Business bulletin: October 2024

October Business Month (OBM) has wrapped up for another year, delivering an incredible line up of events and workshops across the Territory for local Territorians and businesses.

2024 marked the 30th anniversary of OBM with over 4,000 Territorians embracing the opportunity to connect with other businesses, learn new skills and be inspired by our impressive line-up of keynote speakers and Territory Success Stories.

Territory businesses heard from 5 inspirational keynote speakers, including David Koch, Cathy Freeman OAM, Pip Courtney, Leigh Sales AM and Dr Alan D. Thompson, who shared their expert knowledge and experiences in both business and life.

Each keynote speaker event included a local Territory Success Story (TSS). Representing a diverse range of business owners and entrepreneurs who shared their stories; overcoming adversity, following their passion, and achieving success. This year’s TSS included:

• Steven Camilleri from SPEE3D
• Donna-Marie Grieve from BIG Carpentry and BIG NT Print Services
• Alice Beilby from Savanna Solutions Business Services
• Kylie Elston from Specialised Welding & Engineering (SWEL)
• Ikuntji Artists, represented by Roseranna Larry, Dr Chrischona Schmidt and Hayley Dodd
• Simone Cameron from Cotton Australia
• Connie Jape from Jape Group Australia
• Anna Goat from Rise Project Consulting (Rise PC)

This program of events would not be possible without the generous support of our OBM sponsors, in particular platinum sponsors National Australia Bank and AusIndustry, as well as this year’s OBM Event Partners who came together to deliver another huge month of business events focused on key topics: human connection, digitalisation, workforce, growth, leadership and strategy and planning.

Territorians living in apartments and units across the Territory will soon be supported to access shared rooftop solar, with the NT Government launching a new grant scheme in partnership with the Australian Government.

Around 300 Territory households are set to benefit from this scheme.

The $2.35 million initiative is funded through the Australian Government’s Community Solar Banks program and managed by the Northern Territory Government.

The scheme supports apartment complexes across the Territory to install shared rooftop solar systems – potentially slashing power bills by up to $500 a year per dwelling.

Applications have now opened for the first round of the scheme, which will make it cheaper and easier for Territory apartment residents to install shared rooftop solar.

Around 18 per cent of Territory households live in apartments or flats, with more than half of these occupied by renters.

Grants of up to $7,500 per dwelling or apartment will be offered to eligible Body Corporates and other multi dwelling management entities to support up to half of the cost of installing a shared solar PV system.

For more details or to see if you are eligible to apply, go to the Territory Renewable Energy website.

Innovation Bay, Australia’s longest running community for technology start-ups and investors has launch its Angel Investor community, Horizon, in the Northern Territory.

Innovation Bay was selected as the winning design under the Territory Government’s latest innovation challenge to design an Angel Investment Network.

The challenge required participants to design an Angel Investment Network to support the development of the innovation ecosystem in the Territory.

Innovation Bay has built a strong reputation over its 20-year history building member-based communities for technology startup founders, angel investors, and venture capitalists.

The Horizon Angel Investment community will provide early-stage funding and expertise to start-ups and small businesses and help bridge gaps between innovation support programs and venture capital funding.

The Horizon Angel Investor community is designed to empower local investors by arming them with the skills, capabilities needed to effectively support Territory tech startups and drive economic growth in the Territory.

Horizon has welcomed its first members, including Michael Canais, who has an extensive career spanning more than 25 years with successful ventures in both property development and investment.

Mr Canais said, “Innovation Bay’s move to the NT shows their belief in our region’s potential, bringing valuable expertise and a solid business model to help local investors access opportunities they wouldn’t normally have.”

“I’m also looking forward to building on what’s already here by supporting local early-stage projects as they seek investment and, more broadly, fostering new and innovative entrepreneurships within the Northern Territory.”

Local Darwin angel investors interested in Horizon can apply for membership on the Innovation Bay website or email innovation@nt.gov.au.

Last week, over 70 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators gathered at the Activating Innovation in the Territory event, hosted by Innovation Territory.

This dynamic day was part of October Business Month and aimed to spark ideas, accelerate creativity, and drive progress across the region.

