The Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), in partnership with venture capital firm Epicorp and the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), is conducting a series of mentoring workshops to assist small businesses across the ACT region to continue to grow as Canberra emerges from COVID-19 lockdown. A number of $5,000 prizes will be on offer, to be used to develop business concepts.

Canberra region small businesses are invited to attend the mentoring workshop series online, where they will have access to industry experts who will help guide the progression of their business plans.

The workshops will focus on understanding and responding to customer needs, how to approach business plans post-COVID-19, and how to thrive amidst the likely ongoing challenges as the world adapts to pandemic-related changes.

Part of the workshop series will involve developing a business presentation or ‘pitch’, to be in the running to win $5,000 funded by Epicorp. Terms and conditions will apply, including requirements for the businesses to undertake a CIT short online course, a CIT face-to-face program, or participate in a one-on-one mentoring program.

CIT CEO Leanne Cover said the workshops and mentoring aim to help small businesses evolve in a COVID-19 world.

“The workshops and mentoring assist small businesses to develop new ways to thrive in the environment caused by COVID-19,” she said.

“as well as being in the running to win $5,000, the workshops and mentoring will help small businesses develop skills in teamwork, creative thinking and problem-solving techniques.”

The three-year program, funded by Epicorp, will provide a $5,000 prize to up to eight small businesses or individuals in year one, and ten businesses or individuals in year two and three to go towards developing their business concept.

Ken Kroeger, Chairman of Epicorp said that they exist to support innovation across the Canberra region by providing non-traditional or alternative funding opportunities to start-ups and small businesses.

“This program is a wonderful way for us to provide support with money and also offer our many years of business experience to a range of innovators across the region as they transform into successful businesses,” said Ken,

CBRIN will deliver the mentoring workshops and presentation ‘pitch’ competition as part of CIT’s foundation membership with CBRIN.

“Key innovation skills that have worked with startups are very relevant to existing SMEs, especially when looking new ideas or new markets,” said Irene Zhen, Program Manager and facilitator at CBRIN.

The Program will be completely online and an information session is on Thursday 21 October 2021 from 5 – 5:30pm. Register your interest here for the workshops and competition.