Sydney's Northern Beaches Getting Behind the New Innovation Hub Project

​Almost 100 years ago, Manly sought to attract Sydney-siders with the slogan, "seven miles from Sydney and a thousand miles from care."

In 2018 a new slogan will be written with the formation of the Not-For-Profit, Manly Innovation Hub (www.manlyinnovationhub) designed to develop entrepreneurs, propel them toward success and accelerate the growth of early-stage ventures.

Manly Innovation Hub is filling a void on Sydney's Northern Beaches by providing the 270,000 citizens who live in the area an avenue for entrepreneurs of all ages to prove their innovative and disruptive ideas have market potential.

Manly Innovation Hub has a bold vision, which will be built out using cutting edge technology and aims to shift the paradigm around empowering local talent. The Hub is to offer programs that support and educate people 16 years and older in the thinking and processes needed to commercialise new business ideas. 

Some of the programs envisaged include a Youth program for 16-24 year olds, an Over 50s program, a Female Founders program, and the core 12-week entrepreneurs program. 

The 'Hub's Founder, Greg Twemlow, is a seasoned executive, having worked with startups for close to 20 years in Australia and internationally. Mr Twemlow commented that "The MIH will focus on new ventures that are characterized by an ability to scale globally and designed to be capable of raising capital. Mr Twemlow's LinkedIn Post in late July, announcing the Hub, attracted tens of thousands of views and hundreds of people have made contact offering their support.

The focus now has progressed to identifying corporate sponsors. Greg Twemlow believes companies that can envision the long-term potential for highly positive brand-building will be attracted to support the Hub. It's anticipated that sponsor/s will also have access to run an accelerator program devoted to their industry, the perfect way to find the kinds of innovations that can open new markets.

Mr Twemlow commented that the proposition for the inaugural sponsor is to be associated with an initiative to create a stronger economic future for the people of the Northern Beaches - an area that is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Sydney and comprising thousands of SMEs, a University campus, 26 high schools and an area of Sydney regarded as highly prosperous.

A working committee of foundation supporters has been formed, and the Hub has the strong support of leading business and government people who live in and love the Northern Beaches. 

Member for Manly James Griffin MP said, "Manly has a thriving technology and innovation industry. The Manly Innovation Hub will assist in strengthening the opportunity for startups and high growth ventures to consider Manly as a destination, and for those who are already here, it will accelerate growth. Ultimately, this is good for local employers and our young people wanting jobs for the 21st century. I stand ready to support the Manly Innovation Hub and congratulate Greg and the working committee."

You can read more about the Hub on the website at https://www.manlyinnovationhub.com and sponsors should contact Greg Twemlow for more information.