Pollenizer to hold startup science event in Geelong in response to Ford factory closure

POLLENIZER, Australia’s oldest startup incubator, will launch a free two-day session in Geelong to help workers affected by the Ford shut down explore the idea of creating their own business.

The program, named Next Monday, will show former Ford workers how any idea can be developed into a business.

Next Monday was formed in less than 24 hours by Pollenizer, in response to figures from Australian Catholic University that up to 62 percent of Ford workers intend to look for a new job following the closure of the plant this Friday yet only 1 percent currently aim to start their own business.

Current supporters of the program include: Deakin University's Spark@Deakin and Australia Post’s Small Business Hive and Geelong startup program, Runway.

The company is seeking further support from the startup and business community ahead of the Next Monday’s launch on Monday.

“This is about bringing Australia’s most talented startup veterans together to tackle what will be an ongoing issue as Australia’s economy transitions and more jobs are displaced,” Pollenizer chief startup scientist Phil Morle said.

“The Australian economy is going through unprecedented change. Legacy industries are shifting and new ones are being created. In our work, we have learned that as fast as old businesses end, new ones emerge and that anybody can start them.”

In addition, the program should provide a kick start to Geelong’s budding startup ecosystem — which recently received $1.7m in funding from LaunchVIC.

The regional centre is already home to several incubators and coworking spaces including StartUpCloud and Runway.

Details on the venue will be revealed at a later date. Workers can register their interest on Pollenizer’s website.

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