Money for ‘big ideas’ during Regional Pitchfest

Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians entrepreneurs, innovators and smallbusiness owners can win a share of $100,000 through a Regional Pitchfest competition.

Applications are open for the Regional Pitchfest state final, in Ballarat in June, ahead of the national final in August.

Regional Pitchfest is designed to realise the potential and celebrate the success of Australia’s rural and regional entrepreneurs, artisans and small businesses. The program provides finalists with workshops and mentoring before they pitch their ‘big idea’ on stage to a panel of expert judges and a public audience.

Regional Pitchfest, sponsored by Australia Post, works with University of Melbourne’s Melbourne Accelerator Program, MAP, and a rapidly growing number of councils, business organisations and startup communities.

Australia Post small business general manager Rebecca Burrows said Regional Pitchfest was about unearthing the next big business idea from regional Australia.

“The first ever winner was a 13-year-old student, so it’s okay if your idea is not yet a business. You don’t need an MBA to enter – just a great idea and the ability to sell it,” she said. People can visit www.regionalpitchfest.com for more information or to apply by April 28.