2024 (Impact) Wrapped 

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on what has been a huge year for Melbourne Innovation Centre. It’s been a year full of impact, celebration, and making moves to support small businesses across Victoria. 

Here are some of our biggest milestones and achievements from the past 12 months:

Supporting Small Businesses Across Victoria

This year, we worked with an incredible 2,209 businesses, delivering 5,321 hours of business advice through our programs and incubator. We also ran 60 events across Victoria, creating spaces where small business owners could connect, learn, and grow with tailored education and resources.

“As a small business owner the resources that Melbourne Innovation Centre offer have been invaluable. I was able to increase my knowledge with the help of tutorials and 1:1 meetings. I feel better equipped with language for, skills in and knowledge of the digital aspects of my business.” — Cove Design Studio

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“Melbourne Innovation Centre saved me during Covid. They also connected me with some amazing people and now I feel so confident in my business. It is finally flourishing! Love love love Melbourne Innovation Centre! Thank you so much for your awesome support over the many many years. What a wonderful resource for any small business.” — Taube Pilates

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Launching New Initiatives 

In 2024, we kicked off two new initiatives to expand our impact:

- Suburban Spark: A monthly event dedicated to sparking innovation and fostering collaboration with business owners in Melbourne’s suburban areas. 

- SEA (Self-Employment Assistance): Designed to help people start, develop and grow a small or micro-business.

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Digital Day Out: A Standout Success

We hosted Digital Day Out, one of Victoria’s leading marketing events for small businesses. The event attracted over 200 businesses from across the state, equipping them with tools and strategies to stand out online. 

We heard from some of Australia’s most inspirational eCommerce leaders and speakers, including Anaita Sarkar, founder and CEO of Hero Packaging; Harry Sanders, founder and director of StudioHawk; Jules Lund, TV and radio presenter and founder of TRIBE; Caitlin Judd, founder of Lady-Brains; and Monique Milenkovic, founder and director of The Cupcake Queens.

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Responding to Regional Needs

For the first time, we delivered a regional flood impact event series, supporting small businesses affected by floods. These workshops helped business owners rebuild and grow their online presence with better digital marketing strategies, empowering them to bounce back stronger.

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Supporting Migrant Entrepreneurs

We continued our great engagement with the CALD community and hosted a focused workshop to support migrant entrepreneurs, helping them bring their business ideas to life. From sharpening digital strategies to launching their ventures, we’re proud to have created a space for innovation and inclusion, celebrating the rich diversity of our community.

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Leading at Victoria’s Top Small Business Festivals

We took the lead at some of Victoria’s most prominent small business festivals, including the Geelong Small Business Festival, Mornington Peninsula Small Business Festival and Maroondah Biz Week. Our events became the top-sellers, showcasing the overwhelming need for the resources, insights, and tools we provide to entrepreneurs.

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Partnering for Greater Impact

Collaboration has been key to scaling our impact. This year, we partnered with NBN Co, Klaviyo, and LawPath, bringing even more resources, education, and support to small businesses across the state. 

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Looking Ahead to 2025

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team, board, partners, stakeholders and our 37 business mentors and advisors. 

As we gear up for 2025, we’re excited to help even more small business owners and entrepreneurs dream big and achieve even bigger. 

Whether you’re looking to grow your business or need guidance on taking the next step, we’re here to help. Learn more about our programs here.