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entrepreneursforAn ecosystem of supportA University of the Sunshine Coast Company - Bring yourEverything you need toGreat facilities, technology & expert mentoringStartup to life & scale globally
- Join UsIC Thursday Open HouseAug 29 - 4:30 pm to 6:00 pmfor refreshments, a tour & pitchesRegister Now
- Register NOWAug 29 | 9am - 4pm
- Investment Ready ClinicEOI's are now OPENA service for entrepreneurs who wantto scale and prepare for investmentLearn More
Welcome to the Innovation Centre
Sunshine Coast
Where innovation lives and entrepreneurs thrive
The Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast (IC) is located at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) campus at Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia. Opening in 2002, as not-for-profit company the IC is a major hub for innovators, entrepreneurial startups and high growth companies. The IC has a purpose built 1,700 square metre facility, a dedicated support team, incubator/ accelerator programs, collaborative events, 300MBps internet connection, video studio, prototyping lab, meeting rooms, mentor panel, professional partners and access to awesome USC facilities and talent.
With an extensive network of local and international connections, the IC provides a highly supportive ecosystem that enables you to take a viable product or service to the world with confidence. The IC is one of the most successful regional innovation centres, having assisted over 200 resident members since 2002 and created over $60M in economic value for the Sunshine Coast - find out how your company can benefit too.
One of ICs major partnerships is with the Sunshine Coast Regional Innovation Pipeline Team (#SCRIPT) – a collaboration of local entrepreneurs, businesses, government stakeholders and community members dedicated to growing innovation and business capacity on the Sunshine Coast.
First-Class Business Facilities
With flexible office space, 300MBps high speed internet, meeting rooms and more our space is built for entrepreneurs ready to grow and succeed.
Expert Mentoring & Support
We surround our members with great facilities, support and expert mentors as you move through your entrepreneurial journey. Our experienced and flexible mentors and regular events provide new perspectives and critical feedback.
Networking & Connections
The Innovation Centre's community is home to talented and passionate local entrepreneurs with a culture of willingness to share their experiences, challenges and connections and assist your business in reaching its best potential.
What the Innovation Centre has to offer your business!
Where innovation lives and entrepreneurs thrive
FLEXIBLE MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
In the world of entrepreneurship, things change fast and flexibility is essential for established businesses and start ups. We're agile and provide a simple monthly membership to support your growth with no long-term, lock in contracts.
EXPERT MENTORING & SUPPORT
More than 30 experienced business mentors will provide you with new perspectives, critical feedback and access to valuable connections as you move through your entrepreneurial journey.
FIRST-CLASS FACILITIES
Our facilities include professional office spaces, high-speed fibre internet, VOIP capability, kitchen facilities, shared meeting rooms and more.
QUALITY CONNECTIONS
Our community is packed with talented and passionate local entrepreneurs. Share ideas and challenges, network with likeminded people and immerse yourself in the Sunshine Coast start up and business community.
EVENTS
Our regular events provide local entrepreneurs to new knowledge, services and connections. No cost attendance is included in Innovation Centre membership for a diverse range of workshops, presentations, networking and meetups.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership gives your business access to one of the most thriving entrepreneurial communities on the Sunshine Coast. Join now for access to a range of growth and support opportunities and top notch facilities.
Until next Innovation Centre event
UPCOMING
EVENTS
august, 2019
01aug10:00 am11:00 amEntrepreneur's Exchange - Funding Options
Event Details
Entrepreneur's Exchange - Funding OptionsThe Entrepreneur's Exchange is a discussion about the issues facing entrepreneur's.Bootstrapping, grants, R&D, investment? There’s no right or wrong but how easy
Event Details
Entrepreneur’s Exchange – Funding Options
The Entrepreneur’s Exchange is a discussion about the issues facing entrepreneur’s.
Bootstrapping, grants, R&D, investment? There’s no right or wrong but how easy is it to be seduced into believing we need investors when maybe we just need to get our MVP out there and start selling. Come and share your experiences or find some answers in our monthly group discussion.
Open to IC Members, USC Researchers, Staff and Students
Simply walk in 10am in the Boardroom – complimentary coffee & danishes. 1st Thursday of every month.
Our Facilitator
Claire Smith | Expert in Residence, Innovation Centre
“My aim is to help Australian innovation companies create cash flow, and successfully reach their goals through my company’s work with the Startup community.“
Claire Smith has been building businesses in Australia and the UK for the last 30 years. She is currently the Managing Director of Forbes Meisner Pty Ltd. Her specialist areas are R&D administration & project planning, troubleshooting, business development & communication.In her spare time, she writes and produces film and TV scripts and chairs a local voluntary organisation. She is a board member of the Animal Ethics Committee at USC and she resides in Nambour. Claire is passionate about innovation and assisting individuals and companies to realise their goals.
