Recently Queensland has experienced a momentous startup boom. In 2018 the state was named the ‘new innovation hub’ with reports showing Queensland’s steady market share increase. Initiatives like the Advance Queensland Initiative has played a hand in boosting entrepreneurial culture; improving access to finance, new business opportunities, and management support for startups and small to medium enterprises.
Advance Queensland Initiative was developed in 2014 after the government commissioned Professor Josh Lerner, Head of the Entrepreneurial Management Unit at Harvard Business School, to research how Queensland could maximise and grow their startup community. The initiative officially launched in July 2015 under a $180 million investment plan. This amount has increased substantially with $755 million currently being invested in a bid to drive economic and career growth across Queensland. So far, the initiative has generated approximately 25,000 jobs across the state.
Advance Queensland is offering an array of programs designed to develop the skills and knowledge founders require to launch and scale their startups. The Queensland Government hopes that this will position the state as an attractive investment destination and vibrant startup hub.
Currently there are more than 30 programs under the Advance Queensland Initiative. Our team at Allied Legal, have compiled a list of the key programs:
Mental Health for Founders
Advance Queensland, alongside River City Labs and CleverMinds Consulting, are offering free mental health consultations for Queensland-based founders. Assistance for issues such as stress, burnout, personal conflict, depression, anxiety and diagnosis support are offered under the service.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (MIT REAP)
Under a stakeholder engagement model, the program is hosting projects across Gladstone, Toowoomba and Mackay. MIT REAP is looking to strengthen Queensland’s startup ecosystem by strategically focusing on the region’s strongest sectors, including tourism, mining and agriculture. The program will complement existing regional innovation programs.
Commercialisation Partnership Program
In partnership with the Chinese Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology, under the Advance Queensland Global Partnerships Initiative, the program will work with Queensland startups by placing them in Chinese incubators. The aim of the project is to assist founders in gaining market intelligence and to test the suitability of innovative offerings for the Chinese market. Applications are currently closed but will re-open soon.
Boeing HorizonX
The Boeing HorizonX Program is a collaboration between Boeing and the Queensland Government. Queensland startups can apply to receive mentorship, direct engagement and technical and business support with Boeing. The program focuses on space, advanced robotics, sustainability, autonomous systems and industry 4.0 techniques. Applications for the program close Friday 25 June 2021.
Startup Onramp
Startup Onramp delivers training and mentorship programs for Queensland startups based in regional areas. The program is particularly valuable for early-stage founders who require the essential skills, knowledge and connections to launch or grow their startup. The program is now accepting applications.
One Business
One Business is comprised of three separate training sessions which include workshops, one-on-one mentoring, networking and pitching. The program has been designed and curated for First Nation Australians and is delivered by Indigenous experts through TAFE Queensland. You can register your interest now.
Female Founders Program
The Female Founders Program offers female-led startups with access to training, mentorship and tools to scale their ventures. The program focuses on increasing the number of female founders in Queensland by providing essential startup expertise for those in the growth stages for their venture. Applications for the program are now open.
At Allied Legal we can connect you to opportunities that suit your startup’s requirements and vision. If you need help locating or applying for a program, or if you need startup-specific legal advice, give us a call on 03 8691 3111 or send us an email at hello@alliedlegal.com.au.
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