Calling all entrepreneurs and business startups
Published on 08 May 2017
Calling all startup businesses and entrepreneurs - register now to find out how the Startup Club and the Smart Hub can help you!
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the Startup Club would coach the startup businesses of today and show them how to grow into future employers.
“The Startup Club includes an exciting new seven week program out of Rockhampton’s Smart Hub and we’re really encouraging startups and existing businesses to come on board and learn the skills to grow a successful business,” Mayor Strelow said.
“The program will be facilitated by Lean Launch expert Bill McKeague, who has a wealth of experience working with the CSIRO, universities, enterprises and startups and he’ll be mentoring and guiding participants.”
Smart Hub Business Manager Elize Hattin said the Hub will host three information sessions during May and June to give local businesses and entrepreneurs an insight into the Startup Club program.
“These free sessions will give participants a great understanding of what the Smart Hub is, what the Startup Club can do for you and your business or idea.” Ms Hattin said.
“We’re really encouraging existing businesses already operating and wanting to bring to market a new product or service and anyone who has started or wants to start a new business to attend the sessions.
“It’s a great chance to meet up with other like-minded startups and improve exposure and networks, as well as gain a better understanding of how the Smart Hub can help new businesses across our Region.”
Ms Hattin said the information sessions were the first steps to joining the Startup Club and then having access to future business programs.
“The Startup Club is designed to assist our region’s entrepreneurs in starting and growing successful businesses locally, nationally and internationally,” Ms Hattin said.
“We’ll be running a number of sessions during the seven-week Lean Launchpad Program starting in June, which will be facilitated by Bill McKeague.
“The practical hands-on program is an excellent opportunity to learn about customers, test business ideas and how to turn them into viable business models, and gain valuable customer feedback.
“We are totally committed to supporting startups and we want to welcome and support others across our Region.”
What: The Startup Club free information sessions
When: Tuesday 16 May | 5.30pm to 6.30pm
Wednesday 24 May | 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Thursday 1 June | 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Where: The Smart Hub - 212 Quay Street, Rockhampton City
How to book: Book online here https://rockhamptontickets.com.au
To find out more about joining the Smart Hub click here contact Council’s Customer Service on 1300 22 55 77 or 4932 9000. You can also like our facebook page Smart Hub Rockhampton
Bill McKeague – Lean Launch Expert
Bill McKeague has experience working alongside CSIRO, universities, enterprises and startups as a facilitator of Lean Launchpad Programs. He has an engineering background and also previously worked on business development and technology with companies such as Automated Mining, Mine Sense Technology, Optus and Mercury Communications.
The Lean Launchpad approach Mr McKeague brings to the Startup Club was developed and is currently taught at Stanford and Berkley universities and provides real-world, hands-on learning about what it is like to plan and design a business or new product or service for launch in today’s competitive world. Mr McKeague learnt the Lean Launchpad approach at Berkley University. Through this practical program members will connect with customers, partners, and competitors as they gain experience in building a business model that best complements their product or service.
This program will teach members how to communicate with customers to discover what they want to buy, how to create a minimal viable product or service to test customers’ feedback, and how to apply feedback to innovate their business model to maximise commercial impact and ensures a sustainable business.
Members will also be added to a Facebook group wherein handy tips and relevant event information will be shared.
The Lean Launchpad Program Summary:
Duration: Seven weeks
Dates: June 2017 – August 2017
Facilitated by: Bill McKeague
Venue: Smart Hub 212 Quay Street
Cost: $50
The following three core entrepreneurial skills will be taught in this program:
1. How to do Customer Discovery.
2. How to create a Minimal Viable Product to test your idea and gain valuable customer feedback.
3. How to take what you have learnt and deliberately innovate your business model and business offeri