Event Partners
Entrepreneur’s Exchange is supported by funding from the Australian Government under its Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
Frequently Asked Question
Who can attend?
This event is for Innovation Centre Members, USC Researchers, Staff and USC Students.
Where shall I park?
USC Sunshine Coast is a regulated parking area Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm all year (excluding public holidays). Visitors can pay for casual parking via one of the Ticketless Parking Meters located around campus.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and select car OR motorcycle.
- Choose from two options: 4 hours or less (A$3 car; A$2 motorcycle) OR more than 4 hours (A$5 car; A$3 motorcycle)
- Pay with coins, Mastercard or Visa. No notes accepted. No change given.
- Note your receipt code.
What are the public transport options?
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University’s campus at Sippy Downs. Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
Time
(Thursday) 10:00 am - 11:00 am (GMT+10)
Organizer
The Innovation Centreic@innovationcentre.com.au
06aug7:00 am8:30 amThe Personality of Profit
Event Details
The Personality of Profit - a values approach to recruitment & cultureCome and listen to Sandra King from MyHuman Resources Manager, and Michael
Event Details
The Personality of Profit – a values approach to recruitment & culture
Come and listen to Sandra King from MyHuman Resources Manager, and Michael White from AusIDentities talk about the steps neccessary to create the right culture for your business. They will be covering everything from how to find and recruit the right people for your team, all the way through to how best to support them in their work, and in their everyday lives. After all, they are the one’s responsible for your profit much of the time.
The Entrepreneur-Asia Pacific, says “Investing in Your Employees Is the Smartest Business Decision You Can Make” and we take that one step further by showing you how to invest a little time and use a few important strategies to first find the right people, and then keep them. It’s a values based approach used by business leaders around the world, like Richard Branson for example, and it seems to have paid dividends for him.
The Personality of Profit is a FREE event, hosted by and in partnership with, The Innovation Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Tea, Coffe and light refreshments will be served.
Time
(Tuesday) 7:00 am - 8:30 am
22aug9:00 am11:00 amAvoid turning your biggest investment into your biggest risk
Event Details
VITAL INFORMATION FOR EVERY EMPLOYEREmployees are a business biggest investment. Employees can also be an employer's biggest asset or their biggest risk! Join this fact-filled interactive workshop to make sure you
Event Details
VITAL INFORMATION FOR EVERY EMPLOYER
Employees are a business biggest investment. Employees can also be an employer’s biggest asset or their biggest risk!
Join this fact-filled interactive workshop to make sure you tick all the boxes to keep your people and your pocket happy.
- Do you understand that you are responsible for your employee’s every action and interaction?
- Do you ever get overwhelmed when navigating pay scales and employee rights?
- Would you believe that if you don’t treat employees respectfully and fairly, it can come back to bite you?
You will walk away with:
* A heightened awareness of your vulnerability as an employer;
* You will be introduced to a Workplace Practices Risk Register; and
* You will gain insights into the complexities of managing your workforce.
Facilitator: Sandra King
Sandra King is the Director of My Human Resources Manager established on the Sunshine Coast in 2008. Sandra has in excess of 23 years human resources experience across a variety of industries. Partnering with small start-ups to global organisations, Sandra has helped new and experienced business owners understand workplace legislation, recruited their teams, managed their poor performers, mitigated their legal exposure, developed their workforce capabilities and save them time and money.
FAQs
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
USC Sunshine Coast is a regulated parking area Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm all year (excluding public holidays). Visitors can pay for casual parking via one of the Ticketless Parking Meters located around campus.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and select car OR motorcycle.
- Choose from two options: 4 hours or less (A$3 car; A$2 motorcycle) OR more than 4 hours (A$5 car; A$3 motorcycle)
- Pay with coins, Mastercard or Visa. No notes accepted. No change given.
- Note your receipt code.
What are the public transport options?
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University’s campus at Sippy Downs. Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
If you have questions, please email Sandra King at sandra@myhrmanager.net.au
What’s the refund policy?
Full refund 7 days prior to event.
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
No printed ticket is required.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes it is.
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
Sure is.
Time
(Thursday) 9:00 am - 11:00 am
28aug9:00 am1:00 pmMoney Magnet Masterclass
Event Details
Turning your ideas into outcomes Having a game-changing idea isn’t enough in securing investment. You need a clear value proposition, sound business case, and a solid understanding of what investors expect to
Event Details
Turning your ideas into outcomes
Having a game-changing idea isn’t enough in securing investment.
You need a clear value proposition, sound business case, and a solid understanding of what investors expect to be successful
Attendees of this government subsidised Masterclass will learn :
-The mindset of an investor – What are they looking for?
