Startup year delivers the next generation of entrepreneurs

Charles Sturt was selected as one of 11 institutions to pilot the Australian Government’s Startup Year program, designed to foster entrepreneurial education and regional innovation. The inaugural cohort is participating in an eight-month hybrid program based in Wagga Wagga, engaging in six subjects focused on social entrepreneurship, transformational leadership, and strategic innovation.

Students have so far tackled sustainability challenges including food security, digital inclusion, and Indigenous economic empowerment. They have been supported by a diverse network of mentors–60 per cent from regional Australia–including Selena Griffith (Enactus Australia), Alisha Geary (ProovyPay), Elvis Gleeson (Creative Guild), Mariam Mohammed (MoneyGirl), and Liam Daley (LivSims).

These mentors brought expertise from creative industries, fintech, social impact, and Indigenous enterprise. Their regional perspectives and lived experiences were key to supporting students to co-design viable ventures responding to community-identified needs. This program reinforced Charles Sturt’s leadership in place-based, purpose-led innovation. The program will end on with students presenting their business ideas and solutions.