Bringing business skills from the city to the burbs and beyond

CBRIN takes learnings from Civic to the border towns that support the ACT.

After a successful pilot in 2020 of the Wodonga Accelerator Program, Delos Delta partnered once again with Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN) this year to deliver the Wodonga Business Innovation Program (BIP).

Designed for business people in Wodonga and the region looking to build innovation skills, refresh their business thinking and test new ideas, the program provides a vital stepping stone in the long-term development and upskilling of the Wodonga business ecosystem.

Delos Delta COO, Will Downing, said the level of engagement and enthusiasm of the community surpassed initial expectations.

“It’s fantastic to see such an engaged, enthusiastic and dedicated cohort,” said Will. “We set the bar high with the Wodonga Accelerator in 2020. It’s a complement to the effort and passion of the community, Wodonga Innovation Project stakeholders, and CBRIN that the BIP has continued this momentum in 2021.”

Over 8 weeks, 27 participants explored their business model, value proposition, customer validation and sharpened their pitching skills.

“The Business Innovation Program workshops are a great way to gain valuable insight regarding the direction of a business, how to seek honest feedback from customers, recognise unique skills and kick goals,” said Margie Wiseman, participant in the program.

Programs like BIP enable people to become involved in the broader regional innovation network, and enable participants to learn, expand and share their stories with like-minded innovators.

Irene Zhen, Programs Manager at Canberra Innovation Network, ran the program and had this to say: “It’s been great to see the diversity of businesses who are looking at ways to grow through innovation methods. We have participants ranging from internal innovation projects to social enterprises, helping people with disabilities in innovative ways to businesses helping people design their dream home.”

BIP is run through the Wodonga Innovation Project, a community-led network that supports innovation and local businesses in the Wodonga region.  The project creates pathways for local entrepreneurs and innovators to develop and commercialise their ideas, and is a collaboration between the Victorian Government and Wodonga Council.

Delos Delta believe that all the right signs are there in the community to suggest the value of such a program, and it won’t end after a final session.

“Alumni continue to spread their knowledge and skills, and help to develop an entire community of innovative businesses and entrepreneurs in Wodonga. This ongoing sharing of innovation knowledge and expertise is a fundamental aspect of what WIP aims to achieve,” Downing said.

The project will continue to evolve to meet the needs of local businesses and entrepreneurs in the community, and aims to facilitate regional collaboration and connections to other innovation hubs, programs and events.