A panel of experienced business professionals are donating their time and expertise to mentor the startup businesses at the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast.
The IC Mentor Panel works with Dean Alle, the IC’s Entrepreneur in Residence, to extend the capability of the business development program.
Dean said that the thirteen members of the IC Mentor Panel represent a wide range of key business skills, including management, finance, strategy, human resources, technology and marketing.
Dean said, “The Innovation Centre works with a very diverse set of businesses, so not all of the challenges they face are within my field of expertise. It’s really valuable for the members to have access to the IC Mentor Panel – these individuals willingly give up their time to share their world class expertise in a wide array of business challenges and opportunities.”
The mentors are profiled and matched with a business to undertake an in depth review of the marketability of its technology or products, the challenges they will face, its business model and strategies that can significantly boost the business’s potential and chances of commercial success.
Most recently, the IC Mentor Panel have been assisting businesses to prepare for the Investment Ready Pitch Showcase to be held on the 3rd September, an event that will connect the startups with a range of investment professionals who may wish to invest in a range of innovative and fast growing Australian businesses.
Greg Beaver, Director, 20 20 Innovations and Investments and IC Mentor Panel Member has been working with Victus Health, an e-health startup, to ensure the team are in the best position to take advantage of the opportunities surrounding the Investment Ready Pitch Showcase.
Greg said, “I have a background working with and managing investments in startup businesses, so I have hands on insights into what most investors look for. Collaborating with Dean, I’ve been applying this knowledge with Victus Health to help them hone their business model, investment readiness strategies and investor pitch, and I think they’re in prime position to secure the investment they need to for a global launch and sustained growth.”
When asked about the IC Mentor Program, Pauline O’Sullivan, Co-founder of Victus Health said, “Working with Greg and Dean has been invaluable. We now have a dynamic and scalable business model, international opportunities, strategic partners and a very achievable and costed execution plan.”
The full list of IC Mentor Panel Members, including their backgrounds and bios, is available at http://www.innovationcentre.com.au/mentor-panel.
Any business looking to access the IC Mentor Panel for their assistance in a project should contact Dean Alle, Entrepreneur in Residence via innovationcentre@innovationcentre.com.au.