Strategic hub to foster regional entrepreneurs

Business and educational communities came together to celebrate the launch of eNVIsion Limestone Coast’s new home at Mount Gambier High School, and a collaborative agreement set to bring world-class resources and global connectivity to the region to foster entrepreneurship.

The agreement between Flinders University and the high school signals exciting new opportunities for business innovation across the region, as well as programs that will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“We are certain our partnership with Mount Gambier High School will change lives,” says Professor Clare Pollock, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students) at Flinders University.

“We believe in the potential of students to change the face and future of the region. eNVIsion Limestone Coast is here to serve the people in the South East, and reflects Flinders University’s dedication to the state as a whole, and to nurturing the wonderful talent and opportunities that exist in our regions.”

eNVIsion Limestone Coast, a regional initiative of Flinders New Venture Institute, has been operating since 2018 from its previous location on James Street in Mount Gambier and has run three cohorts of Venture Dorm, Flinders NVI’s eight-week business startup program.

“We’ll now be offering more programs in the region under the eNVIsion brand. While eNVIsion Limestone Coast at Mount Gambier High School’s Collaborative Learning Centre will be the physical premises for some of our programs, we are very committed to extending our reach across the entire Limestone Coast region,” says Matt Salier, director of Flinders New Venture Institute.

eNVIsion Limestone Coast’s relocation was brought on by a partnership between Flinders University and Mount Gambier High School, following the high school’s selection by the state government as one of five Entrepreneurial Specialist Schools in South Australia.

“The Mount Gambier High School community is proud and excited to be able to support this initiative,” says Mount Gambier High School Principal Chris Edmonds.

“Our early work as an Entrepreneurial Specialist School is introducing our teachers and students to world class potential and this program is a great example of this. eNVIsion brings the world of business entrepreneurship into our school and this connection with the world of work will increase students’ understanding of career pathways and new opportunity.

“The diverse resources and support from Flinders University has already created change and innovation at our school and we look forward to how we can grow and develop this exciting partnership.”

The evening celebrated a turning point in the acceleration of entrepreneurial programs to inspire future entrepreneurs and advance regional startups in the region.

A focus within the high school community will be enhancing pedagogical delivery and advancing learning opportunities for both students and teachers.

To demonstrate just one of the ways the space will be used in the future, the launch was paired with Demo Day, a graduation and pitching competition for the latest cohort of Venture Dorm participants. The top five finalists pitched their business concepts to an expert panel of judges and vied for a scholarship to the eNVI.US 2020 Startup Founders Mission to the US.

Jamie Harding of Theatrix VR took home the top prize and will compete at the eNVIes Awards Ceremony later this year.

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