Hunter-born FLIP program takes its search for women founders across regional NSW
The University of Newcastle's I2N is taking its FLIP program to Armidale, Tamworth and Port Macquarie before returning to Newcastle, as it recruits women from across NSW for the next stage of a statewide pre-accelerator program.
A program developed in the Hunter to help women turn ideas into viable ventures is heading across regional NSW this month, with events planned in Armidale, Tamworth, Port Macquarie and Newcastle.
The University of Newcastle's Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) is taking NSW FLIP on the road as it recruits participants for the next phase of the program.
The regional events begin in Armidale on 7 September, followed by Tamworth on 8 September and Port Macquarie on 10 September. The tour returns to Newcastle for an event at I2N Hub Honeysuckle on 18 September.
The events are designed to bring women together around entrepreneurship and innovation, including those who may have an idea they are considering developing but do not necessarily see themselves as founders.
They will include a female innovation guest speaker, networking and opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and make connections.
Attendees do not have to apply for FLIP to participate in the events.
A Hunter program moves across NSW
FLIP began as an I2N program for women in the Hunter and Central Coast, providing support to develop business ideas and entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
Its reach expanded this year when I2N was selected by the NSW Government to deliver FLIP across the state through the $4 million Diversity Pre-Accelerator Program.
The statewide program is expected to support up to 188 female founders over two years, with at least half of participants to come from regional NSW.
I2N is delivering NSW FLIP in partnership with the University of New England and Charles Sturt University, extending the program beyond the University of Newcastle's existing Hunter and Central Coast network.
The MacDougall Foundation is also contributing $200,000 over two years to provide mentoring and early-stage seed funding for selected ventures participating in NSW FLIP Showcase events.
When the statewide expansion was announced in May, University of Newcastle Acting Director of Knowledge Exchange and Entrepreneurship Siobhan Curran said I2N had already seen the potential of women founders through its work in the Hunter and Central Coast.
“We know women have amazing ideas for new ventures and the drive to make them succeed,” Ms Curran said.
“We’ve seen that first-hand here in the Hunter and Central Coast regions with businesses like Hey Zomi, ByStorm, and IhydRATE.
“FLIP NSW will give more female founders access to coaching, community, customers and capital – so they have targeted, proven support to achieve their goals.”
Applications open for intensive program
The tour coincides with applications for Phase 2 of NSW FLIP, a nine-week Pre-Accelerator Intensive running from 8 October to 3 December.
Applications opened on 3 August and close on 20 September.
The intensive will take participants through workshops and weekly small-group coaching covering areas including customer validation, business models, startup finance, leadership and pitching. It will finish with a statewide Showcase.
Women do not need to have participated in the earlier Founder Readiness phase to apply for the intensive.
Applicants must identify as women, be aged 18 or over and live in NSW. Ideas can range from an early concept through to a venture already operating, provided it has not raised more than $500,000 in external investment.
No University of Newcastle affiliation is required.
The program is looking for ideas that demonstrate an element of innovation and have the potential to grow beyond a sole-operator business.
The regional tour starts at NOVA at the University of New England in Armidale on 7 September, before visiting the UNE SMART Region Incubator in Tamworth on 8 September and Charles Sturt University in Port Macquarie on 10 September.
The final event will be held at I2N Hub Honeysuckle in Newcastle on 18 September, two days before applications for the Pre-Accelerator Intensive close.
