Two exciting startups were launched in Bendigo on Friday 31 July 2026 as nine teams from the latest Startup Central Victoria pre-accelerator program took to the podium in the La Trobe Art Institute theatrette to showcase their ideas before an appreciative audience.
SoundPath Learning
Language Therapist & Specialist Educator, Penny Widdowson, from Bendigo launched SoundPath Learning after impressing on the audience the negative impact of learners falling behind in reading and spelling. Penny explained how this new evidence-based online learning platform provides a unique and effective solution for schools, tutors, therapists and families wanting to make a positive difference.
SizeMuse
Heads were nodding when Sheree Laursen from Strathfieldsaye spoke about the difficulties of ordering clothes online. She created SizeMuse to avoid the uncertainty arising from the question that inevitably arises when ordering from different brands that have different size regimes – ‘Will it Fit?’. There is the opportunity to try out the app free of charge and to join up as a Founder at a reduced rate.
In a packed program, seven additional teams presented their early-stage startups and invited customer feedback to demonstrate the breadth of talent and ideas stimulated throughout the 10-week program.
CAYLIOS – We help businesses unlock hidden capacity by reducing operational friction and improving how work moves across people and processes.
Echo Hearth – Building cultural infrastructure.
MPS Solutions
Plate it Up – Plate it Up® food literacy sessions and events are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals living in regional areas of Australia.
SecuVizz – Your entire VSS, on any TV. Control it from your phone.
TOHVI – A safe matchmaking platform. Subscribe to tohvimatch@gmail.com for updates
RECLISS – In an age of noise and algorithms, RECLISS is powered by a trusted community of human curators to help you discover your next favourite film and TV series.
At the conclusion of the program, Toni Wallis who launched her hypnotherapy practice in Castlemaine during the program, expressed her appreciation on behalf of all teams. ‘Throughout the program, we were encouraged to look at our ideas in new ways, ask questions, and think more carefully about what it takes to build a successful and sustainable business.’
She thanked the consortium members for their support and leadership and the masterclass presenters and mentors that generously contributed their expertise and time free of charge. ‘Your experience, guidance and willingness to share your insights helped to demystify creating and running a start-up.’ SEE OUR CONTRIBUTORS
‘It was wonderful to see the confidence grow in all eighteen of this year’s teams,’ said Program Manager Kerry Anderson. ‘There were rebrands, pivots and even a merger as they processed all the wonderful information they were exposed to. The strength of our ecosystem and goodwill of our pro-bono presenters and mentors is incredible.’
This was the sixth year of the program being offered bringing the number of startup teams to 120 across the region to benefit. Expressions of interest for next year’s program will open around April or May.