After the ACT Government’s recent announcement of a $700,000 investment in the fastest growing sector in tech and infrastructure – cyber security – Canberra is poised to become the Cyber Capital Of Australia. And as that funding funnels into development and action, as part of the Canberra Cyber Hub, the Canberra Innovation Network is launching toay a new Cyber Security Business Accelerator program to provide opportunities for Small and Medium Sized businesses and tech companies focusing on cyber to work intensively with mentors to grow their market shares and create new jobs in the cybersecurity industry in Canberra.

Geared towards established tech companies (send us your intrapreneurs and IT folk looking to develop their business skills), participants will focus on finding new customers and working unlock new growth opportunities. They will also have the opportunity to access a grant funding pool of over $100,000.

Apply entrepreneurial innovation methods to accelerate the growth of your cyber business through interactive workshops using high-growth business development techniques. In this 10-week program, you’ll gain the knowledge and tools to take your cyber security solution forward with practical exercises, relevant case studies and industry expert panel discussions. In a group of like-minded people in similar stages, you’ll be challenged and supported.

“Canberra is well-placed to be a leader in cyber security due to our high concentration of cyber security stakeholders, established education and research capabilities, highly skilled workforce, collaborative business community and close proximity to government,” says Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tara Cheyne.

The Canberra Innovation Network is excited to work with the ACT Government as a facilitator of this focus on cyber businesses; according to CEO, Petr Adamek, “Through its cutting-edge infrastructure, high technology companies and national security organisations, Canberra is perfectly positioned as Australia’s Cyber Security Capital. Not only are we home to important government customers, key infrastructure in cyber, but Canberra also has the highest concentration of security clearances.”

Dr Michael Frater is leading the establishment of the Canberra Cyber Hub for the ACT Government. “CBRIN’s role in the establishment of the Canberra Cyber Hub will provide real value to local businesses seeking to expand in this important field.”

The program will help new and existing businesses find customers and develop opportunities for their cybersecurity offering. The companies will work together as a cohort, creating healthy peer pressure, sharing connections and motivating their progress to create new markets for their solutions.

The Cyber Security Business Accelerator is fully funded by the ACT Government and free for the partiicpants, and the development course starts on Monday 24 May. Apply now, as only a limited number will be invited to join the program.