HATCH converts ideas into business realities, 2022 #futureNENW
HATCH provides tools to enable people to convert an idea into a business. In 2022, 100+ people across the New England North West have accessed the HATCH program.
Designed to support those playing around with a business idea, HATCH is the UNE SMART Region Incubator’s program where you can test your idea, turn your side-hustle into a viable reality and get the ball rolling on your entrepreneurial adventure.
Using Lean Canvas principles, HATCH matches business experts with the needs of new business founders, informing and inspiring their next steps and helping to get new business or new services off and running for the benefit of our region.
“This year, potential founders have gathered regularly to learn new skills and progress their business ideas through the HATCH program,” said Pip Spilsbury, UNE SRI Regional Connector.
“Florence Champion de Crespigny and Anna Moffitt are two of those founders.”
After 30 years working in the Education sector, Florence observed the need for a face-to-face, community- based tutoring solution in Armidale. Florence joined the UNE SMART Region Incubator HATCH program and believes the regular meetings with a like-minded community holds her accountable and inspires her with an ongoing imperative to action. With a well-articulated strategy, the market tested and her messaging considered, Florence’s business ‘Your Tutor in Armidale’ will become a reality in February 2023.
During 2022, Anna Moffitt connected with the UNE SMART Region Incubator to discuss her idea to use telehealth technology to provide a comprehensive referral service offering easy access to screening for sexually transmitted infections. This will bypass many of the problems that arise in sexual health screening today, such as access, convenience, anonymity and lack of patient education. The platform will provide digestible and relatable information supporting a change in conversation and addressing the stigmas attached to screening in this area, for patients all over Australia, not just in metropolitan areas.
The HATCH program connected Anna with the right people and tools to develop her idea. In a like-minded community and with individual access to Experts in Residence, Anna developed her strategy, progressed her market research and learned valuable lessons like when to spend and when not to spend.
“What’s next for Anna? There’s IP to sort out, trademarks, suitable company structure and plenty more,” Pip said.
“However, with the HATCH program and the UNE SRI community by her side, Anna Moffitt is well on the way to becoming an innovative business founder contributing positively to the health and wellbeing of our region!”
HATCH is proudly funded by the NSW Government under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and delivered in association with Armidale Regional Council and Tamworth Regional Council.