Applications are now open across NSW, QLD and ACT for small businesses and entrepreneurs to compete for a share of St George bank’s $100,000 Kick Start grant to help businesses begin or to bring an idea to life.
12 finalists will be selected to compete in a pitch competition on stage at TEDxSydney on May 22 for a chance to win one of two $40k grants and two $10k runner up grants.
“Growing a small business or getting your business idea off the ground is no easy feat, particularly when it comes to funding,” said Anthony Mathews, National Head of SME Banking, St.George.
“Even if you have that moment of inspiration, SMEs and entrepreneurs can find themselves unable to bring their ideas to life without access to funds. Through the St.George Kick Start program, we hope we can help provide a platform that gives them the chance to receive funding and turn their dreams into a reality.”
One finalist and eventual winner was KBB Power List honouree, Jo Palmer. Palmer’s business, Pointer Remote Roles caught the judges’ imagination. Palmer’s passionate pitch showcased the importance of her business which connects employers and potential employee’s to a remote workforce specialist.
Palmer won the ‘fast pitch’ Kick Start program in 2019 and used the business grant to hire her first full-time employee.
“Winning the $40,000 grant allowed me to scale my business, which I’d never thought was possible. Thanks to the Kick Start program we’ve been able to help more companies connect with the talent they need in their business, remotely. An increase in jobs has meant talented professionals who live in rural Australia have been able to access the same jobs as those in the city. This has created incredible opportunities for those in rural areas impacted by the ongoing drought and the recent bushfires,” Palmer said.
How to enter Kick Start 2020
Applications are now open to businesses across NSW, QLD and ACT and will close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (ADST) on Monday 23 March 2020.
Businesses can enter in one of two categories:
- Category 1. A New Business Idea. A business that has recently launched or is about to launch. For those not yet trading, solid plans must be in place.
- Category 2. An Idea to Grow an Existing Business. For businesses that have been operating and trading for at least 18 months and want to diversify or grow.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for St.George Kick Start you must be an Australian resident and over the age of 18 years of age. For more information see FAQs.
For more information on the St.George Kick Start program and how to apply, visit https://www.stgeorge.com.au/business/kickstart
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