• Applications close for Charles Sturt’s Ready to Launch program for budding entrepreneurs on Friday 10 March

Charles Sturt University is now taking applications for the next batch of entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to progress their brilliant ideas.

The University is offering the 10^th edition of the Ready to Launch program, which has seen almost 100 participants since its inception in 2017.

The program is open to participants from across NSW to provide early-stage support for entrepreneurs and businesses in rural and regional areas.

Manager of Charles Sturt’s Innovation Hubs Mr Ged Bourke said participants are required to enter with an idea and apply start-up methodologies to determine the potential of the idea.

“One thing we are almost certain about is that the idea or concept participants enter with will look quite different at the end of the program,” he said.

“We see some real ‘light bulb’ moments for participants as they are challenged to dig deeper to truly understand the problem they’re solving or the opportunity they’re trying to take.

“The program is a tangible way that Charles Sturt University can provide support for, and engagement with, our regional communities.

“For many Ready to Launch participants, this is their first foray into the business and/or start-up world. Along the way, they engage with our program mentors who are nationally recognised experts in a wide range of areas from marketing, legal, design, tech and many other domains.”

Mr Bourke said the practical program involves participants actively engaging with potential users and targets early-stage concepts for those who may be discerning between more than one idea.

Businesses that have completed the program, such as Zetifi and Super Yard, have gone on to experience success. Zetifi supports remote Wi-Fi coverage in agriculture, while Super Yard has created an online marketplace for recycled building materials.

The program is facilitated by Mr Stephen Rutter of the Scale Institute with program coordination by Pyrus Events of Wagga. It requires participants to dedicate three hours a week from 5.30pm to 8.30pm on Mondays, plus time for homework.

The 10-week Ready to Launch program commences on Monday 20 March. Applications close at 9am on Friday 10 March and can now be made by emailing innovate@csu.edu.au or online.

The program will culminate with a Pitch Night in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 25 May.