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LaunchVic To Support Migrant And Refugee Startups

01 June 2017

Projects that support Victorian migrants and refugees to develop startup businesses are being sought as part of LaunchVic’s third round of funding.

The Andrews Labor Government’s $60 million startup fund, LaunchVic, today unveiled its new forward plan and announced it will encourage more migrants and refugees to get involved in Victoria’s startup sector.

Some of the world’s most successful and innovative companies have been started by immigrant entrepreneurs including Tesla, eBay, Google and Victoria’s own Kogan.

Research shows that migrants and refugees are twice as likely to start a business as those born locally and are more willing to take business risks – meaning they are perfectly suited to the startup world.

LaunchVic will invest between $50,000-$500,000 per application for organisations to deliver quality educational, acceleration, incubation, mentoring or other programs for Victorian migrants and refugees.

The Labor Government established LaunchVic in March 2016. It has since held two successful funding rounds and invested in 26 projects that will help grow Victoria’s startup sector.

LaunchVic has refreshed its focus for the next two years to ensure it is meeting the needs of the startup sector and addressing market failures. This means higher quality startup founders and a stronger investor community.

Applications for Round 3 funding open on 1 June 2017 and close on 5 July 2017. Funding guidelines and more information is available at launchvic.orgExternal Link .

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis

“We want our startup sector to reflect the diverse, multicultural place that Victoria is.”

“Victoria’s startup sector is creating the jobs and companies that will drive our economy and LaunchVic plays a major role in that.”

Quotes attributable to LaunchVic CEO Kate Cornick

“It’s very clear what we need to do if we are to grow the potential we have right here on our doorstep and position Victoria as a global ecosystem.”

“We don’t need to be Silicon Valley or Tel Aviv. We have a very strong brand and a strong start up sector that make us a destination in itself – something we want to capitalise on over the next two years.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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