Curtin University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship is looking for people with ideas and innovations that could become a high growth business and founders of early stage growth businesses to join Ignition, a five-and-a-half day entrepreneurial education program that develops commercialisation skills.
Now in its sixth year, the 2016 Ignition program was launched at the recent Ignition Alumni event, at which the Chief Scientist of Western Australia, Professor Peter Klinken, was the keynote speaker.
Ms Jane Garrett, Program Director of Ignition, said the program gave participants the knowledge, tools, contacts and confidence to transform ideas into successful businesses.
“We take individuals with ideas that can be converted into high growth businesses and put them through an intensive program where they go from starting point to business plan or investment pitch within a week,” Ms Garrett said.
“Participants are given practical teaching sessions, mentoring and expert advice from leading entrepreneurs, investors and the professional community through the clinic, panels and networking sessions.
“Anyone can apply to be part of the Ignition program; previous delegates come from academia, the corporate world or have been individuals with a good idea for a new business.”
Mr Richard Thorning, Curtin Business School’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Director, said the Ignition program was a driver for innovation which is critical for the future of the Western Australian (WA) economy.
“Despite the media focus on large business, we believe small business is the powerhouse of our economy,” Mr Thorning said.
“There are over 200,000 small businesses in WA and through initiatives like this we can increase jobs, build more businesses, create new industries and broaden the economic base of this state.”
Fully funded scholarships will be awarded to 35 participants and applications for these places close Friday 29 July. General applications close on Friday 12 August.
A number of information sessions will be held and more details are available from http://business.curtin.edu.au/schools-and-departments/centre-for-entrepreneurship/courses-and-programs/curtin-growth-ignition/.
Ignition is based on the successful Ignite program managed and delivered by the University of Cambridge Judge Business School’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning.
Ignition runs from 4 September to 9 September at Technology Park in Bentley.
