The Runway-RICE Circular Economy Business Growth Program was for start-ups to access the Runway facilitated Get Ready, Get Set, Grow program.
The program taught circular
economy start-ups how to find growth opportunities, overcome barriers to growth,
test their growth plans and take the best ideas to market.
Cleantech Innovations Geelong provided a grant to Regional Innovation for a Circular Economy (RICE).
The grant allowed RICE to subsidise local businesses
to participate in a Circular Economy Business Growth Program, delivered by
Runway.
Participants in the first cohort of the program included
Rolling Pin Pies and Cakes, an award-winning bakery in Ocean Grove, Victoria. Co-owners
Stacey and Todd Lincoln commented that the
...program was the kick start our
business needed to get to the core of what our customers really need from
us. The facilitators’ ability to generate advice specific to each of the
participants businesses was really impressive and knowledge sharing between the
group was invaluable. We now feel we are armed with the tools to take our
business forward focusing on circular economy principles.
Another participant was B-Alternative, an environmental
solutions group, cultivating awareness of environmental issues and providing
low impact alternatives to businesses, organisations and events such as the
Queenscliff Music Festival. General manager James McLennan said,
The Circular
Economy Business Growth Program gave B-Alternative the tools, knowledge and
skills to identify and evolve new circular economy opportunities by evaluating
the gap between our business and the external environment. The content was
fantastic and very tangible to problem solving.
Regional Innovation for a Circular Economy Inc. (RICE) is a collaboration that aims to lead the transition to a thriving circular economy in the Barwon South West Region, by being a catalyst for innovation and connecting and coordinating support from relevant organisations.
Runway is a not for profit that exists to
help entrepreneurs transform themselves, and the world – for good.
Cleantech Innovations Geelong is a business and industry support program to develop markets for clean technologies (cleantech).
The program:
- has been operating since 2014, delivering positive economic growth and sustainability outcomes for Greater Geelong
- is a partnership funded through the Victorian State Government, the Geelong Manufacturing Council and the City of Greater Geelong
- is in line with Geelong’s designation as a UNESCO City of Design and the community-led 30 year vision for a clever and creative future.