Calling all business entrepreneurs

SPARK, Wyndham City’s Innovation Hub, will open its Expression of Interest (EOI) process on 5 June 2023.

EOI are invited for digital tech start-ups, entrepreneurs and start-ups creating innovative solutions for the priority sectors of Health, Education, Professional and Technical Services, Manufacturing, Logistics, Construction, Visitor Economy and Agribusiness, based in the Wyndham municipality.

SPARK is a Wyndham City initiative established to support and mentor selected businesses in a collaborative, vibrant environment, to scale-up their concepts and products to commercialisation.

This is SPARK’s third round of Expressions of Interest.

Last year, 15 entrepreneurs were offered a place and started their 12 month SPARK residency program in April 2022.

SPARK member businesses vary from software, application and hardware developers, specialists in design, robotics, data analytics, search engine optimisation (SEO), virtual and augmented reality, user and metaverse interfaces.

The sectors their products and services support range from education, construction, freight and logistics, retail, agriculture, sport and recreation, environmental sustainability, wellbeing, accommodation, professional services, legal, cybersecurity, medical, emergency services and aged care.

Wyndham City’s Future Focused Economy portfolio holder, Cr Mia Shaw, said:

“Council is committed to supporting digital tech start-ups and entrepreneurial business ideas that support our local economy and create employment opportunities.”

“SPARK Innovation Hub, a key action in Wyndham City’s Economic Development Strategy 2022-2026, is a fantastic initiative and supports entrepreneurship and collaboration.”

Businesses who become SPARK members (following a successful EOI process) will have access to business training, mentoring opportunities, relevant state and federal government services, key industry organisations and a dedicated Council officer who will be available to provide support and advice.

“I would encourage business who fit the relevant profile to submit an EOI to take advantage of this exciting opportunity,” Cr Shaw said.

Successful applicants are offered a 12 month member’s residency period, with an option of a further 12 month period at the discretion of Council.

The EOI period is now open and closes on 23 June 2023.

For more information or submit an EOI visit www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/sparkhub or email the SPARK Coordinator at [email protected]