Head start for start-ups in Freo

The City of Fremantle has been successful in securing a federal government grant to provide support and advice to local start-ups on how to grow their business.

The Emerging Industry Cluster Support project has been awarded a $48,480 grant from the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources as part of their Entrepreneurs' Programme - ISI Expert in Residence.

The City has secured the funding as part of a broader project it is delivering in partnership with the University of Notre Dame, that will identify opportunities around building an innovation ecosystem for start-ups and existing businesses across a variety of industries within the Fremantle economy.

This comes as the City looks to leverage opportunities associated with the significant growth and investment occurring across the trade coast region just to Fremantle’s south, with a particular interest in exploring opportunities associated with the blue economy.

Working closely with the University of Notre Dame, the City’s selected Experts in Residence - FAR Lane and For Blue - will support early-stage commercial ventures in Fremantle by providing one-on-one mentoring and specialist workshops.

For Blue are specialists in strategy and investment attraction, working with innovators to commercialise and grow marine innovations, while FAR Lane is an innovative economic development consultancy that helps clients realise prosperous, sustainable and equitable communities that thrive in a changing world.

For Blue Managing Director Andrew Outhwaite said Fremantle had a history of growing great ventures and industries.

“The City of Fremantle and others are now investing in an even brighter, stronger and more sustainable future, and we're really excited to be working with the next wave of great companies,” Mr Outhwaite said.

“In Fremantle, the blue economy and creative industries are highly visible and likely to be a focus. There are also a range of world-class businesses in manufacturing, health and technology to watch out for.

“We’ll be helping innovators access existing support services, fill gaps where needed, and attract the talent and investment they need to grow and lead.”

FAR Lane Senior Consultant Nikki Harvey said the program represented a fantastic opportunity to offer business support and community engagement that not only encouraged innovation in research and commercialisation of big ideas, but also connected Australia’s best talent with Fremantle’s new and existing industry sectors.

“The impact and role of innovation varies greatly between communities, and is guided by the unique characteristics, challenges and opportunities that exist within particular economies and physical boundaries,” Ms Harvey said.

“By understanding the context in which an innovation ecosystem aims to thrive, we will support the City of Fremantle in identifying and realising outcomes that will have the greatest positive impact on the Fremantle community and economy, as well as the broader regional and state economy.”

University of Notre Dame Vice Chancellor Professor Francis Campbell said the university was already widely recognised for its focus on skills development and graduate employment.

“Our partnership with the City of Fremantle will provide our students and researchers with a platform and opportunity to take their business ideas to market, working with industry, entrepreneurs and start-ups,” Professor Campbell said.

For more information on the Experts in Residence program visit the Australian Government’s business.gov.au website, or contact the City of Fremantle at [email protected].