Vocus keeps Amcom accelerator

Vocus Communications has retained the tech startup accelerator program formed by Amcom Telecommunications, and launched it into its second year.

Commencing in August, Vocus Upstart will offer a total of up to $320,000 in seed capital and three months of extensive mentoring to eight successful applicants to help turn their ideas into products.

Vocus Upstart was launched last year (then known as Amcom Upstart) through a collaboration with Amcom, e-business association eGroup WA and technology hub Spacecubed.

“With the mining boom receding, programs like Vocus Upstart support a culture of innovation and intelligent risk-taking that are essential to the expansion of the startup ecosystem in Australia,” Vocus director Anthony Grist said.

Throughout the 13-week program, mentors will help innovate startups to transform their ideas into businesses, win their first customers and make their first sales.

The program will be hosted at Spacecubed, with all startups receiving work space at the office on St Georges Terrace.

Program director Robert Nathan said programs like Vocus Upstart encouraged people with innovative business ideas to take risks and give it a go.

“We give them mentorship, funding, resources, knowledge and access to business networks that they need to be successful,” Mr Nathan said.

Applications for the program will close on April 29, with the winners to be announced at the end of May.