Digital innovators and entrepreneurs in the Eden-Monaro region have an opportunity to share in a grant pool of $125,000.
Grants will be awarded under the categories ‘Women in Regional Business’, ‘Health’, ‘Arts’, ‘Education’, ‘Agriculture’, ‘Tourism’ and ‘Indigenous Business’, along with an overall ‘Champion Award’ that will support an outstanding digital vision.
Delivered by nbn Co, in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute, the grants will support innovators and entrepreneurs who are delivering game-changing projects to enhance the digital capabilities of communities and businesses.
The program is a celebration of regional and remote businesses that connect their communities and are at the cutting-edge of innovation.
Successful grant recipients will receive up to $15,000 to support their innovative projects, with the overall champion to receive $20,000.
Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said it was fantastic to see the nbn Co continuing to support local entrepreneurs in the Eden-Monaro.
“The ‘Innovate with nbn’ grant program will put our regional communities best and brightest on a path to lead innovation and productivity,” she said.
“This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs across the Eden-Monaro to take advantage of the NBN and ensure they remain at the forefront of our increasingly digital society.”
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said Innovate with nbn would enable regional businesses connected to the nbn to take their projects to the next level.
“Technology-driven initiatives mean more people are better connected, enable businesses to enhance their product offerings, reach new markets, and are vital to education and training success,” she said.
“I strongly encourage innovators and entrepreneurs in Eden-Monaro with game-changing, technology-led ideas to explore their potential and apply for an Innovate with nbn grant.”
Now in its third year, the Innovate with nbn grants program is looking for businesses harnessing the benefits of the nbn network to develop products or solutions that improve digital participation, productivity or social outcomes for people living in regional and remote Australia.
nbn chief development officer, regional and remote Gavin Williams said the aim was to unearth fresh ideas and support businesses that were using the nbn to develop products or solutions that improved productivity or social outcomes.
“This excellent program continues to go from strength to strength and every year we are amazed at the clever solutions and innovative thinking out there in regional and remote Australia,” he said.
“We know broadband connectivity can help improve health and lifestyle outcomes through enabling access to remote healthcare providers, online social networks and educational opportunities.”
For more information or to apply for the Innovate with nbn grant program go to: www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/innovate-with-nbn-grants-program.