-Red flags – What makes investors hesitate?
-Value proposition – How to use yours to attract investment
-Business models – Structuring for successful growth
-Pitching for investment – Developing an investor-ready pitch
FACILITATOR:
Leanne is a communications specialist, founding her own corporate communication training consultancy on her success. Adept in government and SME clienteles, she has over 20 years experience now knows the ins-and-outs of pitching an idea -to both government and the private sectors
EVENT PARTNERS:
Time
(Wednesday) 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
29aug9:00 am4:00 pmStartup Supercharge Day
Event Details
This full-day workshop is a highly interactive experience where you will explore both the Value Proposition Canvas and the Business Model Canvas to explain your
Event Details
This full-day workshop is a highly interactive experience where you will explore both the Value Proposition Canvas and the Business Model Canvas to explain your business and find innovative growth opportunities.
Business Model Canvas | 9am – 12pm
Most business plans fail and rarely survive first contact with customers. In this workshop you’ll create a brand-new business model plan or update your old one with the ideal mix of strategy, design thinking and planning. We’ll provide the insights, tools and templates to transform your business.
This hands-on session covering the Business Model Canvas segments, so you can produce a visual chart for your business or business idea which describe your product’s value proposition, infrastructure, customers, and finances.
This is an interactive workshop with one of the region’s most accredited business development, marketing and entrepreneur specialists, Claire Smith. It is highly recommended that you review your business model and take a look at the Strategyzer video before the workshop: https://strategyzer.com/canvas/business-model-canvas
Value Proposition Canvas | 1pm – 4pm
Create the value your customers want. Value Proposition Canvas is a simple way to understand your customers’ needs and design products and services they want. It works in conjunction with the Business Model Canvas and other strategic management and execution tools and processes.
Business building whizz Claire Smith of Forbes Meisner will provide a hands-on session covering the Value Proposition Canvas segments including how to:
- Effectively apply the VPC methodology, used by millions business practitioners worldwide
- Turn fluffy discussions into practical artefacts
- Create a shared language in your team around value
- update / develop your marketing plan
This is an interactive workshop with one of the region’s most accredited business development, marketing and entrepreneur specialist. It is highly recommended that you review your business model and take a look at the Strategyzer video before the workshop: https://strategyzer.com/canvas/business-model-canvas
Please note IC Members, USC Students, Staff and Reseachers can register for free.USC Students, Staff and Reseachers please register with your USC email address to validate.
Optional:
We have our monthly networking event – Open House commencing at 4:30 – 6:00. Everyone is welcome to register for this FREE event via:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/innovation-centre-open-house-tickets-56106068762
Startup Supercharge Day is supported by funding from the Australian Government under its Entrepreneurs’ Programme.
Time
(Thursday) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Organizer
The Innovation Centreic@innovationcentre.com.au
29aug4:30 pm6:00 pmIC Thursday Open House
Event Details
IC Thursday Open House August 29th @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pmYou are invited to our Monthly Thursday Drinks.Join us for our open house
Event Details
IC Thursday Open House
August 29th @ 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
You are invited to our Monthly Thursday Drinks.
Join us for our open house drinks and pitches. Once a month we open our doors to the community to give everyone a chance to drop in, meet the founders and entrepreneurs who run the Startups that call The Innovation Centre home. Take a tour, walk through our venue and make some new connections.
The event is informal yet a great opportunity to pitch your startup to a captured audience. We have time for approximately 5 Startup Pitches each Thursday, so put your hand up when you arrive if you are keen to stand up and pitch to the group. This is a formal invitation to our monthly open house celebrations. Take a tour around the Sunshine Coast’s biggest startup community, speak with high growth QLD-based tech startups over a drink.
RSVP so we can be well stocked.
Frequently Asked Question
Where shall I park?
USC Sunshine Coast is a regulated parking area Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm all year (excluding public holidays). Visitors can pay for casual parking via one of the Ticketless Parking Meters located around campus.
- Enter your vehicle’s registration number and select car OR motorcycle.
- Choose from two options: 4 hours or less (A$3 car; A$2 motorcycle) OR more than 4 hours (A$5 car; A$3 motorcycle)
- Pay with coins, Mastercard or Visa. No notes accepted. No change given.
- Note your receipt code.
What are the public transport options?
Sunbus runs regular bus services between various Sunshine Coast locations and the University’s campus at Sippy Downs. Information on Sunbus routes and timetables can be found on the TransLink Journey Planner website. Use the journey planner to find times and services that suit you.
Time
(Thursday) 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm GMT+10
Organizer
The Innovation Centreic@innovationcentre.com.au
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