Free Workshop: Unlock Funding for Innovation

RSM Australia Presents: R&D Tax Incentive & Queensland Grants

Join us for a practical, business focused workshop designed to demystify the R&D Tax Incentive and help you confidently navigate the funding landscape for innovation in Australia. We’ll cover the core eligibility requirements, the benefits available under the program, and walk through the end to end application process, highlighting common pitfalls and key considerations to get right from the outset.

Beyond the R&D Tax Incentive, we’ll also provide an overview of relevant Queensland Government grant programs, outlining what’s available, who they’re suited for, and how they can complement your broader funding and growth strategy.

This session is ideal for founders, CFOs, tax managers and innovation teams looking for clear, practical guidance on how to access government support and maximise returns on their R&D investment.

Agenda

11:00am – Attendees admitted via Zoom and welcomed in person
11:05am – Presentations from Larissa Lai and Sara Coram from RSM Australia about using the R&D Tax Incentive and Queensland Grants to accelerate your growth.
11:45am – Q&A with the audience and with Zoom attendees
12:00noon – Event conclusion

About the Speakers

Larissa Lai – Partner, R&D Tax and Government Incentives

Larissa Lai is a Partner in RSM’s Brisbane R&D Tax and Government Incentives team, with over 13 years’ experience advising businesses on accessing government incentives and funding. She works with a diverse range of innovative organisations, from early‑stage start‑ups to multinational corporations, across industries including life sciences, biotechnology, technology, manufacturing, food and beverage, energy and resources, technology, and engineering. Larissa is recognised as a trusted adviser to large corporates, middle‑market businesses, and SMEs navigating Australia’s R&D Tax Incentive landscape.

Sara Coram – Manager, Government Grants

Based in Brisbane, Sara brings over 20 years of higher education experience, advising universities on navigating Federal and State funding landscapes. She has led successful multi-million-dollar research grants and submissions, such as ARC Centres of Excellence, ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres, ARC Linkage Projects and NHMRC Ideas and  Investigator Grants.

With deep expertise in strategic grant advisory, Sara empowers academic institutions to secure impactful funding aligned with research and growth priorities.

This event is FREE to attend!

Where ideas get tested, connections get made, and the Gold Coast startup community shows up

Pitch & Pizza is the Gold Coast Innovation Hub’s monthly pitch night, reimagined for 2026. 📣🍕

Now held in our home at Southern Cross University, this is a relaxed, high-value evening for startup founders, final-year students, investors and ecosystem supporters who want to hear fresh ideas, give real feedback, and be part of what’s next on the Gold Coast.

No beer taps. No pressure. Just great ideas, honest conversations, plenty of pizza and soft drinks, plus a room full of people who care about building things that matter.

Whether you’re:

• a founder refining your pitch before investors
• a student testing a startup idea for the first time
• an investor or mentor looking for early signals
• or a supporter who loves being close to emerging talent

this evening event is for you.

What to expect:

🌟 The Main Slice
Each month, up to three startups or student teams will deliver a short pitch (max 5 minutes) and receive constructive feedback from the room. This is a safe, supportive environment to sharpen your story and stress-test your idea. Pitch spots are limited and must be applied for ahead of time. CLICK HERE TO APPLY

🔥 Lightning Bites
Got 60 seconds? Step up, grab the mic, and pitch your idea, problem, or ask. Whether you’re looking for feedback, collaborators, customers or confidence, this is your moment.

🤝 Pizza and Possibilities
No forced networking. Just genuine conversations with founders, students, investors, mentors and ecosystem builders over pizza and soft drinks.

Agenda

5:30pm – Doors open, pizza served, informal networking
6:00pm – The Main Slice (3 startups x 5 minutes plus feedback)
7:00pm – Lightning Bites open mic (60-second pitches)
7:15pm – Networking, conversations and connections

Tickets

• Free for current GC Hub members and SCU students
• $25 for non-members (or get in soon to secure an $18 early bird rate)

If you’re curious, building, investing, learning, or simply want to stay connected to the Gold Coast startup scene, Pitch & Pizza is your monthly touchpoint.

Come to pitch.
Come to listen.
Come to connect.
Stay for the pizza. 🍕

Where ideas get tested, connections get made, and the Gold Coast startup community shows up

Pitch & Pizza is the Gold Coast Innovation Hub’s monthly pitch night, reimagined for 2026. 📣🍕

Now held in our home at Southern Cross University, this is a relaxed, high-value evening for startup founders, final-year students, investors and ecosystem supporters who want to hear fresh ideas, give real feedback, and be part of what’s next on the Gold Coast.

No beer taps. No pressure. Just great ideas, honest conversations, plenty of pizza and soft drinks, plus a room full of people who care about building things that matter.

Whether you’re:

• a founder refining your pitch before investors
• a student testing a startup idea for the first time
• an investor or mentor looking for early signals
• or a supporter who loves being close to emerging talent

this evening event is for you.

What to expect:

🌟 The Main Slice
Each month, up to three startups or student teams will deliver a short pitch (max 5 minutes) and receive constructive feedback from the room. This is a safe, supportive environment to sharpen your story and stress-test your idea. Pitch spots are limited and must be applied for ahead of time. CLICK HERE TO APPLY

🔥 Lightning Bites
Got 60 seconds? Step up, grab the mic, and pitch your idea, problem, or ask. Whether you’re looking for feedback, collaborators, customers or confidence, this is your moment.

🤝 Pizza and Possibilities
No forced networking. Just genuine conversations with founders, students, investors, mentors and ecosystem builders over pizza and soft drinks.

