Western Sydney University’s Launch Pad business incubator, with the support of National Australia Bank (NAB), has launched the ‘Innovating Through Adversity’ program to assist small businesses cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Barney Glover AO, highlighted Western Sydney University’s commitment to ensuring that small-to-medium enterprises are supported through unprecedented economic and business uncertainty.
“We established the Launch Pad Business Incubator as a tangible way to strengthen innovation and enterprise in Western Sydney, something critical in the current circumstances,” said Professor Glover.
“This program, and the many support services Launch Pad offers, will be fundamental to the economic resilience of our region, helping small businesses manage downturn in demand, disruption to supply chains and adapt to trading restrictions.”
Head of Launch Pad, Don Wright, noted that pre-COVID-19, Western Sydney was the fastest growing economy in Australia and the third largest region behind Melbourne, with an established ecosystem of start-up and SME success stories.
“We are now heavily focused on helping our region’s small businesses to not just survive but to thrive through the crisis by embracing innovation opportunities that adapt business models, develop new products and services, and leverage new technologies,” said Mr Wright.
As a key partner in the ‘Innovating Through Adversity’ program, NAB provides tangible support through mentoring pilot programs and practical advice.
NAB Customer Executive Emerging Sectors, Andrew Loveridge, noted NAB’s natural alignment with Launch Pad in delivering essential small business support.
“We have worked with Launch Pad on many programs, but ‘Innovating Through Adversity’ is probably the most important one we’ve developed,” Mr Loveridge said.
“NAB backs business in the moments that matter and we’re proud to get back to our grassroots work in supporting smaller enterprises, particularly at this time of great need.”
