Budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn how to turn their ideas into successful business ventures by attending this year\u2019s Curtin University Ignition program, as applications and scholarships open today (Monday 20 April).<\/p>\n
Now in its fifth year, Ignition facilitates entrepreneurial ingenuity and has become an annual highlight of the Australasian innovation event calendar. The program is aimed at founders of an early stage business and anyone with a specific idea who has the passion to develop that idea into a real business proposition.<\/p>\n
Richard Thorning, Director, Centre for Entrepreneurship in the Curtin Business School said the program enables aspiring entrepreneurs, academics and corporate innovators to turn their ideas into commercial reality.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will assemble 55 of WA\u2019s most exciting entrepreneurs to come together for an intense week of learning and collaboration,\u201d Mr Thorning said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ignition program is aimed at anyone with a specific idea for a new or improved product or service and our long-term aim is to help broaden the Western Australian and ultimately Australian economic base, to drive growth, new business activity and employment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a number of scholarships available for individuals wishing to participate in this leading program, so I encourage people to apply,\u201d<\/p>\n
Ignition 2015 is a five-and-a-half day intensive program that starts on Sunday 23 August and culminates on Friday 28 August. It is comprised of a blend of practical teaching and mentor sessions, expert clinics and experienced advice and support from leading entrepreneurs and innovators.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the preceding four years, there has been evidence that the program aids in the diversification of the WA economy, assisting employment and improving innovation knowledge,\u201d Mr Thorning said.<\/p>\n
One of Australia\u2019s leading technology entrepreneurs, Peter Rossdeutscher, will deliver the first keynote session; other high profile speakers include Larry Lopez, partner with Australian Venture Consultants , and co-founder and Investment Director with Yuuwa Capital, Matt MacFarlane.<\/p>\n
Run by the Curtin Centre for Entrepreneurship, Ignition is based on the successful Ignite program managed and delivered by the University of Cambridge Judge Business School\u2019s Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning.<\/p>\n
Applications for the scholarships are open until Friday 17 July, while self-funded applications close on 31July 2015.<\/p>\n
A key sponsor of Ignition program is the Department of Local Government and Communities (DLGC) (Women\u2019s Interests) which will provide 10 fully-funded scholarships for female entrepreneurs to participate in the program. The DLGC has been a sponsor of Curtin Ignition since 2014 and during this time participation from women in the program has almost doubled.<\/p>\n