Some of the most innovative food and beverage brands on the Sunshine Coast with high growth potential have been selected for the 2018 Grow Coastal program to help commercialise new products and scale their businesses.
Now in its 2nd year, the Grow Coastal program offers emerging businesses support with connections, expertise, seed capital and mentoring, and are helping to inspire and transform the local food industry.
After extensive interest in the program, 20 businesses were shortlisted based on innovation, product viability, growth potential and entrepreneurial tenacity. Competing for just 12 final places, applicants participated in a one day bootcamp and product showcasing event on 30 January 2018.
The following businesses who have been chosen for entry into the 2018 Grow Coastal Accelerator Program: Barenuts, Black Lemonade, Boneafide Broth Co, Embassy XO, Good Harvest Organic Farm, Hive Haven, KOKOPOD Chocolate, LuvaBerry, Mighty Bean, Sunshine Coast Cider, The Whole Food Artisan, Ugly Duck Preserves
With funding from Advance Queensland, 12 businesses will access over $10,000 in value via the catalytic 12 week accelerator program, designed specifically for producers looking to scale fast, bring their vision to life and deliver new food and beverage innovations to the world.
“The Sunshine Coast has a strong reputation for quality food and I am excited to see that the 12 selected companies (and their teams) have big hearts and big plans to disrupt and inspire the Australian food industry,” said Innovation Centre CEO Mark Paddenburg.
“Recent feedback from the 2017 cohort shows that the Grow Coastal Program has made a difference with a total of 17 new staff employed, a 130 per cent increase in customer numbers, an 85 per cent increase in revenue with two companies more than doubling their revenue over the last 12 months.”