The 2024 Pre-Accelerator Program participants from across the region celebrated their achievements on 6 September with 70 enthusiastic guests to cheer them on at the Capital Theatre in Bendigo.
Consortium Chair, Craig Hunter welcomed guests and acknowledged LaunchVic and local government partners for their support.
“It takes courage to put an idea to the test, and it takes an ecosystem to raise a startup,” said Kerry Anderson. “Congratulations to the 30 startup teams and thank you to the masterclass presenters and mentors who helped them along the way.”
During the event hosted by futurist Steve Sammartino, two startups were launched, eight showcased their services and products, and two pitched for investment to an appreciative audience.
ABOVE: Steve Sammartino was impressed by the two startups pitching for investment. “CULTIVATE feels inevitable and has the potential to go global, and Rampey is a great example of robotics entering the mainstream. ‘Every station and every carriage’—that’s a huge market!” he said. Congratulations to the Cultivate team – Matt, Sam and Amy – from Kyneton, and Jay Davey from Rampey in Bendigo. Watch this space!
ABOVE: Studio Natura was launched by Sara Scaramella and Damien Yap from Hesket, followed by Nit Wits by Helen Fulford from Bendigo.
ABOVE: Zoe Phillips Photography from Lancefield, Culum Revel from Castlemaine Daedulux, and Tara Sleeman Taradical Compassion also from Lancefield, showcased their startup ideas. Matt Grant from Woodend was encouraged by his children to tell everyone about his new platform, Tinkeru. Paul Mizzi from Harcourt based Virtual CC, explained how he is ready to take on clients. Sharon and Louise from Huntly demonstrated their Eezi Find products designed to assist people with low vision while Alicia and Laura handed our vouchers for their soon to launched Mountains of Chocolate in Ararat.
“The showcase was a fantastic platform to share our progress, network with other entrepreneurs, and celebrate the journey we’ve been on,” said Matt Grant from Woodend reflecting back on the experience. “I’m excited to see where Tinkeru and the rest of my cohort go from here.
Feedback from the 13-week program has been positive.
“Through the program we have verified that we have an idea that will bring value to people,” said Amy Cockroft from the CULTIVATE team based in the Macedon Ranges.
“I’ve learned that you cannot succeed alone, a start-up community is vital,” said Stephen Koefed, one of the Bendigo participants.
Sam Haliday from Castlemaine used the program to validate his invention of a new tool for cabinet makers. “I’ve learnt not to be afraid to ask for help,” he said, “it’s now full steam ahead.”
“Feedback from the mentors and help to identify what I need next was so valuable,” said Helen Franklin, also from Bendigo. ‘I’ve found resources through the program that I never knew existed.”
“The program has been a plethora of ‘eureka’ moments,” agreed Culum Revell from Castlemaine.
ABOVE: Our ecosystem was out in force to give their support. Caleb Maxwell, Marcus Turnbull, and the Cola siblings, Jess, Mark and Stef, who updated everyone on the incredible progress made by Ligantic since being launched at the 2023 Showcase.
ABOVE: Startup Central Victoria Chair, Craig Hunter and Manager Kerry Anderson, with special guest, Futurist Steve Sammartino. Participant Carina Johns took the opportunity to catch up with her mentor, Linda Scott.
Program Manager, Kerry Anderson, paid tribute to the masterclass presenters, speakers and mentors who provided their time pro-bono. “There is so much business talent and experience right here in regional Victoria. Over the past four years we have built up an ecosystem that will support startups and scale ups long into the future.”
For those interested in exploring a startup idea or wanting to scale up their existing business, there are free events and online meetups held each month featuring businesspeople sharing real life experiences.