AI promises transformative efficiency, but adoption often stalls when the human element is overlooked. This session dives into why AI pilots frequently fail to scale, exploring the critical role people, culture, and capability play in real-world AI adoption.

Cash flow is king. Get practical strategies for pricing, revenue streams, and getting money in the door. Let's talk about money – and why it makes so many founders uncomfortable. You can have the best product in the world, but if you can't price it properly and ask for the sale, you don't have a business. You have an expensive hobby.

A practical masterclass for founders ready to grow without breaking their business. When you run your own business, growth is exciting…until it isn’t. Sure, things look great from the outside… more customers and more demand, but with that comes more moving parts… and suddenly you’re the bottleneck. You feel the strain of decision fatigue, systems that ‘did the trick’ are failing and tasks that were once manageable start to feel messy – you’re stuck working in your business, with very little time to get strategic. If you’re at that point in business things are working but not yet working at scale (or without you doing everything), this Masterclass is for you.

A practical masterclass for founders ready to grow without breaking their business. When you run your own business, growth is exciting…until it isn’t. Sure, things look great from the outside… more customers and more demand, but with that comes more moving parts… and suddenly you’re the bottleneck. You feel the strain of decision fatigue, systems that ‘did the trick’ are failing and tasks that were once manageable start to feel messy – you’re stuck working in your business, with very little time to get strategic. If you’re at that point in business things are working but not yet working at scale (or without you doing everything), this Masterclass is for you.

Join us for an AI Workshop designed for small business looking to get an overview of the developing best practices and use cases for AI in the workplace. Facilitated by UNE SRI’s AgTech Entrepreneur in Residence, Sam Duncan, this casual, lunch time event will provide a broad overview of the field, with a focus on some of the key tools being used by business in the region today.

Your idea means nothing without a customer. Learn how to validate your concept and build something people actually want. You've mapped out your idea – but have you tested it? Every business starts with assumptions: who your customer is, what problem they have, why they'd choose you. But assumptions aren't facts. The founders who succeed are the ones who learn fast and adjust early.

Discover how the SMART Region Incubator can support your research, ideas, and career. Have you ever wondered what your research or ideas could look like beyond university? Whether there's a pathway to real-world impact, industry connection, or even a business? The UNE SMART Region Incubator (SRI) is the university's home for innovation and entrepreneurship and we're opening our doors so you can see what we're all about.

Get the foundations right. Learn how to structure your business, avoid early mistakes, and set yourself up for sustainable growth. This hands-on session cuts through the confusion of starting a business. We'll cover the key early decisions – business structures, registration, ABN, finances, and the legal basics – so you know exactly what you need to do (and what you can skip for now).

HATCH is our early-stage business program for anyone ready to turn an idea into reality. This year, we're running it as a cohort program – the first kicks off in Armidale in February, followed by a series of masterclasses to support participants as they build.

Come in, see the space, meet the team, and find out what we do. Learn how to join NOVA as a community member and how SRI can support you whether you're exploring your ideas, starting or growing your business.

How to talk about yourself without spiralling. Or walking away with that sinking feeling that the message did not land. Whether you are walking into an interview, stepping on stage, or seizing one clear shot to pitch your business, this session helps you own the moment. You will walk away with a pitch that feels natural and uniquely you - cringe-free and confident.

If social media feels overwhelming, confusing, or like something you should be doing but secretly avoid, then this is the workshop for you! In just one session, you’ll walk away with a doable content plan and a better understanding of how to actually use social media to grow your business (without feeling like you need to dance on Reels or jump on every.single.trend - because yeah, we’re with you. Who has the time for that?!)

Join us on Friday, 21 November at the Wright Centre, UNE Armidale, for National Ag Day 2025. This year’s theme, Stand with the Land, will bring together farmers, researchers, and business leaders to explore how agriculture responds to a shifting global landscape.

Show up online, attract the right clients, and skip the cringe. If social media feels overwhelming, confusing, or like something you should be doing but secretly avoid, then this is the workshop for you! In just one session, you’ll walk away with a doable content plan and a better understanding of how to actually use social media to grow your business (without feeling like you need to dance on reels or jump on every.single.trend - because yeah, we’re with you. Who has the time for that?!).

Dr Kyle Mulrooney will share his expertise on rural criminology, exploring how we can build stronger, more resilient futures for young people in regional communities while tackling the challenges of crime prevention.

If you’re a creative and know that the business side matters but you aren’t sure where to start, this session might be just what you need. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll map out your creative business idea, test whether it’s got legs, and learn how to find (and grow) your audience and market, all with tools you can use straight away.

Because whether you’re just getting started, scaling fast, or planning your exit, a clear strategy is what makes sure your time (and your team's) is spent where it matters. Are you building toward a 1, 5, and 10-year vision… or making it up as you go? If your answer is “somewhere in between,” this is the event for you.

Join us for our September catch up for a coffee at Herdies. Enjoy a morning brew – on Alex this month – as we review our monthly goals, check-in and make some time to enjoy an hour or so of socialising with the Armidale founder community. All founders welcome!

Join us for our September meet-up for a coffee in the glasshouse at DEVA. Enjoy a morning brew – on Jess this month – as we review our monthly goals, check-in on our book club reads and make some time to enjoy an hour or so of socialising with the Tamworth founder community. All founders welcome!

By bridging academic expertise with industry insight, the UNE SRI is helping to build a stronger, more inclusive regional innovation ecosystem. One where innovation is given the frameworks and support to grow from ideation through to real-world products, services and businesses that are making an impact nationally and globally.

Have you been playing around with a business idea but don’t know how to get the ball rolling? Maybe you want to add a new product or service to your current business but aren’t sure if it’ll fly or flop?

Join us for our August catch up for a coffee at Herdies. Enjoy a morning brew – on Alex this month – as we review our monthly goals, check-in and make some time to enjoy an hour or so of socialising with the Armidale founder community. All founders welcome!

Join us for our August catch up for a coffee at Herdies. Enjoy a morning brew – on Alex this month – as we review our monthly goals, check-in and make some time to enjoy an hour or so of socialising with the Armidale founder community. All founders welcome!

Join us for our August meet-up for a coffee in the glasshouse at DEVA. Enjoy a morning brew – on Jess this month – as we review our monthly goals, check-in on our book club reads and make some time to enjoy an hour or so of socialising with the Tamworth founder community. All founders welcome!

Join us for our July catch up for a coffee at Herdies. Enjoy a morning brew – on Char and Alex this month – as we review our monthly goals, check-in and make some time to enjoy an hour or so of socialising with the Armidale founder community. All founders welcome!

Join us for our July meet-up for a coffee in the glasshouse at DEVA. Enjoy a morning brew – on Jess this month – as we review our monthly goals, check-in on our book club reads and make some time to enjoy an hour or so of socialising with the Tamworth founder community. All founders welcome!

Are you a UNE student who has been playing around with a business idea but don’t know how to get the ball rolling? Maybe you want to add a new product or service to your current business but aren’t sure if it’ll fly or flop?

Join us for a 2-hour deep dive into how to protect your creative time, sustain your energy, and quiet that imposter syndrome that loves to sneak in when you least expect it. Led by Anousha Victoire, an independent singer-songwriter, registered health professional, and master of juggling all the things - this session is for musicians and songwriters who want to stop running on adrenaline and start building a creative practice that lasts.