STARTUP ALLEY GRANTS

Written By Hunter iF

Your Hunter Startup Belongs in the Spotlight.

No stages. No sharks. Just a space for Hunter founders to connect and grow. We're offering a limited number of free spots at Startup Alley. This is your community.

Do you live and breathe your idea. You know the hustle, the hope, and the constant pressure to have all the answers. But what if you didn’t have to pretend? What if you could just connect with people who get it?

We’re building something different at the Hunter Innovation Festival.

Startup Alley is a no-pitch zone. It’s a space designed for genuine conversation, not competition. It's a chance to share your real story—the wins, the challenges, and the vision—with a community that wants to see you succeed.

Forget the elevator pitch. Let's just talk.

We're Talking to YOU. Yes, You.

This is a space for every founder. We believe innovation comes from every corner of our community. We're not looking for slick presentations; we're looking for passion, purpose, and a plan. We want to hear from you if you're building:

  • A social enterprise tackling a tough community problem.

  • A circular economy model that turns waste into want.

  • A FinTech app that will change how we manage money.

  • A food truck concept with a cult following waiting to happen.

  • A sustainable fashion label designing the future.

  • An Agri-tech solution born from a local problem.

  • A clever new tool that makes a tradie's life 10x easier.

  • A health & wellness service our community needs.

If you have a business, a product, or a platform in any area, you belong here.

Why This is the Space You've Been Looking For

This isn’t about who has the best slide deck. This is about building relationships that can change your business. We're covering the cost so that every deserving founder has the chance to be in the room.

Your free spot includes:

✅ Conversations, Not Competitions: This is a safe space. Share your journey and get honest, constructive feedback from peers and mentors without the pressure to perform.

✅ Maximum Impact, Minimum Booth Time: Showcase your work for a power-packed 2.5 hours. After that, the day is yours to explore the festival, attend talks, and make more connections as a full delegate.

✅ Meaningful Connections: Talk one-on-one with investors, industry leaders, and potential partners who are there to listen and support, not just to be pitched to.

✅ A Full Festival Pass (Valued over $200): You're not just an exhibitor; you're a core part of the festival community. Immerse yourself in the entire event, on us.

The Details

  • 📅 Date: Thursday 25 September 2025

  • 📍 Location: Newcastle Town Hall

  • ⏳ Application Deadline: Midnight, 31 July 2025

  • Cost: $0 for successful applicants.

Ready to Find Your People?

This is your chance to take a breath, step away from the grind, and build relationships that will fuel you and your business for the long haul.

Spots are incredibly limited to keep the space valuable and intimate. Don't let self-doubt stop you from finding your community.

P.S. Still not sure if you should apply? That feeling of "Am I ready yet?" is normal. The truth is, you're more ready than you think. What's the worst that can happen? You spend 2 minutes on an application. The best that can happen? It could change the entire trajectory of your business. You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Got questions? Reach out to our Festival Program Lead, Baidy Barton, at events@hunterif.com.au. She's ready to help.

Hunter iF
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