UNE SRI Founders
The UNE SMART Region Incubator is a connected community of founders and innovators who share a deep commitment to seeing new and existing enterprises flourish in the New England North West region of NSW. Connect with one of our hubs and enjoy working in one of our co-working spaces in Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Narrabri.
Since 2020, our Annual Founder Survey has revealed that one of the most valued features of the UNE SRI is our supportive like-minded community. Our founders enjoy and see enormous benefit from having the opportunity to work alongside other founders as they grow and scale a business.
The UNE SMART Region Community is the sum of our founders - as showcased here in IMPACT, UNE SRI FOUNDER STORIES 2024
If you have an idea you’d like to explore or are just starting your business journey, we invite you to join our vibrant community and benefit from the ecosystem of entrepreneurs in New England North West.
Together, we’ll help to validate, build and grow your business with programs, events, mentors, researchers and corporate and community partners. Tap into our regional network including funding and government agencies as well as key industry stakeholders who can support you in your start-up journey.
Benefits
Personalised assistance from our Regional Connectors to tap you into our network
Free access to inspiring learning opportunities and motivating community events including meet-ups with other founders, fireside chats with experts, SMART sessions to dive deeper into your business development needs and social functions to grow your network
Free 1:1 coaching with UNE SRI Mentors and Experts-in Residence
Need a space to work in Sydney? UNE SRI Founders have access to Sydney Startup Hub events and use of the Regional Landing Pad
Free access to next generation-talent through our paid internship program
Your business profile on UNE SRI website and promotional material
Partner perks including up to $10,000 AWS Activate credits
Becoming a Founder means 25% discount on UNE SRI facilities
Free hotdesking at NOVA and in UNE Tamworth on the big desk/open area
Member only online community on Slack
Subscription costs
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$50 per year. Open to any student enrolled in a primary, secondary or tertiary education who is not working full-time.
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$220 +gst yearly. A start-up is a registered business that has been going for less than two years or has less than 10 employees.
The application process
Applications to become a UNE SRI founder are vetted by our team on a weekly basis. The turnaround time for this is approximately 1-5 working days. Contact us for further information.
“The UNE Smart Region Incubator provided a great landing pad for SmartShepherd as we grew. Being able to interact with other startups is invaluable and the mentor support has been extremely helpful as we scale.” David Rubie / CEO / SmartShepherd
“Nova is seeding a thriving start-up ecosystem in regional Australia, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” Sam Duncan / CEO / FarmLab
"The SRI allowed us to go from our kitchen tables into a proper workspace where we discovered that sharing the journey with other Founders makes the start-up journey easier. The SRI mentors, access to expertise and networking has been invaluable." Sarah Burrows / Director / Red 8 Produce
"PharmOnline would not exist without the UNE SRI. Our multi-award winning business has been supported from ideology, development to launch. We utilise the well-equipped working spaces and are encouraged to connect and continue to grow and scale. The staff are highly supportive and skilled, we love working with the SRI!" Anna Barwick / Founder PharmOnline
"Being in the SRI community to discuss business plans and development ideas, linkages and to make networks and get exposed to business mentors gives confidence to entrepreneurial ambitions. I cannot more highly recommend that you join the SRI, the people involved are handpicked and are excited to support the success of your start up." Tony Meppem / Founder Yurraa Tea