The Andrews Labor Government will invest $2.4 million to boost access and participation in the state’s booming startup sector, with a focus on regional Victorian communities.

The funding will be invested through LaunchVic and will support 15 projects across 26 local government areas in Victoria – ranging from from $50,000 to $400,000 to support startup and entrepreneurial activity in local regions.

Projects include bootcamps, mentoring, meetups, hackathons, masterclasses and workshops.

Councils set to receive funding in Melbourne include Whittlesea, Melton, Casey, Cardinia, Brimbank, Moreland, Maribyrnong, Hume, Dandenong, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Moonee Valley.

LaunchVic’s annual Mapping Victoria’s Startup Ecosystem survey revealed only 3 per cent of the state’s startups are based outside inner Melbourne, and are distributed across just three regional centres in Geelong, Bendigo and Ballarat.

This investment complements LaunchVic’s Startup Guide and Toolkit released late last year to help councils secure funding to implement programs and activities that nurture startup activity and encourage greater participation within their communities.

The Wyndham City Council will receive a grant of $270,000 to conduct #StarWest, a program designed to educate and encourage people in Melbourne’s west to participate in the start-up ecosystem. In addition, the council will foster mentoring, meetups, and capacity building masterclasses culminating with the #StartWest Festival, which will celebrate start-ups in Melbourne’s west and inspire potential founders.

For more information on funded programs visit launchvic.org.

Quote attributable to Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy Philip Dalidakis

“Every startup has a role to play in Victoria’s future, whether they’re from Mildura or Maribyrnong, and this investment will ensure regional Victorian startups have access to the same resources as those in the city.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford 

“Ballarat is already establishing a great startup culture and we’re excited about regional Victoria taking full advantage of its potential.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Werribee Tim Pallas MP

“This is great news for the people of Wyndham– it will give local entrepreneurs the chance to turn their dreams into reality and boost our local economy along the way.”

Quote attributable to LaunchVic CEO Dr Kate Cornick

“LaunchVic has prioritised diversity and inclusion as part of its strategy and this funding complements previous activities by supporting entrepreneurs in outer Melbourne and our regions.”