Agenda

5:30pm – Doors open, pizza served, informal networking
6:00pm – The Main Slice (3 startups x 5 minutes plus feedback)
7:00pm – Lightning Bites open mic (60-second pitches)
7:15pm – Networking, conversations and connections

Tickets

• Free for current GC Hub members and SCU students
• $25 for non-members (or get in soon to secure an $18 early bird rate)

If you’re curious, building, investing, learning, or simply want to stay connected to the Gold Coast startup scene, Pitch & Pizza is your monthly touchpoint.

Come to pitch.
Come to listen.
Come to connect.
Stay for the pizza. 🍕

Personal Branding Brunch for Female Founders

Tuesday, February 17 @ Southern Cross Uni

Strengthen connections, and find your unique voice 🙌

The first Brunch Like A Boss female founders event of 2026 is happening next month – and we’re starting the year with something truly special.

In the past, we’ve traditionally hosted two founder stories, but to make the event even more practical and outcome-oriented, we’re changing things up slightly for February. A refreshed format will feature one inspiring founder story, followed by an empowering, practical mini-workshop about personal branding.

Our guest speaker, Melissa J Scott, will open the morning by sharing her personal business journey. Expect honest insights, relatable moments and the kind of stories that remind you what’s possible when you back yourself.

After a short break, Melissa will lead an interactive mini-workshop focused on stepping into your authentic power and owning your personal brand with confidence. You’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen your self-belief, clarify your message and show up more confidently in your business and leadership in 2026.

This session is perfect for women in business who are ready to be more visible, more confident and more aligned with who they truly are.

✨ What you’ll gain:

• The confidence to own your voice and personal brand
• Practical tools you can use immediately
• Genuine connections with like-minded women
• Inspiration to start the year feeling empowered and supported

🥂 Naturally, brunch and refreshments are included.

👩‍💼 The event is open to all, though the content will particularly resonate with female founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, and students.

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling something meaningful, this is your invitation to begin 2026 with clarity, confidence and connection.

Plus, everyone goes into the draw to win one of our famously donated female founder door prizes. 🎁

GIFT BAGS 🛍 Our gift bags are a hit. They provide a handy way for our guests and speakers to promote their businesses to one another. If you wish to have some material included within these bags, feel free to bring along approximately 40 small promotional items from your business to place into the bags on arrival.

We love sharing: gift vouchers // membership offers // coupon codes // discounted event or workshop tickets. Why not create a special “Brunch” promotion to drive your sales further? 🏷️💃🏻

—–

Attire: Dressy Casual

Date: Tuesday 17 February

Time: 10am – noon

Catering:

• Complimentary mocktail on arrival
• Light snacks
• Complimentary tea/coffee/juice/water

Venue:

Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus, Bilinga, QLD (next to the GC Airport)

Building A – Level 4 Event Space.

What better way to spend the morning than surrounded by passionate entrepreneurs? We look forward to seeing you at the first Brunch Like A Boss event for 2026 on Tuesday 17 February! 🌺

Start your day with fresh air and fresh ideas! 🥾☕

Kickstart your morning with fresh air, great conversations, and a community of like-minded founders at Hike & Hustle! This ‘walk and talk’ networking event is the perfect way to connect with startup and small business founders, plus others from the innovation community, while getting those steps in.

Bring your prams, bring your doggos, and bring your best hustle – we’ll take a brisk walk through the beautiful Broadwater Parklands before wrapping up with a coffee catchup.

What to Expect:
🐾 Community Connection: Walk, chat, and bond with fellow entrepreneurs in a relaxed, energising environment.
🚶‍♀️ Walk & Talk: Swap ideas, share stories, and get inspired as we stroll beside the beautiful Broadwater.
☕ Coffee Meet-Up: End the walk with a caffeine boost and even more great conversations.

Agenda:
6:50 AM – Meet at Eight Fifty Espresso to grab a coffee (don’t forget the leash or pram!)
7:00 AM – Brisk group walk along the waterfront trail of the stunning Broadwater Parklands.
8:00 AM – Return to Eight Fifty Espresso for an additional catch-up and to re-energise for the day ahead.

Tickets:
FREE for GC Hub members, $10 for guests – your first coffee included. ☕

Get moving, make connections, and hustle smarter. See you bright and early! 🌅

Join Us for Pitch & Pints – This Time on a FRIDAY! 🍻

Grab a drink, meet the local startup community, and practice your pitch at Pitch & Pints – the ultimate casual networking event for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. Whether you’re gearing up for investment or just want to showcase your big idea, this is the place to connect, share, and grow.

What to Expect:
🌟 Practice Pitching: Up to 3 startups each month get the chance to deliver their pitch and receive feedback from peers. Sign up before the event to secure your spot! Apply to pitch by clicking here.
🔥 Pitch Fire: Got 60 seconds? Take the mic, pitch your idea, and ask for the connections or support you need to level up.
🤝 Networking: Connect with like-minded innovators, future collaborators, and industry experts over a pint.

Location:
Palm Beach Currumbin Sports Club
off Thrower Drive, Palm Beach, QLD 4211

Agenda:
5:30 PM – Doors open, grab a drink, and mingle with like-minded entrepreneurs
6:00 PM – Practice pitches delivered (3 startups x 5 minutes + feedback)
6:50 PM – Pitch fire: Open mic for 45-second elevator pitches
7:15-7:45 PM – Networking and snacks

Whether you’re pitching, listening, or just here for the beer, Pitch & Pints is your monthly excuse to build connections, gain feedback, and have fun. See you there!