MELTON & MOORABOOL
Home » News » Hot house to boost economy

Hot house to boost economy

A group of local entrepreneurs is well on its way to realising a business dream.

The group has just completed the second round of Melton council’s Hot House project, a nine-week program of workshops and networking designed to help participants refine their bright business idea into a strategic, well-planned opportunity.

With half of the nine week program conducted over Zoom due to social distancing measures because of COVID-19, the 40 participants are ready to put their ideas into action.

The start-up ideas included an anti-bullying social enterprise, a life coach service, pet-friendly landscaping, plus-sized dress hire, a software-powered sprinkler system, business consulting and vegan catering.

Melton mayor Lara Carli was impressed by the participants’ commitment and creativity and how Hot House had already helped to shape their ideas.

“What an impressive group of entrepreneurs our season two Hot House Project delivered,” Cr Carli said.

“I’m thrilled that our program has already helped so many of these start-ups transform into strong and successful business opportunities.

“Nurturing business-minded locals and their new business ideas gives our community quality, innovative services and products, local jobs, and a strong local economy.

“We know that many of our Hot House participants are about to make a really positive contribution to the City of Melton’s business sector and we’re so proud.”

The Hot House Project will continue to provide opportunities for further mentoring sessions, one-on-one feedback, expert support and advice, business education and additional networking.

Digital Editions


  • Darley in solid position

    Darley in solid position

    Darley had a solid first day of its final round match with local rival Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Cricket Association. For a second straight…

More News

  • Community art promotes inclusion

    Community art promotes inclusion

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 536103 A vibrant collection of artwork by local residents, including people living with disability, seniors, those experiencing mental health challenges, and members of Culturally…

  • Shopping help for heart health

    Shopping help for heart health

    The Heart Foundation and the nutrition platform No Money No Time have launched a new partnership to help residents in the northern and western suburbs manage rising grocery costs while…

  • Major works to cause delays

    Major works to cause delays

    Major infrastructure projects will cause significant travel disruptions across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs throughout the autumn months as construction enters key phases on several road and rail removals. Commuters…

  • Sporting opportunities for young inmates

    Sporting opportunities for young inmates

    The Victorian Government has announced an expansion of the Twinning Project to the Ripley Unit at Marngoneet Prison. This initiative, which focuses on young men aged 18 to 25, is…

  • New anti-gang movement

    New anti-gang movement

    The Victorian Government has announced a $1 million investment into a new anti-gang program aimed at preventing the recruitment of young people into criminal networks. Managed by the Violence Reduction…

  • Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Sporting club grants up for grabs

    Local sporting clubs across Victoria are encouraged to apply for a fresh round of funding grants launched by the state government. On Wednesday, Community Sport Minister Ros Spence announced that…

  • AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    AI imaginary friends no substitute for human connection

    Loneliness and social isolation are now recognised as major public health threats, prompting governments to explore technological solutions. Research from Monash University argues new AI ‘digital companions’ marketed as a…

  • EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    EPA puts brands on notice over packaging waste

    Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) has lost patience with companies that fail to show how they are reducing packaging waste, warning they risk significant penalties if they don’t comply with…

  • WorkSafe manual handling workshops

    WorkSafe manual handling workshops

    Purchase this photo from Pic Store: 183103 Hazardous manual handling is the biggest cause of workplace injuries in Victoria, according to WorkSafe. The state’s work safety regulator said it has…

  • F1 festival headed to Melbourne

    F1 festival headed to Melbourne

    A free Formula 1 Melbourne Fan Festival is coming to Federation Square. Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the free festival will make it easier and cheaper…