Small Business Incubator and Accelerator Pilot Program

Madeleine Ogilvie,Minister for Small Business

There is no greater supporter of Tasmania’s 39,000 small businesses than the Tasmanian Liberal Government, as we recognise that the small business sector is crucial to growing our economy and creating jobs.

That is why I’m pleased to announce that, after a competitive assessment process, four programs will be funded under round one of our Small Business Incubator and Accelerator Pilot Program.

Funding of almost $1 million will be provided to the following programs:

*Braddon Business Centre Inc – Small Business Accelerator Program (targeting the retail, manufacturing, primary production, food processing, and construction sectors);

*Illuminate Education Australia – Shift Lab Incubator Program (targeting businesses from all sectors);

*Seedlab – Germinate Incubator Program (targeting the agri-business, advance manufacturing, health and beauty sectors); and

*Secret Lab Pty Ltd – Narrative Game Development Incubator (targeting the gaming and game development sector)

The successful recipients will provide specialist advice and support, aiding the creation of new businesses and the success of existing early-stage businesses in key economic sectors.

Competitive grants of up to $250,000 were available for eligible organisations to design and deliver incubator programs to nurture innovative ideas and build businesses from the ground up.

There was also funding for accelerator programs, which are aimed at fast-tracking business development to help entrepreneurs advance to the next stage of their business life-cycle.

I congratulate all recipients and look forward to seeing the results of the programs as they are delivered over the next 12 – 24 months.

When our businesses are doing well it means our community is doing well, which is why we will continue to support our small business sector as part of our plan to strengthen Tasmania’s future.

/Public Release. View in full here.