The Andrews Labor Government is giving councils across Victoria, particularly those in regional and rural areas, the tools they need to support local startups and entrepreneurs.
Speaking at successful startup accelerator Runway Geelong, Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis launched the next round of LaunchVic initiatives which will assist regional startups and local councils.
LaunchVic has developed the Startup Guide and Toolkit for Local Government which will help local governments support and develop their local startup communities.
To complement the guide, a new round of funding will give councils the tools required to identify and nurture startup activity and encourage greater participation in their communities.
LaunchVic will provide up to $100,000 to local councils for one-year programs that align with the framework outlined in the Startup Guide. Joint submissions from multiple councils will also be considered and may be eligible for more than $100,000.
The funding can be used by councils to establish programs including meetup groups, mentoring programs and hackathons that give entrepreneurs access to quality startup education and resources.
Applications for Round 6 grant funding open today and close on 22 March 2018. Funding guidelines and the Startup Guide and Toolkit for Local Government are available at launchvic.org.au.
More technology companies are investing in regional Victoria, including New York based company LiveTiles, which recently announced it would set up its Asia Pacific headquarters in Geelong, creating 500 local jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis
“Startups will play a huge role in the future economy of Victoria, both in the city and in the regions, so we need to support regional startups however we can.”
“We’re making it fair for regional Victorians by giving them access to the same education and resources that those in the city have.”
Quotes attributable to LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick
“LaunchVic’s role is to encourage entrepreneurship and startups across the state of Victoria and this guide has been developed to support local startup ecosystems.”
“There are so many bright minds in our regions and we need them contributing to our thriving startup sector.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020