Startups are ‘Thriving’ on the Coffs Coast

‘THRIVE’ could be the next app buzzword following local entrepreneur Sarah Pryor’s triumph at this year’s Startup Coffs Coast Final live pitch competition.

“Sarah wowed the judges with her pitch for THRIVE, which is an app that connects individuals, groups and organisations to local volunteer opportunities,” said Stephen Saunders, Council’s Section Leader Industry and Destination Development.

“Highly Commended was Lorraine Chowdury with her ‘Rate Us’ app that allows aged care, disability and education sector clients to provide feedback on their care. Both winners were delighted to share a prize package worth $30,000.”

As well as Sarah and Lorraine, this year’s finalists included:

Kiss Ankle Co – Craig Hubbard. An ankle brace that works with the joint’s own bio-mechanics to prevent, repair and regenerate ankle injuries. Smart Trail – Chris Winn. A physical network of low energy bluetooth beacons designed to engage visitors via smart devices throughout the Coffs Harbour area. Oxygen Health Clinics – Peter Stone. The establishment of a world class hyperbaric medical unit at the Specialist Medical Centre, Coffs Harbour. Dreamtime Mentors – Matthew Smith. A Zero Waste education consultancy that develops, designs, manufactures and supplies zero waste reusable products. Move To My Town – Roger Tindale. Website and app designed for users considering a move to towns and cities in regional and rural Australia.

“With the largest ever field of entrants for the live pitch, all the finalists did well to get so far,” said Stephen. “It was exciting to see the breadth of new businesses pitching the jobs of the future.”

Startup Alley – a showcase of new local businesses – was once again full of buzz and excitement with a range of ideas from escorted motorbike tours to a social enterprise that makes you feel good while you shop online.

“Future entrepreneurs and engineers from local schools were kept busy and challenged with the popular robotics workshops,” he added.

“The workshops are run by First Australia, an organisation striving to inspire today’s students to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or maths through a shared love of robots. The audience was amazed at what the students could create, program and showcase in such a short space of time. If that was any indication, the future is looking very bright on the Coffs Coast.”

For more information on the event or local startup support, go to www.facebook.com/SixDegreesCoworking

Pictured above are: Peter Stone – Healing Chambers, Chris Winn – Smart Trail, Nicole Bourne – KiSS Ankle Co, Sarah Pryor – THRIVE, Lorraine Chowdury – Rate Us Application, Roger Tindale – Move to my Town, Matthew Smith – Dreamtime Mentors.