Published on 11 July 2018
Maribyrnong City Council will use a $100,000 Launch Vic grant to run Network Inner West, a series of events designed to empower start-ups to create innovative services and products.
A key focus of the program will be to engage the city's young people and Maribyrnong's culturally diverse communities, it will be delivered by rolling out fortnightly meet ups at locations across Maribyrnong.
Mayor Cr Cuc Lam welcomed the funding and said the project will develop key connections between networks, people and talent. She said it would link the City's CALD communities to opportunities in Melbourne's west creating an avenue to showcase the inner west start-ups.
The funding for the Network Inner West program is part of the State Government's $2.4 million to boost access and participation in the state's booming start-up sector, with a focus on regional Victorian communities.
The Network Inner West program will be complemented by the #StartWest regional program of events that is also State Government funded and delivered by Councils in the west, including Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley and Maribyrnong.
The #StartWest program will educate and encourage people in Melbourne's west to participate in the startup 'ecosystem', with mentoring, meetups, and capacity building masterclasses available. The program will culminate with the #StartWest Festival, which will celebrate startups in Melbourne's west and inspire potential founders.