A Gathering for Merri-bek’s Bold Businesses, Thinkers and Doers

We’re bringing together Merri-bek’s entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners to talk about a topic we all wrestle with but rarely get to unpack properly: how do we fund what we’re building!

Whether it’s debt, bootstrapping, grants, VC, angels, private capital or something that doesn’t fit neatly in a box, we’re creating a space to share candid reflections on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what we’ve learned along the way.

No pitch decks, no panels, no pressure. Just real people, real experiences, and open conversations to help others navigating similar paths.

Why come?

Hear from local founders on how they’ve funded their growth
Learn about different financing paths and the tradeoffs that come with them
Ask questions, share stories and connect with others building or dreaming about building bold
Help shape a business community that’s bold, diverse, and connected

Merri-bek is where innovation, community and sustainability thrive together. We believe the future favours the bold, and we’re bringing together Merri-bek’s innovators, entrepreneurs, creators, change-makers and future-focused businesses - the people who are pushing boundaries, blending industries and doing things differently.

Whether you're into health, medtech, synbio, circular economy, envirotech, sustainability, creative industries or perhaps building, doing or dreaming of something that doesn’t fit into a neat box - we want you in the room.

Bold businesses - innovative, future-focused, and purpose-driven. They create jobs, spark new industries, build community, and give people purpose. Merri-bek is fast becoming the home for businesses that don’t just adapt to the future, they shape it.

If you’re building something new, doing things differently, or just curious, please come along.

💡Please share this with anyone who should be in the room

📩 Questions? Please email business@merri-bek.vic.gov.au