A new initiative by Albury Business Connect will see entrepreneurs and innovators pitch their “big ideas” in a bid to win the support of four judges in Albury Wodonga’s first Sharks on the Murray event to be held on 13 May. Image: AI-generated/Copilot.
A prize worth more than $30,000 is up for grabs for the person or business whose “big idea” is deemed the best in a Shark Tank-style competition being offered in Albury.
Sharks on the Murray, an initiative of Albury Business Connect, aims to support innovation in the region and provide a launch pad to the winners in each of the two categories.
They are hoping to attract individuals, start-ups or businesses who have an innovative business idea or invention to take the plunge and enter.
Supported by Telstra, Westpac and Latrobe University, Wotbox and Young Business Edge, the competition is free to enter and will involve a pitch night to judges Natasha Callewaert, Marcus Millgate, Clayton Wood and Jenny Gray on 13 May.
Ms Callewaert said Sharks on the Murray, styled from the television show Shark Tank, was more than a pitch event.
“It’s a platform,” she told Region. “It’s about showing that world-class ideas can come from anywhere, including right here along the Murray.
“It gives local entrepreneurs a chance to be seen and heard, and it brings together investors, mentors, and supporters who can help turn those ideas into real businesses.
“That’s how you build a thriving business ecosystem – by creating these kinds of launch pads.”
Ms Callewaert is well known in the border business community and a seasoned entrepreneur herself with more than 20 years’ experience in the hotel industry.
Albury-Wodonga businesswoman Natasha Callewaert is one of four judges who will take part in Sharks on the Murray, a new competition aimed at launching innovative ideas or inventions in the region. Photo: Supplied.
She has owned and operated multiple businesses in regional areas and Melbourne metro, including Quest Wodonga and Quest Orange. She says these ventures sharpened her leadership, strategic planning and team management skills, inspiring her to create her own business, Boardroom HQ.
Having navigated major economic shifts, including the GFC and COVID-19, Ms Callewaert, a speaker, business coach and adviser, knows a thing or two about resilience, adaptability and strategic leadership.
She was motivated to join the event as a judge because she recognised there is plenty of untapped potential in the area.
“It felt like the kind of initiative that could help bring some of those big ideas to life,” she said.
“I’ve always believed in giving back to the business community, and being part of a judging panel that helps guide and hopefully inspire the next wave of local innovators is very exciting.”
She said she wanted to see passion, clarity and a strong understanding of the problem they’re solving in the entrants’ pitches.
“A great idea is just the start – it’s the drive behind it, the market insight, and the ability to communicate it well that really stand out.
“I’m also hoping to see a bit of boldness. This is their moment to be visionary, to show us what’s possible not just for their business, but for the region.”
Ms Callewaert said that while the event was the first of its kind for Albury-Wodonga, she hoped it could be held annually.
“There’s going to be so many great ideas out there,” she said. ”There can only be two winners this year, but I’m really excited to meet everyone, including those who don’t win, because there’s so much opportunity for networking and those great conversations with people that are really hungry for growth.”
Albury Business Connect general manager Glen Robinson said the idea had been embraced by local industry, with some big-name sponsors partnering the concept.
“Having a major national brand like Telstra backing the event is a game-changer,” he said.
“Their support will enable us to create an even bigger platform for local entrepreneurs to pitch their idea and gain exposure and connections.”
Various conditions apply and entrants must reside within a 70-kilometre radius of the Albury Post Office and can’t be businesses with 20 or more employees.
The two categories are New Business Idea (for innovators with a product or service idea they want to bring to our community) and New Business Venture – (for small-business owners, with 20 employees or fewer, looking to expand, innovate, or break into new markets). Entries close on 13 April and the finalists will be announced on 21 April.
The pitch night will be held at the Hothouse Theatre on 13 May and is a ticketed event open to the public.
For more information and to enter, visit Sharks on the Murray or contact Albury Business Connect on (02) 6046 9223.
