Building on the success of the first cohort in 2019, ClubsNSW in partnership with Slingshot, Australia’s leading corporate accelerator, has opened applications for the second cohort of their innovation program, ClubsTHRIVE.
ClubsTHRIVE forms an important part of the peak club industry body’s broader strategy, which is committed to driving greater engagement, growth and diversification for its member clubs.
With a focus on scaleups and community projects, ClubsNSW is looking to harness ideas from these communities to fuel its innovation agenda even further.
ClubsNSW CEO Josh Landis said he was thrilled to welcome a second cohort, which has the potential to transform how clubs do business and support the communities they serve.
“ClubsNSW is always looking for innovative ways to help member clubs diversify their business and increase their engagement with local communities — especially given the challenges our industry has faced over the past 18 months — and the ClubsTHRIVE program is the perfect opportunity to do just that,” said Mr Landis.
“We are so excited to be working with Slingshot once again to bring ClubsTHRIVE to life. Personally, I can’t wait to see what ideas the creative minds involved come up with and I have no doubt that our industry will reap the benefits of them in the near future.”
Open to scaleups and not-for-profits, the ClubsTHRIVE accelerator program offers a structured 12-week course led by entrepreneurs and industry experts, ongoing support from Slingshot’s community of alumni, mentors and partners, and fast-tracks business development to prepare businesses accepted into the program for opportunities with ClubsNSW and its member clubs.
Scaleups and not-for-profits that address the following themes are eligible to apply for the program:
- MEMBER ENGAGEMENT: Provide improved products and experiences to increase visitation and access to NSW clubs, as well as create opportunities for future generations to engage with and enjoy clubs.
- BOOST BUSINESS: Drive growth for clubs through utilising existing club assets or introducing new technologies to create or increase revenue streams, improve operations, develop efficiencies, streamline services, or automate processes.
- COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Improve club ties with their communities, encourage diversity and improve the health and wellbeing of members and the broader community who come from all walks of life.
- STAFF ENGAGEMENT: Introduce systems, processes or programs that help attract, develop, engage, and retain talent.
- BLUE SKY THINKING: Let us know your revolutionary ideas or solutions that will transform clubs and help build a sustainable industry.
Slingshot Founder Craig Lambert said he is very pleased to be running the program again with ClubsNSW.
“The talent that came through the first program was inspiring and, with a renewed focus this year on high-growth scaleups, we are keen to uncover even better businesses with greater commercial alignment,” said Mr Lambert.
“ClubsTHRIVE is a testament to ClubsNSW’s deep commitment to strengthening the club industry and generating relevant and innovative opportunities for future generations and we are proud to be associated with and facilitating that vision.”
Applications for the ClubsTHRIVE accelerator program open on 1 October and close on 31 October. Short-listed scaleups and not-for-profits will go through a selection day process on 9-10 November, with the successful cohort beginning the program 1 February 2022.
www.clubsthrive.com.au
.jpg){kind=tracking}