A global grassroots movement teaching the basics of founding and launching a successful 'startup' is coming to the Gold Coast, with Bond University hosting the three-day workshop from May 5 to 7.
Startup Weekend Gold Coast is open to the entire community, including primary, secondary and tertiary education students, with no business experience or startup ideas necessary.
Bond University's Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, Dr Baden U'Ren, who will facilitate the event alongside Opmantek Community Manager Sharon Hunneyball, said Startup Weekend Gold Coast would present a unique opportunity to network with creative collaborators, industry leaders and up-and-coming entrepreneurs.
"Whether you're a budding entrepreneur with an innovative idea, a startup struggling to start, a founder in need of a co-collaborator or just someone looking to learn a new skill, this event will introduce you to a network of like-minded individuals and mentors who will guide you through the world of startups," he said.
"The 54-hour whirlwind workshop will teach participants to build a business from the ground up, including pitching, business model creation, coding, designing and market validation.
"Everybody is invited to participate and to learn the basics of startups and the 'tricks of the trade' in launching a successful business."
Dr U'Ren said participants, who were encouraged to bring their own business ideas, would be split into teams and given a set number of hours to create and promote a product or service.
"Fuelled by free food, participants are thrust into a fast-paced, highly creative environment that brings together people from all walks of life to experiment with rapid idea generation," he said.
"While creating a successful business from scratch is the aim, the weekend is about so much more, including making new friends, learning new skills, and meeting creative collaborators or possible company co-founders."
At the end of the weekend, teams will present their business to a panel of judges for the opportunity to win prizes.
Startup Weekend Gold Coast will run from May 5 to 7 at the Library Annex at Bond University.