Two Cockburn businesses or entrepreneurs will again have the opportunity to participate in Curtin University’s celebrated Ignition program, to help trial and prepare fresh business ideas for the commercial environment.
Cockburn Council approved the City’s Grants and Donations Committee recommendation to provide the University program with $6,500 to fund scholarships for two local businesses to participate in the five-day program between September 5-10.
Fledge Technology and Fins Seafood were among 14 applicants from Cockburn in 2020, the first year the City offered the scholarships.
It was a record number for a first time scholarship-provider, with Cockburn-based businesses providing the second highest number of overall applications for last year’s program.
Fledge Technology was preparing its unique ORION Robotic Windscreen Sunshade for market, and Fins Seafood was progressing its goal to be a zero waste business by 2023.
City of Cockburn Business Engagement Officer Sarah Kahle said the annual intensive course was run by the University’s Business School, bringing together the WA innovation, start-up, professional, investor and public sector communities.
“It’s a great opportunity for early stage businesses or people with an early stage idea in Cockburn to test and expand that capability in a safe environment with the help of experts and one-on-one mentors,” Ms Kahle said
“Since its inception in 2011, Curtin Ignition has attracted more than 500 delegates and helped launch nearly 450 new businesses.
“The world-class entrepreneurial education program has generated more than 300 jobs and helped its alumni raise more than $56 million in start-up funding through investments, grants and donations.”
Local businesses and entrepreneurs can apply for the scholarship by 16 July at the University
website.
Successful applicants will be announced on 23 July.