Startup Gippsland accelerator program leads Australia

Dr Elena Kelareva, Founder and CEO, Gippstech and Stephanie Thoo, Program Manager, Startup Gippsland Photo: Aldona Kmiec

The inaugural Startup Gippsland program has been recognised as an outstanding success. This phenomenal business accelerator program is boosting the burgeoning startup community in Gippsland, a thriving regional area in south-east Victoria.

Startup Gippsland has generated an incredible level of participant engagement with 96 percent of participants completing the program in full and overwhelmingly positive feedback from everyone involved: staff, participants, masterclass experts and coaches have all expanded their business skills and opportunities. Startup Gippsland has shone a spotlight on the talent and vibrancy of the region.

“Great communities build great innovation. The world’s most famous startup hubs grew in unexpected locations, where groups of like minded people powerfully came together. As well as supporting each one of the individual participants and mentors taking part in Startup Gippsland, we are building a strong startup community for Gippsland and for regional Australia.” Dr Elena Kelareva, Founder and CEO, Gippstech.

Startup Gippsland is auspiced by four of Gippsland’s municipal councils, Bass Coast Shire, Baw Baw Shire, Latrobe City and Wellington Shire. Startup Gippsland is funded by LaunchVic, an independent agency established by the Victorian Government to develop the state’s startup ecosystem.

“We are incredibly proud of all of the participants in Startup Gippsland, their current and future successes. The 46 businesses are representative of the region’s innovative flair and can do mentality. The program is part of our ongoing and increasing commitment to create jobs in the region, support diversity and encourage the burgeoning business network to thrive.

“Gippsland people work hard and they work hard to help each other. The Startup Gippsland program is the best program of its kind operating in Australia today. 46 new business leaders committed to 12 weeks of challenges and sometimes confronting acceleration. 46 mentors gave their time to support Gippsland startups and the region. The program providers from Gippstech went to great lengths to deliver this exceptional program. Celebrating Startup Gippsland is a great way to celebrate our pride in being Gippslanders.” Cr Brett Tessari, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council, Cr Alan Hall, Mayor of Wellington Shire Council, Cr Mikaela Power, Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Council and Cr Graeme Middlemiss, Mayor of Latrobe City Council.

Startup Gippsland 2019 attracted 113 applicants, all of exceptional quality. The 46 businesses and business ideas cover a kaleidoscope of inventions, innovations and brilliant ideas. There are produce firms showcasing the natural goodness for which Gippsland is famous, physical, mental and holistic health services, education, technology, homeware, pet care and a host of unique service industry solutions.

“We love our participants! Some were already running a small business and the program is giving them the tools and skills to scale. Others were at the ideas stage, with a really great solution to a big problem and we guided them in bringing those ideas into reality.” Stephanie Thoo, Program Manager, Startup Gippsland.

The participants include an incredibly diverse field, from those who have already built their businesses and are ready to scale to fresh idea makers who came with a brilliant concept. Unusually for the global startup community, the majority of the participants are female, and there is a broad spectrum of ages including mature participants full of the wisdom of life.

Startup Gippsland has been delivered by Gippstech, a Warragul-based technology and innovation business using the Startup Onramp format which consists of weekly group expert workshops and one on one mentoring, with monthly meetups open to all participants and mentors.

Startup Gippsland is leading Australia in its commitment to supporting regional communities and businesses. The four councils areas cover from the cliffs and beaches of the Bass Coast to the farms and mountains of Baw Baw Shire, La Trobe’s traditionally industrial towns and the immense Shire of Wellington.

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