Over the past few months Startup Central Victoria has been hosting events where startups and innovators share their journeys to inspire others. For everyone it is a very different pathway, starting at different points. Some already have business experience but have a new idea they want to focus on. Others have no prior business knowledge or network to lean on; they just want to have a go.
Startup Central Victoria wants everyone to know that there is a collaborative ecosystem ready to help you on your journey. A free 12-week pre-accelerator program commencing on 22 June will provide a framework, increase your knowledge and test your idea in a supportive environment. In addition, experienced businesspeople act as mentors to provide practical insights and open doors to other opportunities.
On 22 May we had a lovely chat at Bar Lee. in Echuca with Ryan and Cameron from Two Lads Brewery (also owners of Bar Lee with their partners), and Sally from Kyabram, talking about their startup journeys. A big thankyou to Campaspe Shire Council for hosting us and interested guests including Mayor Daniel Mackrell who also shared his experience of participating in the Startup Central Victoria pre-accelerator program.
Ryan and Cameron spoke about having a passion for what you do and getting professional advice when setting up a partnership. They are very engaged in business networks as they are always learning and collaborating. And they keep coming up with more business ideas!
Sally is on a mission to solve a wicked problem for rural people on tank water. She said that the commitment of participating in the pre accelerator program helped her to find time in her busy life to focus on her idea and connected her with a knowledgeable mentor.
On 8 May in Woodend, we hosted a startup chat with two of our 2024 pre-accelerator participants, Matt Grant and Amy Cockroft, who shared the challenges of their complex startup ideas. From Amy’s point of view, it was important to validate their idea beyond their own network and being allocated a high calibre mentor was a bonus. Matt admitted to hitting a ‘wall’ and parking his startup idea for the moment, but he is currently progressing another idea with the benefit of what he learned during the program.
Startup Central Victoria is supported by all six of the local government areas in the Loddon Campaspe and we are delighted to see such high interest. Cr. Kate Kendall and Cr. Janet Pearce, came along to hear Matt and Amy’s stories.