Course will support under-represented entrepreneurs to drive positive change
University of Wollongong’s (UOW) start-up business incubator iAccelerate will offer a tailored pre-accelerator program specifically for social entrepreneurs addressing inclusion and diversity, with the support of internationally recognised social enterprise leader Kylie Flament.
NSW Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong announced the new program today (Tuesday 1 August). The program is proudly supported by the NSW Government.
The Social Enterprise Program will support under-represented groups in the innovation ecosystem, including women and people with diverse backgrounds, and focus on concepts and individuals who want to drive positive change and deliver social impact.
Participants will visit leading social enterprises in the Illawarra, be mentored by social enterprise leaders, and be given networking opportunities to develop entrepreneurial leader engagement and connections to the vibrant local start-up community. They will also gain access to investors and connections to world-class researchers, facilities and university interns, providing a significant runway of support.
Following the completion of the 12-week program, participating social enterprises may be selected for an ongoing nine-month residency at iAccelerate.
iAccelerate Expert in Residence, and Social Enterprise Council of NSW and ACT Chief Executive Officer, Kylie Flament (pictured above) welcomed the investment in social enterprises in the region.
“Social enterprises must be both commercially viable and have long-lasting social or environmental impact. Their founders can really benefit from being part of an incubator that connects them with other social entrepreneurs, guides them to establishing strong business models, and sets them up for success so that they can achieve great things for people and the planet,” Ms Flament said.
“I'm excited to see what social enterprises emerge from the next iAccelerate cohort, and how the Wollongong business community can get behind some of the most promising ethical entrepreneurs in our region.”
As former CEO of Green Connect, Ms Flament has significant experience managing a social enterprise.
“Participants will learn the foundational business skills needed to go from initial idea to sustainable business, but it’s much more than that. At iAccelerate start-ups and companies are taught to understand the impact of their business, supplementing those ‘hard’ skills in business development with a focus on sustainability, collaboration and building a social conscience into their business model from the outset,” she said.
iAccelerate Director Dr Tamantha Stutchbury is eager to welcome more social enterprises into the iAccelerate ecosystem.
“In order to create a diverse and inclusive ecosystem, it is important to have all types of entrepreneurs and businesses in iAccelerate. Social enterprises are essential components to ensure we are making a real and lasting impact through the entrepreneurs we support,” she said.
Wollongong entrepreneur Jessica Clark completed a pre-accelerator program with iAccelerate, and went onto launch eco startup Earth Worthy, which sells ethically sourced blankets and sustainable jute bags.
“Getting started as a solo entrepreneur can be a bit daunting, but through the pre-accelerator I was able to connect with peers and like-minded people at different stages of their business journey,” Ms Clark said.
“I felt I was part of a community that supported each other, and through the guidance of mentors and experts in their respective fields, I was able to expand my business networks and ensure I had access to trusted resources.”
To register your interest and find out more please email iaccelerate@uow.edu.au