The National Roads & Motorists’ Association (NRMA) have partnered with Slingshot Accelerator to launch Jumpstart, a program offering 14 businesses a chance to earn $30,000 in seed funding.
Jumpstart will offer 10 startups and 4 scale-up businesses a mentor driven program designed to assist entrepreneurs in the tech space.
NRMA Group CEO Tony Stuart said that the program was about “finding and growing innovative business ideas with a particular focus on smart new digital services.”
“We want smart thinkers that need help launching their business idea, we want ideas that can be cultivated and converted to provide future Member services and benefits and we are prepared to put our money into helping these businesses grow,” Stuart said in a press statement.
Apart from the $30,000 in seed funding, successful applicants will also be eligible for working space for up to six months, with marketing support, legal and financial advice.
Four ‘themes’ have been chosen for applicants to ensure their plans aim for the needs of the NRMA’s members and customers; Member Lifestyle, Connected Cars, Connected Members, and Smart Services.
The University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) has partnered with NRMA on the program, and will be providing training, mentors and spaces from the UTS Business School.
Professor Roy Green, Dean of UTS Business School, said UTS acknowledged entrepreneurship and innovation as an important factor in Australia’s future.
“We know that supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging innovation will be central to Australia’s future prosperity,” Professor Green said. “We also know that many of our graduates will seek to shape their own destinies through entrepreneurial startups – something we support through our programs.”
Further information on the initiative can be found on the NRMA Jumpstart website.
