The City is calling on residents and local business owners to apply for Curtin University’s 2026 Ignition Program, with two fully-funded scholarships on offer.
For the past three years, the City has awarded scholarships to local aspiring business owners as part of its Economic Development Strategy to help drive innovation in the City and enable businesses to thrive.
Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said past participants of the one-week intensive program have turned their innovative ideas into successful business ventures.
“From a quirky new beverage business to a dance company teaching inclusive classes at local venues, the scholarships have supported our budding entrepreneurs and helped boost our local economy,” she said.
“The scholarship represents an important first step in getting a business off the ground.”
Curtin Ignition is for people with an early-stage business idea or innovation. It includes expert clinics, mentoring and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and innovators, to help participants trial and prepare business ideas for the commercial market.
The City’s scholarships are open to applicants who either own and operate a business in the City, or have an innovative idea and plan to start a business locally.
Applicants must demonstrate the market potential for their idea or business, as well as the potential for long-term success and evidence of community benefit.
Applications open from 5pm, Thursday 7 May and close 4pm, Thursday 4 June.
To find out more and apply, visit the Curtin Ignition webpage or register for an information session here.
Pictured: Former scholarship recipient Tim Kraiss with his beverage business Wyld Nectar.