The success of Seedlab Tasmania, an organisation helping the state's food, drink, agri-food and agri-tourism startup businesses become export ready, can be found in the positive experiences of its first-round participants.
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The start-up incubator was launched in February, offering boot camp workshops to more than 45 participants and six-month accelerated programs for up to 15 selected start-ups in its first round.
Applications for the second round close on September 21, with masterclasses set to be offered in October.
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Launceston's Noya Spirits founder Ian Sypkes has been creating a traditional Chinese whiskey from seeds and said he had gained clarity in branding, brand position and the marketing of the business thanks to Cultivate.
North-West farmer Rachel Jacka, of Guide Falls Farm, who is also a participant, said Seedlab Tasmania had helped take her business to the next level.
Five years ago she and husband Matthew bought a farm and animal petting zoo which they turned into a small agri-tourism business, conducting farm tours, events and weddings, and which now sells ethical meat.
"I was passionate about environment and agriculture, and in my previous role in the commercial government, I felt the opportunity to make a difference to agriculture was small and slow.
"But in an agritourism business, I had the ability to lead by example and showcase regenerative agriculture to thousands of visitors ... we now host schools and act as an education hub for our community."
Upon near completion of the Cultivate program, Mrs Jacka said she had a stronger brand going forward, and a profit forecast for the next five years.
"I am hugely confident in the products that we sell because I now understand what it takes to attract customers to our business," she said.
"I have reduced our risk of failure...and at the same time created a strong foundation in our business to hire 17 new staff to help run all aspects of our business."
Seedlab Tasmania founder Hazel Dr Hazel MacTavish-West said all participants in the Cultivate program had experienced significant progress over the last six months.
She said feedback from Cultivate participants is positive.
"All of the businesses [during the program] have taken a slightly different trajectory and have certainly moved faster than any of us actually thought was possible... it is so exciting."
Support from government and others helps Seedlab programs continue into 2021.
