First ever Speed Mentoring event smashing success

On Thursday 12th September, Bega Valley Innovation Hub and Bega valley Shire Council put on a Speed Mentoring event that provided an opportunity to meet, network and discuss pressing questions with the Bega Valley Innovation Hub Residents and a diverse group of professionals.

The event saw teams of the Bega Valley Innovation Hub resident businesses present a 2 minute pitch to the mentors. The pitch had to include the team’s problem statement, idea and a solution which was then questioned by the mentors to gain a deeper understanding. Each team had a go before a networking session took place where the participants where encouraged to speak to both other team members and the mentors who stood out to them. This saw the beginning of many great new professional relationships.

The participants included:

Brad Twynham
Incubator Facilitator – Department of Industry, Science and Innovation

Brad Twynham is a Technology entrepreneur, strategy consultant and Investor/Board Director with over 25 years working and consulting in the areas of Enterprise Technology adoption and enterprise operating model transformation, neural networks, block chain and artificial intelligence.

Chris Nicholls
Tourism Manager – Merimbula Tourism Inc

Chris Nicholls has over twenty-five years’ experience in Information Technology and Telecommunications, business development and major account management. He’s a technologist who built his first computer from components, worked in tourism management – twice 3 decades apart, a qualified horticulturist, rural landscape designer, NFP founder, amateur musician, orchestra manager, entrepreneur and President of the Merimbula RFS Brigade.

Lucas Scarpin
Director – Scarpin

Lucas Scarpin is an FCPA qualified Accountant with 20 years experience in the finance sector with the past 10 years spent working in Local Government

Emma Keft
Sales manager – 2EC/Power FM East Coast Radio

Emma has over 14 years’ experience in media having worked for some of Australia’s most recognisable radio, magazine, newspaper and digital brands. Her most recent role was a part of the pitch team at Nova Entertainment.

Steve Millott
Marketing team – 2EC/Power FM East Coast Radio

Steve has been with 2EC & Power FM for 14 months now – assisting all clients with their promotional and branding initiatives using the many benefits of Commercial Radio and digital enhancements

Jenny Robb
Founder – Kiah Wilderness Tours

Jenny Robb was inspired to start a new tourism business after a long stint as CEO of the Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre. Kiah Wilderness Tours (guided kayak tours) began just over 5 years ago and has grown from a “bit of a hobby” to an award-winning ecotourism business, contracted to all the visiting cruise companies and showcased on a number of travel and tourism shows and sites.

Paul Coker

Paul has been involved in business and industry development for more than 30 years.  He is an experienced and empathetic facilitator who specialises in helping business owners achieve a strong work-life balance whilst increasing business profitability and valuation

Michael Pryke
Professional background in Sales, Marketing and General Management

Mick’s focus has always been on managing complex commercial relationships to profitability and equity between the client and supplier in both the medical arena and IT. Now retired, he is the chair of the Mumbulla Foundation, Chair of the local Community Housing Provider in the Bega Valley and a member of the Distribution Committee of the Mayoral Fund for the Tathra and District Fire and the Bega Valley Shire Council’s Cemeteries Advisory Committee.

John Stylianou
Owner & operator – Tarra Motors

John owns and operates Tara Motors, is the director of Hermes fleet management and the Tulgeen Disability Service. He sits as Chair of the Audit & Finance Committee, is the Executive of Bega Chamber of Commerce and President of the Bega Squash Club.

Sonia Duarte
Owner & Operator – accountant

With 20 years’ public practice experience, Sonia Duarte holds a Bachelor of Business from Griffith University, majoring in Accounting and minoring in Public Sector Financial Management. Sonia is an Accountant, Tax Agent, SMSF Auditor, and licensed Superannuation Advisor.

Nigel Ayling
Business and Marketing Consultant and Company Director

Nigel Ayling is a Business and Marketing Consultant and Company Director of Solutions 4 Biz and has over 25 years’ experience in small business. He works with a range of clients across the country, mainly in Retail, Tourism, Services industries as well as NFP.

Simone Eyles
Entrepreneur – co-founded 365cups

Simone is inspiring people to chase their business dreams and not to leave the rural and regional communities they love. She proves you can find success in your home town thanks to the power of technology.

Kari & Tony Esplin
Pallet Collars Australia

Pallet Collars Australia offers reusable packaging solutions that reduce the need for shrink wrap & cardboard. Pallet Collars are manufactured in Australia and can optimize warehouses to increase the use of space.

Andrew Gray
South East Regional Arts – Development Officer

Andrew has been the Regional Arts development officer since 2008.