As startup founders, we’re often in situations where we need to adjust on the fly and work out how to do things as we go. Hence the saying “an entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds a plane on their way down.”
However, in most situations, someone has already experienced a similar problem in another business. Learning from others’ experiences can speed up your journey to success and help you navigate the path with fewer speed bumps along the way.
There are many ways to learn from others — for example, reading, networking, mentors, and more formalised education programs.
One such program is Curtin Ignition; an annual week-long event hosted by Curtin University that is specifically designed for entrepreneur education. It has also just opened for applications to its 2024 program.
What is Curtin Ignition?
Curtin Ignition is an intensive, week-long entrepreneur education program that combines practical learning with expert advice and mentorship from some of WA’s top business minds.
The program’s success stories include a wide range of companies, such as Rhinohide, a removable
paintwork protection system for four-wheel drive vehicles, and CV Check, an employment screening
platform.
This year, the program will also feature Silicon Valley technology investor and start-up expert, Marvin Liao, who will share valuable insights with attendees.
“The journey of a founder is hard and requires courage and self-belief. It’s critical to be in the right rooms
with people who you can ask for advice and learn from,” Mr Liao said.
“The best founders regularly ask for help and the Ignition program is a masterclass in helping start-ups
navigate a challenging business landscape.”
Whether you’re thinking about starting a new business or have already taken the leap and are on the founder journey, Curtin Ignition is a valuable educational experience. By the end of the week, you’ll have learnt how to:
- build a meaningful business plan and pitch deck
- explain your business/startup in commercial terms
- take a commercial approach in the development of innovative ideas
- validate your ideas and identify good opportunities in a short period with minimal investment
More importantly, by the end of the week, you’ll have built new connections and expanded your network of fellow entrepreneurs which will be invaluable on your founder journey.
The full timetable of Curtin Ignition activities can be found here.
When is it?
This year, Curtin Ignition will run from Sunday, September 1st to Friday, September 6th.
How you can apply
The investment to attend Curtin Ignition is $3,750 + GST per person which includes materials, mentoring, networking sessions, buffet lunches, drinks, and the final celebration dinner.
There are a range of scholarships available, including one sponsored by Startup News. Everything you need to know about how to apply is available on Curtin’s website here.
Applications are open until Wednesday, July 24th with scholarship applications closing on Friday, July 5th.
