Tourism accelerator looks for fresh ideas on the Horizon

Untapped talent in Queensland’s tourism, entertainment and leisure sector will be given an opportunity to team up with first-class mentors and connect with investors under a new Advance Queensland industry accelerator program.

Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said today (Wednesday) that Slingshot, one of Australia’s largest corporate business accelerators, has opened its travel and tourism accelerator program.

“Backed by the Palaszczuk Government’s $420 million Advance Queensland initiative, the Horizons accelerator is aimed at identifying new technology and developing innovative products and services," Ms Enoch said.

“It is a golden opportunity for local startup entrepreneurs and business innovators – giving them first-class mentoring assistance while connecting them with investors and potential business partners.

“It will accelerate early stage and more developed startups - fast tracking ideas from concept to an investment-ready stage,” she said.

Slingshot’s Horizons accelerator is a 12-week program with cohorts running in Brisbane and Cairns.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Kate Jones said the accelerator program will help unveil the next generation of great tourism and entertainment businesses.

“With more than 60 per cent of tourism businesses in regional areas, it is important to provide opportunities to back new ideas across the state,” Ms Jones said.

“We are confident the program will unveil some great ideas and help develop new products and services in the industry.

“The accelerator will combine fresh thinking with seasoned business minds to drive commercial outcomes for regional operators.”

Slingshot CEO Karen Lawson said the program will help participants harness entrepreneurship and innovation in order to turn an idea or flat-lined growth into a successful business.

“It’s not good enough to have a good idea or be first to market. You must scale and scale fast,” Ms Lawson said.

“The speed of disruption is accelerating and the barriers of entry for small startups are reducing, so we work with the talent available to help propel these businesses to the next level.”

The Horizons program will be led by startup specialist, advisor, entrepreneur and Queensland local Colin Kinner, who has over 20 years' experience working with high-growth technology-based companies.

There will be a roadshow for founders to hear more about the program and meet the Slingshot team on Tuesday 15 August at The Precinct in Fortitude Valley, and with a live cross to theSPACE in Cairns.

Visit horizons.slingshotters.com for more information on how to join the Horizons travel and tourism Accelerator program.

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