Unlock funding options to grow your business at this practical session for Wyndham’s small business and startups.

Whether you are starting out or investing in growth such as equipment, fleet, or software, funding can be complex. With many options available, it is not always clear which pathway suits your business stage or goals.

This session will demystify the basics and help you identify suitable funding pathways. While it will not cover every detail, you will gain a clearer understanding of where to start and how to move forward with confidence.

Thank you to our Sponsors: 

• Commonwealth Bank of Australia
• KeyLending - Mortgage and Asset Finance specialist

Panel of Speakers (This list will be updated as more are confirmed):

Representing Bank Loans: Harvey Pereira, Executive Manager Small Business Banking at Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Harvey Pereira leads the Melbourne West Small Business Banking team at Commonwealth Bank,  driving business growth through customer advocacy, lending excellence, and strong risk management. 
Passionate about helping small business in Melbourne’s West.

Representing Crowdfunding: Kirstin Hunter - CEO, Birchal

Kirstin Hunter is the Chief Executive Officer of Birchal, Australia’s leading crowdsourced funding platform. Kirstin is an experienced start-up and high-growth business executive with a focus on fintech businesses at the intersection of activism and capitalism: former Managing Director at Techstars Tech Central Sydney Accelerator, co-Founder and former CEO at Future Super, former executive at Brighte, founding chairperson at Ocean Impact Organisation and long-time mentor with Blackbird's Giants and Startmate programs. In her spare time Kirstin is on the board of Morphic Ethical Equities (ASX:MEC), a Vinemaker at Grapevine, a patrolling surf lifesaver and parent to 11 year old Elizabeth.  

Representing Grants: Kristian Anketell, Customer Success Manager at GrantGuru

Kristian Anketell is the Customer Success Manager at GrantGuru, where he has spent more than two years helping organisations unlock funding opportunities. As GrantGuru's lead platform trainer, Kristian works closely with more than 200 councils and corporate organisations, supporting their grant-finding strategies. A budding "grant enthusiast", he is passionate about helping businesses and communities access funding to grow, innovate, and deliver projects that make a lasting impact.

Representing Sharia Finance: Almir Colan, Deputy CEO of National Zakat Foundation Australia

Almir Colan is Deputy CEO of National Zakat Foundation Australia and Director of the Australian Centre for Islamic Finance, with twenty years working in Australia's Muslim community. He previously lectured in Islamic finance at La Trobe University. His focus is on how ethical finance, grounded in real ownership and fairness, can support everyday businesses and stronger local economies.

Representing Equity (Venture Capital & Angel Investment): Usman Iftikhar, CEO of Catalysr

Usman Iftikhar is a systems entrepreneur, Co-Founder & CEO of Catalysr, an award-winning startup incubator empowering migrant and refugee entrepreneurs (aka migrapreneurs) in Australia. Since 2016, Catalysr has supported 1300 migrapreneurs from 87 countries, including 48% women, to launch more than 300 startups and social enterprises. Recognised in a joint UNCTAD, UNHCR & IOM policy guide, Usman co-launched the report at the UNCTAD World Investment Forum 2018 in Geneva. He serves as Venture Partner at Backbone Partners and a mentor at Startmate & Techstars. A Stanford GSB and International Space University alum, Obama Leader, and 2018 Commonwealth Young Person of the Year, Usman is an award-winning global leader championing inclusive innovation to address global challenges.

Important: Due to space restriction, this training is targeted for Wyndham-based businesses only and may be limited to one person per business. Non-Wyndham businesses are welcome to register however if we are fully-booked you may be put on the waitlist. Thanks for your understanding.

Light refreshments will be provided: We do our best to cater to different dietary requirements and usually have VEG and GF options available.

Photography: By attending this event you agree to being filmed or photographed which may be used for marketing or promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be in the photos, please speak to our Officer onsite to advise them.

For further information contact Economic Development Team at business@wyndham.vic.gov.au or phone 9742 8170.