Getting it started

Bundaberg Regional Council in Queensland is playing a key role in encouraging tech entrepreneurship across the region via startupBundaberg.

People with a great idea sometimes need as little as the right work environment and a bit of guidance to fully develop a concept and turn it into something revolutionary.

Across the Bundaberg Region there is a group of entrepreneurs and tech startups that are working to develop new ideas or to integrate innovative technologies to improve their existing business models.
Bundaberg Regional Council is playing a key role in bringing these like-minded businesses together and assisting them through supportive programs.

Mayor Jack Dempsey, Council’s Economic Development portfolio spokesman, said startupBundaberg involves participants who share a belief that innovation and technology are major factors that will shape the long-term future of the Bundaberg Region.

“Many of these entrepreneurs are either new to the journey of developing a startup company or need the knowledge to help make their ideas a reality,” said the Mayor.

“As we build on our network of startups and entrepreneurs, it is world’s best practice that the group is supported by mentors and a supportive ecosystem to help bring creative ideas to commercial fruition. Every success story has commenced with a good idea.

“There have been a number of startup meetings over the past six months which has enabled the creation of the startupBundaberg group.

“The Bundaberg Enterprise Centre, in collaboration with Council has secured $30,000 under the Advance Queensland Startup Events and Activities Fund to help build capability within Bundaberg’s startup community.

Mayor Dempsey said the funding allowed for the delivery of a series of events and one-on-one mentoring for local startups and entrepreneurs.

The program of events will be facilitated by Colin Graham, founding CEO of the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast, which has helped support startup and growth of 83 businesses mainly in tech sectors, creating over 350 jobs and helping to raise $23million in investment.

Mayor Dempsey said, “we are very fortunate to have engaged the services of someone with Colin’s qualifications and experience and I now encourage all local entrepreneurs to take advantage of this opportunity.

“When you combine the startupBundaberg events and mentoring with the recent announcement of the Generator Bundaberg, an independent and privately run co-working space set to launch soon in the Bundaberg CBD, it is certainly exciting times for the innovation scene in the Bundaberg region.”