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LODDON residents with a business idea can be part of this year’s Startup Central Victoria free 13-week pre-accelerator program starting in July.

Building on the success of previous programs, a 90-minute masterclass will be led each week by an expert in the region with an emphasis on global markets and technology but relevant to every sector and type of business.

Presenters will provide outline business models including on the entrepreneur mindset; vision, culture and risk; market gap analysis and financial structure.

The evening masterclasses will be held in the Bendigo CBD and also provided live on zoom to enable access for those in the wider region including the Campaspe, Loddon, Central Goldfields, Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges. Previous participants agree that it is of great value. “The program gave me the opportunity to be committed to my business and the courage to take it forward,” said Marita Allen from Bendigo.

“The experts that we had in the workshops and the panel discussions were really valuable,” said Sharlene Crage from Dingee. Founders and their teams are encouraged to register an Expression of Interest to participate in the program. Those successful will also be allocated a mentor.

Program Coordinator, Kerry Anderson, advises that places are limited.

“We are looking for applicants aged 18 years or older from across the region that demonstrate passion for their startup idea and commitment to the program,” Kerry said ahead of applications closing next month.