30/04/2021
EXCITING NEW EVENT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE FUNDING AND MENTORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
TO REGIONAL FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS
HATCH is a new government funded program like no other focused on enhancing business development support for regional female-headed start-ups. This exciting new event has been launched by The Powerhouse Collective and will see women from all over regional QLD given the opportunity to submit an application and potentially secure a Business Start-up and Support Package, including funding and mentorship programs.
The Powerhouse Collective founded by Aimee Sherriff, created the Hatch event to extend its reach as a supportive and inclusive community to female innovators and entrepreneurs across regional South-East Queensland who face social barriers to take the next steps in their businesses. Although there are a plethora of start-up events around, these tend to cater to a younger, more technologically-oriented market. Women re-entering the workforce (often after extended maternity leave), are unlikely to feel comfortable pitching a small business idea in this type of (frequently male-dominated) environment.
Regional areas such as Toowoomba, Nambour/Gympie, Caloundra, and the Gold Coast will become hosts to networking events promoting HATCH and support a network of like-minded female innovators and entrepreneurs. Women from surrounding regional areas are encouraged to also apply as there each will be events to choose from that are closest to them.
The target demographic is women aged 30-50 years old (although there no age restriction) and includes new parents, parents with pre-school/school aged children, all women seeking more flexible, supportive and rewarding employment opportunities. In terms of business maturity this project will focus exclusively on supporting startups due to the nature of the government grant.
HOW IT WORKS:
There will be two categories:
· Idea Phase
· Startup (Startups must be in operation for 12 months or longer)
From the applications received, applicants will be whittled down to 100 from each region and asked to attend an industry event where the finalists will be announced. Finalists will be selected and then go into a people’s choice round and from there have the opportunity to pitch live over a two day grand finale event in front of our Judges and investors held in Noosa.
The opportunities are to secure cash injections without equity share, investor funds with equity share and a ton of Business Service products like website and app building and Mentoring.
There are a number of opportunities available also for local businesses, guest speakers, stall holders and Sponsorships.
If you would like to register your interest in applying, or are a business who would like to support women in your local region please visit www.hatchevents.com.au
Image caption: Aimee Sherriff, Powerhouse Collective founder.
