12-week program will include:
- An Entrepreneur Mindset
- Business Model Canvas
- Vision, Culture & Risk
- Value Proposition
- Experiential Design
- Financial Structure
- Commercial Law
- Protecting your IP
- Tech Data & Ethics
- Branding & Marketing
- Digital Marketing
- Global Markets
- Investors and Funding
- Perfecting Your Pitch
WHEN is it being held (2025)?
- Sunday 22 June – full day in Bendigo
- Tuesdays 24 Jun to 19 Aug
90-minute online masterclasses 7pm – 8.30pm - Sunday 24 Aug – full day in Bendigo
- Friday 5 Sep – afternoon/evening in Bendigo – Showcase
WHAT does it cost?
There is NO fee to participate in this program, however, any expenses incurred relating to your business and participation (ie. travel / internet) will be your responsibility.
WHERE is it being held?
The opening and closing days plus the showcase will be hosted in Bendigo.
The masterclasses on Tuesday nights will be conducted online via Zoom (good quality internet required).
EOI’s OPEN 1 May and close 17 June 2025.
MORE INFORMATION? Call Kerry Anderson on 0418 553 719 or Email startupcentralvictoria@gmail.com
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