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Pre-Accelerator Program

REGISTER NOW
  • EOI's for the 2027 Program will open in April.
  • Bendigo (and online)
  • FREE

 

Got a great business idea to explore? Or have an idea for a new product or service? Sign up for Startup Central Victoria’s annual Pre-Accelerator Program!

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ARE NOW CLOSED FOR 2026

We welcomed 18 teams into our sixth annual pre-accelerator program on 24 May. Over the next two months they will explore a number of topics to help them determine the path forward for their startup. 

SCV PreAccelerator Participant Summary 2026_Public

2026 PRE-ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
SUN 24 May Creative Hub OPENING BOOTCAMP
Startup Journey Kerry Anderson, KA Rural Enterprises
Value Proposition Blair Smith, Greywoods
Customer Validation Stef Cola, Ligantic
TUE 26 MAY Online Vision, Culture & Risk Craig Hunter, Loddon Campaspe Partnerships
TUE 2 Jun Online Business Road Map Marc Smith, Dimarx Business Services
TUE 9 Jun Online Marketing & Branding Barry Robinson, Activist
TUE 16 Jun Online Protecting your IP Sarah Gee, Curium Legal
TUE 23 Jun Online Financial Structures Regan Smith, AFS
TUE 30 Jun Online Digital Marketing Strategy David Cordwell, Double Jump [tbc]
TUE 7 Jul Online Commercial Law Lachlan Edwards, OFRM
TUE 14 Jul Online Tech, Data & Ethics Phillip Souter, Digital Resilience
TUE 21 Jul Online Global Markets Arnold Jorge, CEO, Export Council of Australia
SUN 26 Jul Creative Hub CLOSING BOOTCAMP
Investors & Funding Craig Hunter, Grant Guru
Perfect Your Pitch Kerry Anderson
1:1 Mentor Speed Dating
Online Evaluation
FRID 31 Jul Bendigo REGIONAL SHOWCASE

Subscribe to our news updates to stay in touch. EOI’s for our 2027 program will open in approximately April.

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.
 
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:
  • Startup Journey
  • Value Proposition
  • Customer Validation
  • Vision, Culture & Risk
  • Business Road Map
  • Marketing & Branding
  • Protecting your IP
  • Financial Structures
  • Digital Marketing Strategy
  • Commercial Law
  • Tech Data & Ethics
  • Global Markets
  • Managing Finances and Cashflow
  • Investors and Funding
  • Perfecting Your Pitch
WHEN is it being held (2026)?
  • Sunday 24 May – full day in Bendigo
  • Tuesdays 26 May to 21 July
    90-minute online masterclasses 7pm – 8.30pm 
  • Sunday 26 July – full day in Bendigo
  • Friday 31 July – afternoon/evening in Bendigo – Regional 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 April and close 17 May 2026.
 
 
MORE INFORMATION? Call Kerry Anderson on 0418 553 719 or Email startupcentralvictoria@gmail.com

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CLOSED
  • EOI's for the 2027 Program will open in April.
  • Bendigo (and online)
  • FREE

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