Photo caption: Celebrating a $517,833 grant for the Inland Innovators Project at UNE Smart Region Incubator with Cherene Spendelove UNE SRI, back row left, Samantha Crick UNE, Michael Aberton UNE SRI, Pip Spilsbury UNE SRI, Sarah Burrows UNE SRI, Anita Kauffmann UNE SRI, Brendan Mooney UNE SRI, Caleb Dobos UNE SRI, Ed Lefley UNE SRI, Andrew Murray, Anthony Chick UNE SRI, Danielle Morton UNE SRI, Rami Simoki UNE SRI, front row left, Director Dr Lou Conway, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Mayor Sam Coupland.
Monday, 13 March 2023
A NEW initiative that will work with new and existing businesses across the New England North West to help grow and develop has been given the green light from the State Government, with a $517,833 grant for the program announced by Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall said the Inland Innovators Project, managed by UNE SMART Region Incubator Director Dr Lou Conway, would employ Regional Connectors to work with new and existing businesses to help grow innovation across the Northern Tablelands.
“Businesses will have someone they can call to help them make connections and work through ideas,” Mr Marshall said.
“They’ll also work with businesses to help them attract investment which will ultimately benefit our region.
“What a great initiative and well done to the UNE Smart Region Incubator for overseeing this important project.
“Since the Incubator was established it has already helped create almost 150 new jobs, working with around 70 businesses and startups.
“It not only demonstrates the world-leading innovators we have here in the region but the importance of the incubator in helping those entrepreneurs and business owners turn their business dreams into reality.
“Lou and her team have the runs on the board and this funding will help them continue their work and do even more to support business in the region.”
Director of UNE SMART Region Incubator Dr Lou Conway said her team was excited to receive the funding.
“People across the New England North West are leading the way in building solutions and growing enterprises,” Dr Conway said.
“This Inland Innovation Program will strengthen connections and access to talent to take these solutions to the next level.
“This funding will strengthen the growing network of inland innovators already here in the region and enable the SRI to provide ongoing support and research connections wherever possible.
“The SRI currently works with over 60 businesses to grow in the region and this funding will enable the SRI to increase support to more businesses.
“The Inland Innovation Program has been developed in response to the demand from existing business to engage with startups, test a new product or service, or use a waste stream in the midst of the opportunities emerging around renewable energy, circular economy and manufacturing.”
The project will commence on 1 July for 12 months and engage local contractors and talent to work with business owners.