Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall MP, announced the funding at the launch of IMPACT 2023, a glossy publication showcasing the SRI’s founders and the impact they have had on sustainable economic growth in the region.
The Inland Innovators project will extend the SRI’s regional footprint by appointing Regional Connectors who will help new and existing businesses to attract investment and tap into a broad range of resources to grow their ideas and business. The project will be led by Dr Lou Conway, Director of the UNE SRI.
“Our founders have built and are continuing to build a diversity of solutions for agriculture, health, the environment, creative and cultural industries” Dr Conway said.
“As a community of innovators, we know the true value of each step forward and how each small win means new opportunities, new economies and new jobs for our region.
“This funding is an invaluable boost that will help us to support innovation across the region through our community of founders, researchers, students, mentors, experts, investors and others to generate long term sustainable growth. We’re hoping to engage as many as 1,000 businesses through the Inland Innovators project focus on emerging opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure, agricultural production and circular economy.”
A number of founders featured in IMPACT 2023 were on hand to celebrate with the UNE SRI.
One such founder is Caleb Dobos of Altitude Business Advisory who specialises in simple, innovative and personable accounting services using cloud technology. As a founder he was supported by the UNE SRI community and business networks to provide trusted business advice to his clients.
“I’m pleased that the UNE SMART Region Incubator has received this funding and will be able to continue to support both business development and start-up businesses across the region. My business has benefitted through being a part of the SRI community, accessing programs and support, making valuable connections, and using state of the art office facilities.” Mr Dobos said.
Over the past 12 months, 70 SRI founders have created 146 jobs and generated $6.2m new investment into the New England North West. Over half the UNE SRI founders are women.
Read IMPACT here.
