One of the most common problems for start-ups and entrepreneurs with an innovative idea is how can they fund the first steps. The Innovation Connect (ICON) grant is for Canberra-based start-ups in early stages who need exactly that: small funding to get their idea up and running.

In partnership with the ACT Government, the grant provides match funding between $10,000 and $30,000 for successful applicants to develop and grow their innovations.

The ICON grant is to help innovative entrepreneurial ideas, support development of product prototypes or functional software, assist with development and testing, and with legal, IP and patenting advice.

ELEMENTICE is a Canberra marketing and tech company who were successful ICON grant recipients in 2015.

“We needed funds to buy the hardware needed for a trial of our system.  The ICON grant allowed us to perform the first real-world trial of our technology, ultimately opening the door for us to progress to where we are now.” said Peter Presneill.Their company is all about enhancing the customer experience and brand awareness through their photography technology such as WalkerCam. The technology allows for events to have instantly branded photos taken and delivered on the spot to the consumer.

Altina Drinks is a local start-up who make non-alcoholic cocktails using all-natural ingredients, and no extra sugar. Altina’s mission is to create a new category of non-alcoholic drinks that allows customers to feel good about not having alcohol at events such as networking nights – without having to settle on only juice, soft drink or water.

“Since receiving the grant money, we have been stocked by 10 retail shops. With the new production process in place, we can confidently pitch our beautiful products to venues such as Pialligo Estate, Hyatt Canberra and the Boat House.” Says Alan Tse.

“Before the grant, we only had capacity to sell directly to consumers via our website. We have used the grant money to purchase assets to position us to be retail and wholesale-ready.”

“The grant money has assisted us to produce the social proof for our product in Canberra.”

The Innovation Connect grant round close date has been extended to Friday the 13^th of September 2019, with successful grant recipients announced on Monday the 30^th of September.

For more information on how to apply for the grant, come along to our information session on the 14^th of August or book an intro meeting.