FLINDERS University’s New Venture Institute (NVI) hub is up and running in Mount Gambier, giving business and employment a boost in the South East.
The $1m innovation accelerator includes a high-tech co-working space and 10 local entrepreneurs have already taken part in its inaugural development program, Venture Dorm.
Called eNVision, the Limestone Coast hub will be officially opened during a brief ceremony on Friday.
The hub is a purpose-built incubator that will become an engine room to expand the region’s economic development, through a co-working area with easy connection to a global network of markets and expertise.
Venture Dorm is a seven-week, hands-on course designed to help participants take their product or idea to the market, no matter the stage they start at.
The first Limestone Coast program started in April and is nearing completion, with participants benefiting from twice weekly half-day sessions to help them clarify ideas and establish business models alongside carefully matched mentors.
NVI director Matt Salier said the NVI’s leading programs had a proven track record in South Australia.
“We have supported more than 230 startups and created up to 60 spin-off jobs since Flinders established the incubator program at Tonsley in 2013,” he said.
“We are immensely happy to bring this framework to the Limestone Coast, an economically significant region with enormous talent and opportunities.
“We are keen to help break down the regional barriers and grow the diverse skills in this region.”
Geoff Dening is one of the local Venture Dorm’s first participants.
Founder of goingtoplaces.com.au, which provides travel information on specific regions via apps, Mr Dening described it as an invaluable experience.
“It combines action and knowledge to make your ideas and efforts a reality,” he said.
Ashlee Kalantarian of bespoke headwear brand Ashlee Lauren Designs said the start-up accelerator program had proven beneficial for her rapidly evolving business.
“It’s really important to have these initiatives and mentors available, because living in a rural area has limitations as far as accessibility to specialised support networks and events goes,” she said.
Other local entrepreneurs in the current program include luxury gift box creator Katie Fox, inland commercial fish farmer Daryl Prunnell and youth wellbeing platform developer Belinda Tilley.
Located at Shop 1, 33 James Street, eNVision Limestone Coast provides affordable high-speed digital connectivity, large-file sharing and video-conferencing capabilities for local businesses.
The hub also provides access to Flinders’ world-class resources and technology at the NVI’s Tonsley hub in Adelaide, including 3D printing, nanotechnology and robotics.
Any business founders with global aspirations are invited to join eNVIsion Limestone Coast and are encouraged to apply on the New Venture Institute’s website.
The innovation incubator is supported by the Australian Government’s $23m incubator support program, Mount Gambier City Council and the State Government.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has announced it will provide further assistance to regional incubators to access the support program.
A regional innovation facilitator will be available in the South East to provide advice and forge local links with business, industry, universities, research institutions and government.
