66 Meet-Ups to continue in 2014 with new digital + creative start-ups supported by City of Sydney
Networking event 66 Meet-Ups – where artists, entrepreneurs and investors can meet up and share ideas on creative and digital breakthroughs – will continue in 2014 with support by the City of Sydney.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City’s $20,000 sponsorship would allow ATP Innovations to continue more resources into running 66 Meet-Ups this year while expanding their online presence.
Says Lord Mayor: “According to the latest Census, almost 25,000 people work in the information, communication and technology sector in Sydney, making it our third-largest employer.
“66 Meet-Ups brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds that might not ordinarily connect through their social or industry circles. It sparks collaboration and supports innovation.
“By bringing people together to share ideas and knowledge, the City is ensuring Sydney remains a centre for new digital and creative businesses in Australia and continues to attract talented thinkers and innovators.
“Our sponsorship is one of many funding programs the City provides to support Sydney’s industry sectors.”
According to StartupAUS, a not-for-profit organisation aimed at fostering and building the local start-up community, the sector could contribute $109 billion to the economy and create 540,000 jobs by 2033.
The first 66 Meet-Ups networking event was in June 2012. They have since hosted four events each year, attended by over 100 people. Speakers at the events have included:
• Founder of crowd-funding website Pozible, Alan Crabbe;
• Co-founder of online graphic design tool Canva.com, Melanie Perkins; and
• Finance chief of emerging fashion designers’ marketplace youngrepublic.com, Andrew Yang.
Speakers share personal stories about establishing their own start-up, as well as advice on how to develop business ideas.
The Eveleigh-based ATP Innovations is Australia’s leading incubator, partnering with technology-based businesses to help them achieve fast success.
Director of start-ups at ATP Innovations, Reba Moyes, said City sponsorship would allow them to expand the scope of the four 66 Meet-Ups events this year, and ensure the events are accessible to wider audiences through video and increased website content.
Says Moyes: “66 Meet-Ups will remain relevant to creative enterprises and entrepreneurs, not just people working in digital technologies, to reflect the diversity of creative entrepreneurs in Sydney.
“The events will be aimed at cultivating a strong entrepreneurial mindset and attitude that is essential in any start-up or commercial endeavour.”
The first 66 Meet-Ups event for 2014 will be held next month.
For more information, visit 66meetups.com.