News + stories
Introduction to Canva for small businesses workshop
Attendees learnt how to develop a strong visual brand identity (how to choose colours, fonts, and images that reflect their business’s unique personality), create captivating logos and branding elements, design eye-catching social media graphics to engage their audience, produce attractive marketing materials to promote their business.
Secrets (or digital tools) for successful grant writing for small business workshop
Sam Cathcart (SJN Rural) delivered a free 2-hour workshop to help equip small rural businesses with the knowledge and tools to successfully identify, apply for, and manage government grants specifically designed for rural businesses.
Breakfast support meet up for Pitch2Grow 2025
Pitch2Grow participants were given the chance for a support meet up breakfast on 18th March 2025 to network, clarify and questions or concerns about the Pitch2Grow 2025, motivate to work on their pitch, learn more about the upcoming workshop with expert pitch mentor Edwina Sharrock and to go over what to expect and include in their pitch and pitch deck.
Introduction to Pitch2Grow 2025 workshop
Pitch2Grow participants were welcomed to the program with an introductory workshop facilitated by Sheree Cayirylys (Regional Connector in Moree), Kerrianne Ryan (2024 Pitch2Grow winner and founder of Horse Led Learning), and Tyler Macey (2024 Pitch2Grow participant and owner of the Social Co House co-working space).
Crafting a memorable brand
Regional business owners refined their brand strategy in a hands-on masterclass with Paul Chappell, walking away with clarity, direction, and actionable insights.
Cutting through the noise with our Copywriting Masterclass
On Wednesday, 12th February, we held our first Masterclass for the year in Tamworth - Copywriting for Entrepreneurs.
At a time of endless hype about AI-generated content, UNE SRI’s latest Masterclass took a different route. Set to a 1960s Mad Men-inspired soundtrack, this workshop focused less on Chat GPT prompts and more on setting pen to paper.
HATCH Program Empowers Local Entrepreneurs in Armidale
Last Saturday morning saw five aspiring entrepreneurs gather for an intensive business planning workshop through the UNE SMART Region Incubator HATCH program.
The four-hour session, focused on the Lean Canvas methodology, helped participants transform their initial business ideas into structured, actionable plans.
Festive Celebrations in Tamworth as we reflect on an amazing 2024.
On Wednesday, December 4th, Tamworth founders gathered at UNE Tamworth to celebrate the festive season and an amazing 2024.
Celebrating Our Wins of 2024 in Moree - End of Year Breakfast
UNE SRI Moree celebrated our wins and the wins of local businesses and organisations over breakfast and coffee by Annie at the Social Co House on 3rd December.
Thank you to all who have supported the UNE SRI and Social Co House in Moree in 2024. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
2024 founder survey
As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on the year that has been—and the incredible inspiration we’ve drawn from our founders. Their steadfast dedication to their missions has fuelled our determination for us to remain mission-driven. We too have aligned with the New England North West community to set ambitious goals for the future: advancing net-zero agriculture, fostering a connected innovation community, and creating transformative opportunities for our region.
Feeding the future: UNE’s role in sustainable agriculture
On Friday, 15 November, the University of New England (UNE) celebrated National Agriculture Day by hosting What Does It Take to Make a Net Zero Steak?
This Futures Series event brought together leading voices from research, industry, and innovation to explore how Australian agriculture can achieve net-zero emissions
Launching the future: Women in STEM Royal Society of NSW New England North West branch
The New England North West branch of the Royal Society of NSW was officially launched on Monday 25 November, celebrating the contributions of women in STEM and the transformative power of diversity in science.
The event brought together researchers, innovators, and trailblazers from across the region to inspire collaboration and innovation.