Joint media release with Member for Gippsland the Hon Darren Chester MP

Gippsland start-ups will have new opportunities to grow and expand into global markets thanks to Federal Government funding.

Latrobe City Council is receiving $399,498 for its Startup Gippsland project to help regional founders turn their start-ups into global businesses.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Incubator Support initiative helps develop entrepreneurial talent and introduces regional businesses to national and international markets.  

“The Morrison Government is supporting the growth of globally-focused Aussie start-ups to secure long-term economic prosperity,” Minister Andrews said.

“Through the Incubator Support initiative, we equip start-up businesses with the capabilities to tackle international markets and flourish. This will ultimately mean a more competitive Australia and more jobs, including in regional communities.”

Mr Chester said the funding will enable Startup Gippsland to assist local start-up businesses to develop the capabilities required to achieve commercial success in international markets and realise their economic potential faster.

“I’ve always committed to putting locals first and supporting our small businesses throughout the region, and this initiative will help more new businesses to flourish.”

“Startup Gippsland will have the capacity to help start-ups grow faster and start to look at trading internationally,” Mr Chester said.

“It will offer pre-accelerator programs, while more advanced start-ups will have access to masterclasses run by program facilitators.

“Gippsland has some fantastic entrepreneurs and this investment will only strengthen the work already being done by providing growing businesses with the resources to they need to expand.”

Since 2016, over $21.8 million in funding has been awarded under the Incubator Support initiative, which is an element of the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme.

La Trobe University has also received $337,800 for their Global Markets Accelerator Program to provide additional global opportunities in regional Victoria.

For more information on the other Incubator Support grant recipients go to www.business.gov.au/incubator-recipients

For more information on how to apply for an Incubator Support grant, go to www.business.gov.au/assistance/incubator-support

Media contacts:

Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070

Mr Chester's office 02 6277 7820