Last Friday the Gold Coast Innovation Hub hosted an official Launch of the Innovation, Advisory and Board Services Program, designed to support 5 Gold Coast based businesses to develop and grow sustainable international businesses. The 5 successful business owners will participate in a formalised, highly targeted Advisory Board and mentoring program to accelerate scalability.
With the mission of the Gold Coast Innovation Hub being to support the growth and develop the of the region’s businesses of all sizes and at different stages, we focus on providing a space for companies to connect and grow and working with Government and Industry to attract new talent and opportunities. We also support growth and international exposure by providing programs, events and activities that increase knowledge, support national and international expansion and showcase the Gold Coast as an innovation destination.
The incubator model of Little Tokyo Two (space partner of the GC Hub) is supporting startups or small businesses by providing coworking space and ongoing mentoring. The Advisory Board Program provides support to the next stage businesses that either have an annual turnover of $220,000, or have raised capital of $500,000 or more, or Employ at least 5 people. This program is a new initiative supported by the Federal Government as part of the Incubator Support Expert in Residence Program.
Over 60 attendees of the Launch event got an opportunity to hear first hand about the program from the Gold Coast Innovation Hub CEO Sharon Hunneybell, our Executive in Residence Sam Kennedy and the CEO of Advisory Board Center Louise Broekman.
Sam Kennedy provided some background information on the purpose and benefits of an Advisory Board, the structure of the Innovation, Advisory and Board Services Program, criteria to apply, what is required from the founders, program schedule and areas of support. Louise Broekman shared her inspirational story of starting her own business and how forming an advisory board allowed a significant growth and successful exit.
To learn more about the program and also get an opportunity to apply please follow the link https://www.gchub.com.au/advisory-program/
We are looking forward to selecting the lucky 5 companies to benefit from a funded Advisory Board.
