Open Challenge: How Might We Future-Proof Our Growing Wyndham Community?

Do you have a ground-breaking idea or business that aligns with one or more of our core goals: Collaboration, Inclusivity, and Human Connection? We want to hear from you!

Collaboration

Are you fostering collaboration within our community or do you have an idea that will strengthen collaboration in our community? Whether through innovative spaces, digital platforms that facilitate collective problem-solving, or initiatives that bring diverse groups together, we're seeking ideas that strengthen collaboration among residents, businesses, and local organisations.

Inclusivity

Do you champion inclusivity in your business model or do you have an idea that will break down barriers and ensure equal access for our community? This could involve creating inclusive spaces, offering diverse programming, or implementing initiatives that bridge gaps in education and accessibility.

Human Connection

How are you or may you enhance human connection? In the age of digital advancement, how might your business prioritise meaningful human interactions. This could include innovative approaches to social networking, platforms that connect neighbours, or technologies that enhance community engagement in unique and authentic ways.

Why Participate?

  • Visibility: Showcase your business to a community passionate about its growth and development or find the support to turn an idea into a business.
  • Impact: Be a catalyst for positive change by contributing to the future resilience and vibrancy of the Wyndham Community.
  • Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals, potential collaborators, investors, and community leaders.

What’s on offer

Following presentation of the business pitches at the Grand Final, three competition winners will be chosen to receive the corresponding prize listed below (total prize pool valued at $38,900 (excl. GST)). 

The judging panel will determine the First Prize and Runner Up winners and the 5 finalists will determine the Peer Choice prize winner.

Category

Prize

First Prize

$10,000 cash prize

$10,000 in Amazon AWS credits

12 month SPARK membership, valued at $3,600

12 month Start Up Network membership (Founder tier), valued at $300

Runner Up

$5,000 cash prize

$5,000 in Amazon AWS credits

6 month SPARK membership, valued at $1,800

12 month Start Up Network membership (Networker tier), valued at $300

Peer Choice

$2,000 cash prize

3 month SPARK membership, valued at $900

Take your business or idea to the next level!

How to Participate

Submit your innovative business or idea addressing one or more of these goals by Friday 19th April 2024. Your entry may consist of your written response to the questions below, in a video to be uploaded with this form, or a combination of both.  You may also submit additional supporting documents to this form with your entry.

Shortlisted  participants will have the opportunity to present their proposals at the WYNnovation Pitch Competition and access training.

Join us in shaping the future of Wyndham—where collaboration, inclusivity, and human connection pave the way for a resilient and thriving community. Together, let's future-proof Wyndham!

Who is eligible?

  • Wyndham City residents
  • Wyndham City based students
  • Wyndham City business owners
  • Businesses with min 50% client/user base (actual or prospective) in Wyndham City

You can enter on your own or as part of a group (up to 3 person).

Council staff, Councillors, 25Eight and the Startup Network staff and their immediate family members, and winners from previous years’ WYNnovation Pitch competitions are not eligible to enter.

Important conditions

  • An assessment panel will select a maximum 15 participants for the Pitch Masterclass training
  • Selected 15 participants must be available to participate in all sessions.
  • A final group of 5 people will then be given the opportunity to pitch and win!

Session dates and times

  1. Pitch Training Masterclass: Tuesday 30th April 2024 – 9am – 11:30am
  2. Informal Pitch pre-selection: Friday 3rd May 2023 – 9am – 11am
  3. Rehearsal and Grand Finale: Friday 17th May 2023 – 1pm – 5pm

All sessions will be held at SPARK Wyndham Innovation Hub, 600 Sneydes Road, Werribee 3030 but the Grand Finale.

Session theme

25eight's Pitch Training Masterclass. This 2-hour event is packed with expert insights and practical advice on how to create a successful pitch and effectively communicate the value of your product, service or business. Phil Ore (Co-CEO and Chief Mentor of 25eight) will lead a masterclass on how to develop your unique value proposition and use the Six Pillars Framework to build a convincing pitch.

Participants learn how to focus on their purpose, the problem they solve, and why it is different. They'll also have the opportunity to hear from experts and learn from examples of other successful pitches.

Informal Pitch

An open discussion format where contestants and judges engage in a collaborative and non-confrontational dialogue. Unlike traditional pitches where contestants present to judges, in an informal pitch, participants and judges exchange ideas, insights, and feedback in a mutually beneficial manner.

This approach fosters a more dynamic and inclusive environment, encouraging constructive conversations that aim to benefit all participants.

1:1 Virtual mentor session for finalists

30 minute 1:1 virtual and in-person sessions with Phil Ore, Chief Mentor, 25eight to work through the individual's pitch and get support to develop/refine.

Final Pitch Competition

Friday 17 May 2024 (3pm - 5pm)
Werribee Mansion Theatre

Gate 2, K Rd, Werribee South VIC 3030

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