A familiar buzz is returning to Fishburners lately, a.k.a home, for many founders in Sydney. I can feel the sense of optimism in the small business community. They are disengaged corporates, side hustlers, innovators, creators, and trailblazers that thrive on working around like-minded people.
8 in ten small businesses in Australia are saying they have found ways to adapt their business during a pandemic. We’ve seen the industry pivot like no other – adapting technology, improving their online offerings, and adapting their product range and services.
But something is different.
While many might have a sense of confidence about the nation’s path through the pandemic, they are less confident about the new challenge Australia is facing right now – our race to net zero. But, they want to help.
As CEO of Australia’s largest startup hub for almost 3 years, more and more I’m seeing how the startup ecosystem is already providing some of the most innovative solutions to our environmental challenges.
Just like one of our startups, Car Next Door. This year they reached a valuation of $50 million, by providing a simple online hub that can turn any car into a shared car. It’s empowered so many Australians to save money, reduce waste and create cleaner, greener, better neighborhoods. This initiative has led to them planting over 40,500 trees.
And they are not the only ones. There is a defined interest, hunger, and ambition in the sector to provide the nation with “Tech for Good”. Yes, I’m calling it. It’s the newest buzzword for startup Australia and I believe our “Tech for Good” innovators can and will solve some of the world’s greatest challenges in the race to net zero. Some of our newest:
- Trace is helping individuals and businesses on their journey to net zero,
- Ability Made is a mission-driven organisation working to give children with disabilities access to the orthoses they need to live their best life,
- Avarni transforms supply chain carbon management. It’s the answer for organisations needing support for effective carbon management strategies,
- Good on You is your trusted source of sustainability ratings for fashion
- Emmi supplies comprehensive financial perspective on carbon risk so you can make better investment decisions
- Spokle empowers parents to support their child’s speech therapy at home
Looking to the next ten years, we know that to succeed, startups will need to remain at the forefront of a tech-enabled future and focus innovations towards sustainable development and ongoing social and economic wellbeing.
And we can help.
Together with the City of Sydney we are supporting 30 early-stage Founders to pursue their passion to make the world a better place because the opportunities are there, momentum is building, and with the right support, we know this sector will be at the forefront of solving the world’s greatest challenges.
You can learn more about the scholarship here, or attend our information night coming up on February 16.
If you know of a Founder or aspiring entrepreneur who needs this support – let them know. And if you are one, we want to hear from you.
Written by Nicole O’Brien, CEO Fishburners
