The Ideas Place connects region’s entrepreneurs

Published on 26 March 2019

For tickets: The Ideas Place 

Innovators and start-ups in Corangamite Shire now have access to a network to share and develop skills to improve their opportunity for success. 

The Ideas Place is a collaboration between Warrnambool City Council, Corangamite and Moyne Shires, LaunchVic, South West TAFE, Deakin University, Runway and the Great South Coast Food and Fibre Council and looks to connect like-minded business people and entrepreneurs help them create and grow their business ideas.

A number of events will be hosted as part of the program with one in Port Campbell on Wednesday 10 April concentrating on opportunities to capitalise on the Corangamite Shire’s natural strengths.

Ideas Place “Go To Guy” Gareth Colliton, Director of the Wishart Gallery in Port Fairy, has been engaged by Runway to facilitate and implement The Ideas Place program in the region.

Mr Colliton said a number of events would be hosted as part of the program with one in Port Campbell concentrating on opportunities that could capitalise on the Corangamite Shire’s natural strengths.

The event, titled What's Your Back of Coaster Idea?, will be held at the Sow and Piglets Brewery on Wednesday 10 April, 6.15 pm - 8.15 pm.

“The Port Campbell event will have a particular focus on food and beverage in a tourism context, and the way food and beverage can draw visitors into your area,” Mr Colliton said.

“We will have everyone from big established businesses down to individuals with original, creative ideas that fit into the food, fibre and tourism ecosystem.”

The Ideas Place is running events, workshops and masterclasses at various venues to help develop expertise and capacity, as well as connecting members with diverse skills that can complement each other.

Corangamite Manager Growth and Engagement Rory Neeson said the What's Your Back of Coaster Idea? event was an absolute must for anyone considering starting a business in the Shire.

He said the program would give aspiring business people the skills and resources to get their projects up and running.

“Corangamite Shire is a hive of entrepreneurial activity ranging from the well-established agricultural businesses to boutique accommodation, gourmet food producers like the many members of the 12 Apostles Food Artisans Group, specialist retailers and online businesses,” Mr Neeson said.

“Imagination and creativity can create tremendous business opportunities but not everyone has the skills or knowledge to thrive.

“The Ideas Place will give them a chance to network, learn from other entrepreneurs, and share their different areas of expertise to help each other get on their way.”

Other upcoming events to be held across the region include:

Introduction to the Business Model Canvas, Thursday 21 March, 5:30-7:30 pm, Super Kawaii Studio, Warrnambool

Defining Your Channels to Market, Thursday 28 Mar 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Super Kawaii Studio

A Decent Proposal, Wednesday April 3, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, Cally Hotel, Warrnambool

For more information, please call Council’s Growth and Engagement team on 5593 7100.