The Gold Coast Innovation Hub (GC Hub) are excited to announce an expansion of the mentoring program under the Scaling Wisdom Across Regional Queensland project. This exciting development will see the local business support program scaled across Queensland regions via an interactive platform that allows successful entrepreneurs and subject matter experts to be matched based on skills and expertise with early stage company founders looking for support and targeted advice, regardless of their geographical location.
Gold Coast Innovation Hub CEO, Sharon Hunneybell said the project will allow the knowledge and support capabilities and connections that have been established in the SEQ region to be accessed by innovation communities in more remote locations. “We first started scoping out this project with multiple regional innovation hubs and agencies at the end of 2019, under the premise that the majority of the Gold Coast’s member mentoring sessions were being conducted online – so why were we limiting ourselves with geographical boundaries? COVID-19 has proven, without a doubt, that meaningful business relationships can be built via online communication platforms and we are really excited to have the framework in place and a great team of regional collaborators all contributing to bringing knowledge and support a little closer to remote and rural innovators.”
The expansion of the existing program will deliver stronger mentoring relationships, with greater regularity, transparency and access to resources than ever before in an effort to deliver sustained success for business.
Advance Queensland is supporting the program with $75K in ARIP (Advancing Regional Innovation Program) funding which is being delivered in partnership with multiple agencies including Central Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD, Longreach), CLS Ability Enterprises Ltd (Kalkie, Bundaberg), Ipswich City Council (Ipswich), Redland City Council (Cleveland) and Logan City Council (Logan Central). The Gold Coast Innovation Hub will also be drawing on their current partnerships with the City of Gold Coast and Optus.
The Scaling Wisdom Across Regional Queensland project is a great example of regional partnerships coming together to provide even more opportunities and jobs in the regions.
The Scaling Wisdom platform, powered by local Gold Coast startup and Innovation Hub member The Pitch Portal will ensure mentoring relationships are documented, tracked and remain accountable to ensure maximum benefit is exchanged between mentors and mentees. It will also have the capacity for regions to better share resources and information on upcoming events and speakers, opening up greater opportunities for collaboration between organisations and greater access to world class speakers and innovators in all Queensland business and tech communities.
To find out more, contact us today via team@gchub.com.au
