Innovation program aims to help regional businesses grow

A Collie business has been selected as one of the locations for an innovation program to support regional businesses and help them grow.

The new co-working space at the Black Diamond Lodge has been selected as the Connect Regional Innovation Hub for Collie, with co-working spaces also established in Busselton and Albany.

The AgriStart Connect Regional Innovation Hubs program will bring together regional businesses to create new ideas and business models, foster new collaborations and help access resources.

Black Diamond Lodge owner and operator Sarah Stanley said the workshops and networking sessions would be held in the new co-working space, which was converted from an old dining area.

It’s all about taking businesses through a guided process to upskill them and get them capable of growing, as well as creating a network of people in an area that can guide each other through that process,

The program is worth more than $10,000 and will offer a series of master classes, conducted by experienced speakers to help new or existing businesses looking to grow, access new markets or attract funding.

Successful applicants will gain six months free access to a co-working space, as well as tailored mentoring, networking events and the opportunity to participate in a Perth innovation showcase event.

Starting off with a two-day boot camp, the program will focus on ideation and business modelling, before progressing to monthly masterclasses throughout August to December on topics such as branding and digital marketing.

Last year’s program supported 27 businesses, had over 30 workshops, and featured more than 40 speakers and mentors, across the three regional hubs.

Applications close June 15.