FitUsIn: (www.fitusin.com.au ) part of Ten innovative companies selected for accelerated growth
ANZ, in partnership with Innovyz, recently announced 10 companies selected to take part in the second ‘ANZ Innovyz START Program’, a three month intensive accelerator program aimed at assisting prospective and existing small business owners to develop and grow their businesses for success.
Fitusin besides nine others, were selected from over 120 applicants.
Now in its second year, the program helps develop successful tech enterprises with potentially break-through ideas that are ready for accelerated growth. The program is modeled on the renowned US-based TechStars program, which has created some of the world’s most successful start-up businesses.
The program commences on 21 January 2013, when representatives from each of the 10 companies will relocate to South Australia for 13 weeks to work with world-class mentors – including CEOs and corporate executives who have started, grown and exited companies – to refine their business model, shape their marketing and product strategies, and prepare for global growth. High-profile program mentors include Chief Experience Evangelist for Microsoft’s US Developer & Platform Evangelism (DPE) team, Chris Bernard, noted Silicon Valley entrepreneur Martin Babinec, and co-founder and former Chairman of DealsDirect, Paul Greenberg.
Dr. Jana Matthews, Managing Director of ANZ Innovyz START said: “We were looking for break-through ideas that could be enabled by web 2.0, software and mobile. We have been very pleased with the breadth and depth of business ideas we’ve seen in the applications for the 2013 ANZ Innovyz START program. The vision, passion and ambition of our entrants is testament to Australia’s burgeoning start-up and small business eco-system.”
Nick Reade, ANZ General Manager for Small Business, said: "ANZ’s ongoing support for this program forms part of our commitment to the Australian Small Business sector and in particular start-up businesses. When you’re a start-up business, success requires more than a great innovative idea, it’s about having the right support, mentoring and access to knowledgeable investors to get off the ground”.
“This program is about fostering growth and innovation in start-up businesses and working with start-up companies to rapidly accelerate their growth. We’re a strong supporter of the start up segment, approving around 7 out of 10 start up loan applications.”
About Fitusin
Its Adelaide, Australia based booking site for the health and fitness industry that allows users to quickly compare gym deals and book their visits online.
Website: www.fitusin.com.au
About ANZ Innovyz START
ANZ Innovyz START is a 13-week accelerator program modeled after the highly successful TechStars program in the United States (rated as the world’s #1 accelerator program).
The Program Director works with each company to commercialise their break-through innovation. The program includes mentoring by successful entrepreneurs, learning programs around growing a company, identification of target markets, working and reworking the company’s plan, and a presentation to potential investors on the last day of the program. ANZ Innovyz START is one of 50 accelerators in the Global Accelerator Network that was created by TechStars. www.innovyzstart.com
About ANZ Small Business
ANZ is committed to start-up businesses and the small business sector. Currently the bank of choice for more than 390,000 small business customers, ANZ has one of the highest loan approval rates from start-up business, approving around 7 out of 10 start-up loan applications. ANZ offers small business customers a range of easily accessible tools and resources to support their business at any life stage, including ‘The ANZ Small Business Hub’ LinkedIn group which provides an interactive and inclusive community for small businesses to connect, share ideas, build profiles and open doors to new opportunities. To become a member of ANZ’s Small Business Hub community, go to LinkedIn.
