With the changing landscape of the post-pandemic economy, the City of Sydney is inviting 20 businesses to build business capacity and resilience in a free program.
Businesses across the hospitality, tourism and retail fields have the opportunity to benefit from this year’s Business Innovation Program. The 12-week program has been devised in partnership between the City of Sydney and digital innovation consultancy, Disruptors Co. It involves workshops, group activities and one-to-one coaching, in-person at a central Sydney location.
The coaching will allow participants to develop a personalised growth plan, putting them in a position to identify and capitalise on opportunities in the upcoming years.
“We established the Business Innovation Program to help brands across our area explore opportunities, nurture an entrepreneur mindset, and develop resilient business models,” Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said. “This is about equipping businesses with the latest innovation methods, helping them to review their operational processes, and providing them with the tools they need to scale their business.”
Eligible businesses include hospitality, tourism and retail businesses with less than 200 employees, online retail sites committed to establishing pop-ups or brick and mortar operations in the City of Sydney, and businesses in the City of Sydney’s area with a minimum two years’ operating experience, currently at the scale-up stage.
“We’re looking for participants passionate about growing their business and open to adapting and exploring opportunities that can lead to a successful and sustainable future,” added Moore.
More than 70 local businesses have already benefited from the program since its launch three years ago. A number of previous participants will take part in this year’s workshop sessions.
“Participating was not only mentally and creatively stimulating, but it also gave us the chance to network with other business owners,” said Kristy Frawley, Kepos Street Kitchen owner and program alum, “It was refreshing to participate alongside other people also facing challenges in growing their business. Since the end of the program, we’ve successfully streamlined our cafe operations and mixed up our digital marketing approach.”
Applications are now open and close at 5pm on Monday 3 April. A free, online information session will take place at 6pm on Monday 20 March. The 2023 Business Innovation Program runs from 1 May to 24 July.