The event offered a full schedule of inspiring sessions, including keynote speakers and networking opportunities, with representation from key organisations and individuals in the innovation ecosystem, such as Innovation Bay, AusIndustry, The Array, Darwin Innovation Hub, and alumni from the Business Innovation Program (BIP).

Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions on the Territory’s innovation ecosystem, exchanged ideas, and explored collaborative projects to shape the future of the Northern Territory.

Director of Innovation Territory, Martin Redhead, said, “The Territory’s innovation ecosystem is young and growing fast.”

“By connecting industry leaders with emerging talent and providing a space for knowledge sharing, this event fuels a culture of innovation that benefits our local business community and the broader innovation ecosystem.”

Applications are now open for the Business Innovation Program, a mentoring and grant initiative to help Territory start-ups and businesses accelerate the commercialisation of their innovations.

If you have an idea and want to take it to the next level, go to the Northern Territory Government website.

Esper Satellite Imagery, an Australian company with a cutting-edge hyperspectral satellite solution aimed at sustainable mining and energy has won first prize at Croc Pitch 2024.

Esper’s technology uses satellites equipped with hyperspectral sensors to capture hundreds of wavelengths of light, beyond the capabilities of the human eye.

This allows customers to gather detailed chemical data about Earth's landmasses and atmosphere, enabling the tracking of carbon emissions, carbon sequestration, deforestation, and promoting sustainable mining and agricultural practices.

Esper’s advanced hyperspectral satellite technology is set to revolutionise resource management and environmental monitoring, particularly in the energy and mining sectors.

Paspalis CEO Harley Paroulakis said “Esper's technology is a major breakthrough for industries dependent on accurate data.”

“We’re excited to see how this investment will propel innovation and sustainability in mining and energy exploration.”

Croc Pitch 2024 runners up include:

• XM2 Earth – Tethered heavy-lift drone systems for disaster recovery, telecom, mining, and defence, entering due diligence with PIIF for potential future investment.
• Connecting Dots – A digital platform enabling seamless communication and collaboration across sectors, securing a place in Stage 2 of the Northern Territory Government’s Business Innovation Program, valued at $30,000.
• Sol Intelligent Classroom Solutions – An AI-driven educational assistant supporting trauma-informed and neurodiverse teaching strategies in NT schools, awarded a Start NT Scholarship worth $15,000.

The Darwin Innovation Hub has facilitated investments exceeding $6 million into businesses competing in Croc Pitch through the Paspalis Innovation Investment Fund (PIIF). The competition attracts entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs, and investors from around the world.

Get ready to throw on your boots and dive into the wild world of cattle management with Pasture: The Livestock Simulator.

Developed by the ambitious Darwin duo Nathan Groves and Chas (CJ) Cole at Salty Games, this game is set to redefine farming simulations with an adrenaline-fueled twist.

Players don’t just manage a cattle station—they’re embarking on a high-octane adventure across the rugged landscapes of the Northern Territory. Whether you’re herding cattle on horseback, revving up your motorbike, or soaring overhead in a helicopter, this game has got your back.

Pasture: The Livestock Stimulator also features a ground-breaking herding algorithm that ensures every cow and bull has its own unique personality—no two days will ever feel the same.

“This game is not just about farming – it’s about our community, sustainability and the beauty of our home,” said Salty Games Creative Director Nathan Groves.

The development of Pasture has been bolstered by $1.5 million in seed-stage funding delivered by the Paspalis Co-Investment Fund – which is jointly supported by the Northern Territory’s Local Jobs Fund and Paspalis.

The investment in Salty Games will see the company bring on three new full-time employees, and it will also support the final stages of development and prepare the game for its anticipated launch on Steam next year, one of the largest digital distribution platforms for PC games.

The Paspalis Co-Investment Fund is all about empowering companies with deep roots in the Territory, offering up to $5 million in funding to stimulate job growth and diversify the economy.

Are you a small business looking to adopt digital tools and new technologies to support your business growth?

Take the leap towards a successful digital future with the Digital Solutions program.

Access up to 4 hours of one-on-one digital advice from a qualified and experienced business adviser for just $110.

There are also free workshops, webinar presentations and self-directed tutorials on topics such as digital marketing, business software, cyber security and many more.

Contact the @Business Enterprise Centre NT for more information, or go to the Business Enterprise Centre NT website.