Online events startup ourevent.info has taken out top honours at RMIT University’s prestigious 2009 Business Plan Competition.
The online service, which helps clubs and community groups organise events, manage volunteers and raise funds, was awarded the $25,000 RMIT University First Prize at a gala awards ceremony held in Melbourne earlier this month. Team Leader Paul Monks and his colleagues also received a $5,000 International Trade Award sponsored by the City of Melbourne.
The annual RMIT Business Plan Competition is open to all RMIT students worldwide and encourages teams to create innovative businesses and ideas through the development of competitive business plans.
Reflecting on this years Competition, RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, said, “As well as the winning events start-up, fresh ideas from this year’s finalists included innovative business concepts for a sustainable cake delivery venture, a private high school in Vietnam and a design consultancy for green renovations.”
Other winners this year were:
Fuji Xerox Australia 2nd Prize ($10,000) – Love Bites, a green and ethical start-up that uses bicycles to deliver boutique Fair Trade cakes and treats to inner-city cafes. Team Leader is Bella Tomasone, of Brunswick.
Merchantlink 3rd Prize ($5,000) – Hanoi Premier High School, a private Vietnamese school providing a pathway for students wishing to gain entry into international tertiary institutions. Team Leader is Nick Carrillo, of Hanoi.
The LiTMUS Environmental Sustainability Award ($10,000), Citipower and Powercor Australia Energy Innovation Award ($5,000) and GrantReady Award for Excellence ($5,000) – Greenovate, a design consultancy offering advice and solutions for green renovations and improving your home’s environmental performance. Team Leader is Monique Brady, of Carlton.
City of Melbourne Creative Industries Award ($5,000) – The KNO Project, an innovative networking website that fosters collaborations by bringing together emerging artists, designers and clients. Team Leader is Jonathon Kirk, of Carlton.
Portmans Fashion and Textiles Industry Prize ($5,000) – Lydra, unique eco-friendly clutch purses made in Melbourne from pre-loved fabrics, available in stores and online (www.lydra.com.au). Team Leader is Linda Vydra, of Cheltenham.
