Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill (right) spoke to entrepreneurs at the Startup September launch in Darwin. Photo: Northern Territory Government.
The Northern Territory’s CLP Government is backing entrepreneurs with a month-long focus on new businesses in its Startup September workshops.
Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill spoke at the Darwin launch of Startup September, which provides fledgling businesses with a series of workshops delivered by experts in the field to guide them towards success.
“Startup September is about turning Territory ideas into action,” Ms Cahill said. ”As part of our plan to rebuild the economy, the CLP is supporting Territorians with the drive and ideas to turn them into thriving businesses.
“Our goal is simple – make the Territory the best place in the nation to live, work, visit and invest.”
Initiated under the Rebuilding the Economy Strategy, the month of startup action is designed to show the rest of the nation that the Territory is open for business.
The event was held in partnership with the Business Enterprise Centre and began with a feature showcase of 15 businesses from the NT. Businesses from across Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs showed off their innovation across tourism, fashion, technology, Indigenous arts, food and beverage, and social enterprise.
Three early-stage entrepreneurs also held a short-pitch competition, with the winner enjoying a startup package including a free website, CRM and accounting software and branding support.
The program will highlight support that businesses can receive from the NT Government, such as the Business Growth Program, the Flexible Skills and Training Response Program, workshops from specific subject-matter experts, as well as free business mentoring.
Firms can also access support from the government’s Territory Business Advisers, who give specific, tailored guidance to help businesses get on their feet and continue to adapt as they mature.
The government said Startup September, now in its fourth year, had supported more than 300 Territorians to launch their businesses.
“Startup September is about giving Territory entrepreneurs the support, skills, and belief to turn their ideas into real businesses,” Business Enterprise Centre Northern Territory general manager Niall Richardson said.
“We’re thrilled to be launching this year’s program with such a vibrant showcase of NT talent – and to be celebrating 25 years of BECNT alongside the very community we serve.
”We thank the Northern Territory Government for their ongoing partnership and look forward to the next 25 years of growing Territory businesses.”
