Fostering business ideas in Ballarat

People with a business idea, who are ready to gain some practical advice and support before launching their idea are encouraged to apply for Runway’s Incubator Program.  

The City of Ballarat is proud to partner with Runway HQ to support the program and to help launch the initiative at an Open Day on 22 November 2024.  

The Incubator Program will provide advice, assistance and learnings from those who have already had Startup experience.  

City of Ballarat Director of Economy and Experience, Martin Darcy said the Incubator Program at Runway HQ has had great success over several years.  

“At the City of Ballarat, we are really keen to support entrepreneurs and people with a business idea to turn that into a reality, or at least head in that direction,” he said.  

Runway HQ’s Managing Director, Linda Wong said what’s so special about the Incubator Program is the support from stakeholders and guest speakers who come together to help regional Startups become successful.

“Our impact since 2018 has been delivery of 15 cohorts to 91 entrepreneurs directly and over 50 indirectly. Of those who graduated from our program, just over 60 per cent are still active today, which is above the industry average,” she said.  

Applications for the next round of the Incubator Program close on 29 January 2025, with interviews occurring in February and the program commencing mid-February 2025. For more information, and to apply, visit Runway HQ's website  

Runway HQ Open Day  

• When: 9am – 5pm Friday 22 November 2024  
• Where: Runway HQ, Flecknoe Building, Ground Floor, 124 Albert Street, Ballarat Central  
• What: Free coworking spaces to use all day (email hello@runwayhq.co to secure your place), free pizza lunch at 12pm, presentations and networking opportunities, information on the Incubator Program.  
• Who: Access to discussions with Linda Wong, Managing Director at Runway HQ (book a time here) and Rob Layton, Data Scientist and Entrepreneur, email programsadmin@runwayhq.co to book in a time, and presentation Data and AI considerations for Sole Traders, Innovators and Small Business by Jennifer Ganske, Regional Development and Engagement Manager nbn at 12.30pm.