iHarvest Coworking Sunshine has completed a successful first year of operation, providing a vibrant and affordable space and programs for startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers and businesses.
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Georgina Papafotiou said Council is using innovative approaches like iHarvest to sow the seeds of innovation and business development in our region.
'I'm pleased to say we've delivered a successful first year of iHarvest masterclasses, business mentoring and meetups.
'Our thanks again to LaunchVic, which provided $100,000 towards the iHarvest Business Development Program. This has been integral to a successful start for iHarvest.
'Over the past year membership for iHarvest has grown steadily, with several iHarvest founding members moving from part-time to full-time membership, and some have employed additional team members.
'We have also welcomed co-workers from across Brimbank, Melbourne's wider west and beyond since opening our doors – which shows that local opportunities for co-working are needed in our region.
"Having a vibrant, professional and affordable co-working space like iHarvest not only encourages productivity - it also fosters collaboration, flexibility, connectedness and community.
'We're thrilled that businesses and start-ups are already realising their potential at iHarvest, and we look forward to continuing to work with them,' Cr Papafotiou said.
iHarvest Coworking Sunshine is an important part of the Western Business and Education Hub, which Council established with the help of State and Federal funding.
As Brimbank grows and transforms into the capital of Melbourne's west, Council wants education and jobs to lead the way in creating opportunities for our residents.
Last month, Council launched its 2020 Transforming Brimbank Agenda, which outlines how Council can leverage the major investments coming to Brimbank, to create job, education, health, environmental and fairness outcomes for generations to come.
Brimbank is also calling for the State Government to create a new Business, Jobs and Skills working group. This would bring all levels of government, education providers and local employers together to ensure high-quality education and job opportunities are available for all.
