Investing in bright ideas

Published 5:00am 22 February 2023

A specialised Moreton Bay Regional Council-funded program supporting innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful world-class projects is gearing up for a year filled with workshops, key events, and social catchups.

Included in this year’s line-up delivered by Innovate Moreton Bay are the Creative Industry Demo Day, Techstars Startup Weekend Moreton Bay, the Moreton Bay Region Innovations Day, and workshops and speaker events.

There’s also social catchups, open to everyone and held on the third Wednesday of each month at the North Lakes Sports Club.

Mayor Peter Flannery says Council’s support is about investing in local inventors.

|“Our ambition is to become a Top 10 regional knowledge and innovation hub, as outlined in our Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS),” Mayor Flannery says.|

“This $300,000 fund has been set up specifically to support existing local businesses and entrepreneurs to develop valuable skills and connections through specialist mentoring as well as access to innovation and growth services via a dedicated Regional Innovation Coordinator (RIC).

Connect with world class talent

“We have bold plans to grow our local innovation ecosystem so that we better connect our industry and support our locals to become and connect with world class talent, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!”

The program is led by Regional Innovation Co-ordinator Steve Butler, who has a passion for thinking outside the box to help businesses and individuals reach their full potential.

“What I love most is helping businesses and individuals get their ideas off the ground or to the next level while connecting our regional ecosystem,” Steve explains.

Dynamic network

Moreton Bay Regional Innovation Co-ordinator Steve Butler.

“The Innovation ecosystem is a dynamic network of entrepreneurs, businesses and support

organisations, which collectively forms an environment where ideas are fostered and supported to

become new businesses.

“We can help with your innovative idea, whether that be providing advice or introducing you to people who are willing to share their time and experiences.”

Steve says he’s constantly impressed by the calibre of ideas and projects coming from the region.

|“That’s what Innovate Moreton Bay is all about – shining a light on the amazing opportunities that are happening here and giving people the chance to step up and share their stories," Steve says.|

“Every day we are finding something new, and connecting more people, so we can continue growing our innovation ecosystem to create a bigger, brighter and bolder future.”

Steve says Innovate Moreton Bay’s purpose is to inspire ingenuity into the future.

“The best bit of advice I have ever been given is you have got to find your tribe, which can be extremely hard to do alone, so that’s where Innovate Moreton Bay comes in,” Steve says.