The free program by the City of Sydney is open to 20 Sydney retail, hospitality and tourism businesses to assist in a post-pandemic economy.

The 12-week program is in conjunction with digital innovation consultancy Disruptors Co and will feature a step-by-step guide on how to improve innovation and digital transformation.

Starting on 1 May, the program will include workshops, one-on-one coaching and group activities to see participants apply skills and knowledge directly to their business to create a growth plan.

Previous participants of the Business Innovation Program including Kepos Street Kitchen and Potts Point Bookshop will assist with sessions to share their experiences.

Eligible applicants are independent and small-to-medium-sized businesses with less than 200 employees in retail, food and beverage or tourism sectors and must have a minimum 2 years operating experience and are at the scale-up stage.

The program is also open to brick and mortar stores, and online businesses committed to launching pop-up opportunities in the City of Sydney area.

“We established the Business Innovation Program to help brands across our area explore opportunities, nurture an entrepreneur mindset, and develop resilient business models,” says Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore.

“This is about equipping businesses with the latest innovation methods, helping them to review their operational processes, and providing them with the tools they need to scale their business.”

The Business Innovation Program launched three years ago and has seen more than 70 local retail and hospitality businesses participate.

The 2023 Business Innovation Program will run from 1 May to 24 July, and applications are open now via: cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/business-support-funding/business-innovation-program