The next generation of home-grown innovators to follow in the footsteps of local healthy food delivery service Dinner Twist are now being encouraged to apply for the 12th annual Curtin Ignition program.
Scheduled to run from September 4 to 9 and currently taking registrations, Curtin Ignition 2022 is an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs, academics and corporate innovators to discuss, develop and trial their business ideas during a week of workshops, mentoring sessions and clinics with leading experts.
Curtin University Faculty of Business and Law Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Vanessa Chang said the program boasted many success stories because it provided candidates with the tools they needed to turn their ideas into reality.
“Since its establishment in 2011, the program has supported more than 500 new businesses and upskilled more than 600 entrepreneurs who have learnt from the Curtin Ignition team and our top experts,” Professor Chang said.
“The program has produced hundreds of jobs and has helped past candidates raise millions in start-up funding through investments, grants and donations.
“The Curtin Ignition program will have a positive impact on revitalising WA’s economy, which has been substantially impacted by COVID-19.”
Curtin University Executive Education Director Steve Brown said Ignition helped kick-start many profitable businesses including Dinner Twist, which alongside being a food delivery service is also an environmentally conscious company that supports local farmers and suppliers.
“Another successful business to come out of the program is Makers Kids Club, a money school that is teaching children the importance of being financially independent,” Mr Brown said.
“We are so lucky that the Founder and Director of Makers Kids Club, Lacy Filipich, has since returned to Ignition in a mentor capacity to support the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Many people have great ideas but never bring them to fruition. The Curtin Ignition Program provides participants with the training and confidence to take the next step in developing an idea or an established venture. The program is a masterclass at coordinating a learning experience for maximum impact including the chance to make a commercial pitch to high-level investors.”
A number of scholarships will be available for the 2022 Ignition program with applications open until 15 July for scholarships and 27 July for fully funded applications.
Limited scholarship places are offered the City of Canning, City of Wanneroo, Constable Care Foundation, Curtin Commercialisation, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Landgate, Peel Development Commission, Startup News, Town of Victoria Park, Woodside and Wrays.
Other sponsors are Business News and RSM.
Ignition will be held at Curtin’s Bentley campus and will be delivered face-to-face with appropriate COVID-19 safety measures in place.
More information about Ignition, including available scholarships and how to register, can be found here.
