Sydney’s 2024 Business Innovation Program, funded by the City of Sydney and delivered by Disruptors Co, has officially commenced to help a new batch of small businesses in key sectors achieve growth and resilience.
The 12-week program will provide 20 chosen small-business owners with the tools, resources, and coaching to help them develop innovative solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the hospitality, tourism, and retail sectors, such as adapting to changing consumer preferences, improving sustainability, and enhancing customer experiences.
Participants also have the opportunity to network with and learn from other local businesses in the program, as well as from previous participants of the program.
“Participating in the innovation program was an eye-opening experience that revealed my business’s growth potential and areas for improvement,” program alumni, Catherine Colubriale, owner of Catherine Colubriale Couture, Paddington, said. “The program’s insights are invaluable and continue to influence my business journey even after its completion.”
The program has recorded notable achievements, with 2023 Business Innovation Program alumni Guy
Dempster recently being announced as the recipient of eBay’s 2024 Circular Fashion Fund for his efforts in promoting circularity in the fashion industry. Dempster’s business Dempstah, which explores waste recycling and reuse, received the leading prize fund of $100,000 AUD.
Disruptors Co Co-CEO, Gavin Heaton said that his organisation is excited to be working with the City of Sydney Council to deliver the program and help support the growth of businesses in what he described as important sectors.
“This program is about supporting the businesses who truly deliver the magic that is Sydney, the cafes, secret laneway tour guides, the fantastic independent boutiques and re-emerging bars and nightlife stories, and giving them a springboard to grow,” Disruptors Co Facilitator, Tracey Hamilton, said.
The 20 Sydney businesses selected for the program are:
- I Dream of Silver, an online jewellery store.
- Catalyze APAC, who works with leaders in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to help them do more with less by applying ‘Decision Thinking’.
- Daniel Learmont Couture creatoor of handcrafted garments.
- Blumin – CBD Florist & Espresso Bar.
- Mister Toast, maker of grilled cheese toasties using hand-crafted ingredients and condiments.
- Koko Kawaii, a Japanese-inspired cafe in Chippendale offering fusion of art and craft activities and a selection of stationery.
- Adobo, an authentic Mexican taco shop in Zetland.
- Taste Cultural Food Tours, who run Sydney food tours to discover what the locals know and where the foodies go.
- Bird and Ewe, a Surry Hills dine-in and takeaway serving flatbreads and bowls.
- Enjoy Illustration Art, who make prints of original illustrations created with watercolours and ink pens.
- Burning Berries, a husband-and-wife co-founded craft gin distillery.
- Altitude Tea, a Botany tea shop offering tea ceremony hosting.
- A Loft Story, a hair salon in Newtown.
- Master Lashes, a multi-award-winning lash extensions and microblading studio in Surry Hills.
- Jazzy Cafe Bar, a Surry Hills café by day and small speakeasy style bar by night.
- Djinjama, a First Nations-founded business offering cultural design and research for projects in the built environment.
- Di bartoli, a home barista centre offering cafe-quality espresso machines, roasted coffee beans and grinders.
- Tuckshop To You, an Erskineville family-owned business, home baking and hand delivering food to help take away the stress of filling kids’ lunchboxes.
- Darcy St Projects – a café, coffee school, brew bar and social enterprise.
- Luxury Roses, a florist known for their long-lasting roses.
