The eNVIes!

*Published by Simone Kain, Hello Friday.

Mount Gambier recently celebrated 4 local entrepreneurs at the inaugural eNVIes. The live pitch night of the new startup incubator hub setup by Flinders University New Venture Institute here in the Limestone Coast. Guys, if you're looking for new opportunities in our region... read on!

This new facility will drive regional innovation in ag tech, food tech, retail, education and tourism. Basically, if you have a startup idea, or you're passionate about something (anything!) but not sure where to start, eNVIsion is for you.

The seven-week program, based in Mt Gambier, provides your business with access to tools, resources, connections and expertise to scale and reach international markets faster. You can still work in a full-time job and access this program. This program is for all Limestone Coast-ers - not just Mt Gambier.

Congratulations to last nights winners: Ashlee Kalantarian of Ashlee Laurenwho took out the Gold Envie and in doing so also won a trip to the US to assist in expanding her markets; Daryl Prunnell of Fish 4 Life who won the Silver Envie for his agri-tourism project and again a trip to the US and; Katie Fox of Little Pink Fox for taking out the People's Choice award for her new venture, Little Pink Box. The four finalists had to get up in front of 100 people and pitch their concept in under 5 minutes. They did an awesome job.

The next intake is in September/October. Check out this link for more information and follow New Venture Institute at Flinders. If you know of anyone that may be interested, please help share. New innovative business concepts in the Limestone Coast are required if we're going to remain a highly productive region going forward.