Media Release

St.George extends $10,000 cash grants to help businesses start, grow and prosper

Small businesses and start-ups, trying to get their business off the ground, have a chance to bring their ideas to life by pitching at TEDxSydney to receive a $10,000 cash grant from St.George.

For the second year running, the St.George Kick Start Your Start-Up Program is providing ten cash grants, each worth $10,000 to small businesses and start-ups that are passionate about innovation and have been running for less than three years or are yet to start.

Stuart Zalunardo, Acting Head of SME at St.George says St.George has a long, proud history of supporting small businesses and start-ups and is excited to extend the program following last year’s successful launch.

“Response to the program last year was overwhelming, with massive social engagement and over 1,200 entries received. Our diverse winners spanned from many states, industries and different stages in their business lifecycle.

“This year we’re hoping to attract even more entries and I’m thrilled to announce the top 20 finalists will have the opportunity to be trained by TEDxSydney’s Director of Performance to deliver their wining elevator pitches at TEDxSydney in front of four judges and a live audience.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to hone in on their pitching skills and put their most innovative and creative ideas forward in a collaborative environment,” Stuart said.

Applications are open to businesses across NSW, QLD, WA and ACT and will be judged by a panel of St.George business managers and external industry experts.

Judges will consider and give preference to businesses that embrace innovation and demonstrate a solid understanding of their market and their customers.

This year there will be a Public Choice award set aside where the live audience will vote for their favourite pitch via twitter.

Entries are now open and close on Sunday 19 April 2015. The top 20 finalists will be announced on Tuesday 4 May 2015 and deliver their elevator pitches at TEDxSydney on 21 May 2015.

To enter, applicants must submit an online form at www.stgeorge.com.au/kickstart