Helping businesses adapt and innovate

La Trobe University is inviting business owners from across Victoria to apply for a new program designed to help businesses adapt and innovate in the face of unprecedented change.

The COVID-19 Industry Response Program is a joint initiative developed in partnership with Investible, a leading early-stage investment firm that specialises in entrepreneurial and business development.

The program is part of La Trobe’s broader COVID-19 recovery response plan, which includes a 12-hour free online leadership program delivered by the University’s renowned MBA team and a suite of short courses targeting priority areas such as health and IT.

Delivered fully online over 12 weeks and at no cost to participants, the COVID-19 Industry Response Program will support established retailers, manufacturers and small businesses across all major industries and sectors.

Participants will take part in virtual expert workshops, personalised mentoring and online learning modules, and gain valuable insights in key growth areas including Digital Strategy, Customer Acquisition & Retention, Financial Modelling, Customer Experience, Ethical Supply Chains, High-Performance Teams, Investor Relations and more.

Participants will also join an exclusive community of like-minded local business owners who are facing similar challenges and opportunities.

La Trobe Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry Engagement) Dr Megan Fisher said the program will give local business owners across all major industries the resources to adapt and innovate in the face of significant challenges stemming from the pandemic.

“In just a few weeks our world has been thrown into uncertainty and our economy has been severely impacted.  I encourage business owners from all industries and sectors, and from across the State, to apply to join our COVID-19 Industry Response Program and benefit from Investible’s proven experience bringing out the best of businesses,” Dr Fisher said.

The COVID-19 Industry Response Program builds on the success of Investible’s Retail Innovation Program, which has supported more than 45 businesses in partnership with the City of Sydney.

Investible Head of Programs and Partnerships Elisa-Marie Dumas said: “To respond effectively to change, businesses must be able to quickly pivot and validate new ideas and strategies.

“The COVID-19 Industry Response Program is uniquely designed to help local business owners develop the mindset, access the resources and discover the community they need to make confident decisions in a changing world.”

The 12-week COVID-19 Industry Response Program starts on June 8.  Apply here.

La Trobe Media Contact: Kathryn Powley | k.powley@latrobe.edu.au | 9479 3491 | 0456 764 371

Investible Media Contact: Lauren Trucksess | lauren@investible.com | 0497 858 651

Participant enquiries: accelerator@latrobe.edu.au