Path with good ideas
Course guides entrepreneurs to start up a business
ASPIRING entrepreneurs can learn from others who have already participated in a scholarship program run by Townsville’s Smart Precinct NQ.
The Startup Onramp Founders Course is a 16-week course that provides the knowledge, skills and connections needed to maximise a startup’s chances of success.
One of the mentors in the program is Keagan Chisnall, co-founder of a business that has developed an app to help GPS with the pricing and availability of prescription medicines.
Mr Chisnall said anyone with a business idea or a start-up needing a boost to reach its potential should undertake this course.
“It is absolutely critical for founders to go through the Startup Onramp Founders Course at least once, no matter what stage they’re at in their journey,” Mr Chisnall said.
“For any topics covered that you don’t have experience in, you can save months of time and thousands of dollars, learning from others and the proven models presented.”
Mr Chisnall’s app, called medicly, is being used by 40 doctors so far with negotiations under way to expand its use by incorporating it into the software of other providers.
One aspiring entrepreneur who has enrolled for the next course, which starts in mid-january, is computer scientist Dr Mangalam Sankupellay. Her business idea is to develop an app to alert pet owners to common household plants, spices and foods that are toxic and dangerous to animals.
“Currently, there is no comprehensive source on this information for pet owners to look up easily,” Dr Sankupellay said.
“I came up with the idea of an app to help new pet owners and even experienced pet owners.”
She has the technical background, but she said the course’s business and marketing aspects would be most helpful for her. Course modules include idea validation, legal basics, sales and marketing and options for investment and funding.
Applications for the Startup Onramp Course can be made online at www.spnq.org