The Refinery is
designed to refine, test and launch ideas into impactful businesses.
The Refinery is a creative incubator designed to transform ideas into sustainable businesses.
A testing ground and training platform, The Refinery connects the dots between creativity and business, with access to mentors and a network of inspiring industry leaders sharing real time knowledge.
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Working from The Met Maroochydore, the creative playground in the new Maroochydore City Centre project, up to 15 participants converge on the space for 2 days each week over 8 weeks, culminating in a public showcase event.
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The Refinery presents weekly programmed sessions covering business strategy, market analysis, economic models and connects collaborators and investors to bring ideas to market.
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2021 Applications for The Refinery 3.0 are now closed.
Connect online as we introduce our new cohort and for announcements and a line-up of events and Mentors.
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Who is The Refinery for?
Made for Creative People
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The Refinery is the region's first creative incubator, focused on education, experimentation and creative development, designed to support independent artists, early stage entrepreneurs and creative industry practitioners with an idea ready to go and a drive to use business as a force for good.
Applications are invited from individuals and groups from across the creative sector including visual art, screen, design, architecture, publishing, literature, advertising, media, podcasting, game development, fashion, performing arts, music, heritage and artisan craft.
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The program is free and applications are open to residents across Australia. To participate in The Refinery applicants will be invited to attend a one day bootcamp to assess their proposed business idea and must be available on Saturday March 20, 2021.
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Applications for 2021 are now closed.
Program
MARCH 20
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BOOTCAMP
Designed to evaluate potential applicants and assess their proposed business idea and readiness.
WEEK 1
May 6 & 7
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INCUBATOR
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GOALS GETTERS
Set the pace and culture, personal development, goals; abundance mindset and program introductions.
WEEK 2
May 13 & 14
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CREATIVE BUSINESS MODEL
Understand your artistic identity, creative product and design or refine your business model.
WEEK 3
May 20 & 21
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YOU + THE MARKET
Who is your customer; identifying your opportunity; product validation, sales and future proofing.
WEEK 4
May 27 & 28
MAKE YOUR BUSINESS LEGIT
An introduction to navigating legals, governance, contracts, agreements, IP and future proofing.
WEEK 5
June 3 & 4
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$USTAINABILITY
Tap into the money stream: tracking, accounting and forecasting your finances for the creative mind.
PITCH PREP & WHAT NEXT
Rehearsing and refining your presentation for pitch night, your market and potential collaborators.
WEEK 6
June 10 & 11
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WEEK 7
June 17 & 18
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WEEK 8
June 24 & 25
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Masterclasses
IMPACT AND PURPOSE
Setting a purposeful path; using your business as a force for good, tapping into ethics and impact models.
BRAND, STORY AND MARKETING
Share your story and purpose along with fundamentals of copy writing, publicity and social media tips.
PITCH NIGHT!
Take your idea to market and celebrate!
FRIDAY JULY 2
2021 Mentors
Troy & Amanda
Blaklash ProjectsClare Bowditch
Big Hearted BusinessKaylene
Start Up CreativeDui
Boom ShankerFiona
My Daily BusinessOdette
Odette and Co.Anita
WordfettiClaire
ArtisanKate Berry
OK MotelsMentor Pool
Frankie
Design KidsBrendan Beale
People Make PlacesTess
Smack Bang DesignsBen Johnston
JosephmarkHeidi Middleton
ARTCLUBTimothy O
HatchedMade for the coast
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The Refinery is made for creatives on the Sunshine Coast and designed around how we work, practice and live within the region.
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Curated by our region's industry leaders, we explore future trends, potential disruptions, global challenges and most importantly, deliver an incubator with our unique lifestyle in mind. That means surf breaks, beach walks and iced coffees on us. We will do this in collaboration with an ever-growing network of local, national and international specialists, designers and other forward-thinking partners. ​
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Meet the Creatives
An initiative of
Industry sponsor
Supported by
The Regional Arts Development Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Program development thanks to
Start something