After an intensive week of collaboration, innovation, and industry engagement, our Entrepreneurial Edge Work Experience students proudly pitched their business ideas to an audience of industry leaders, educators, community members, and family.

In the last week of Term 2, students from Bendigo South East College, Crusoe College, Highview College Maryborough, Marist College Bendigo, and Weeroona College Bendigo stepped into the shoes of young entrepreneurs, working in mixed-school teams to identify real challenges facing local industries and develop practical, creative digital technology solutions.

Each team was aligned with one of Bendigo's key growth sectors — including health, building and construction, advanced manufacturing, creative industries, food and fibre, and professional and community services — working closely with industry mentors, participating in workshops, exploring design thinking, and refining their ideas through feedback and collaboration.

The pitch event marked the culmination of their hard work, with each team confidently presenting its business concept and showcasing not only creativity and problem-solving, but also teamwork, communication, and the ability to respond thoughtfully to questions about their ideas, all valuable skills for the future.

A sincere thank you to the industry leaders who generously shared their time, expertise, and insights with the students: Hayley Tibbett from Be.Bendigo; Kristen Beever from Bendigo Theatre Company; Skye Prior from Farmers2Founders; Andrew Chittenden and Beau McKenna from Golden City Support Services; Jeff Smith from Lansell Homes; Nick Standen from the La Trobe Rural Health School; and Rhett Nankervis, Dane Bobart, Thomas Moore, and Ryan Beens from Thales. Their willingness to connect with our students provides invaluable real-world insights, inspires future career aspirations, and helps build a stronger, more skilled workforce for our local community.

The Entrepreneurial Edge Work Experience Program has been proudly developed and delivered in partnership with BUGBOX, the La Trobe Business School, and the Goldfields LLEN. Thank you to everyone involved in creating such an engaging and inspiring learning experience for our students.

Congratulations to every student who embraced the challenge, stepped outside their comfort zone, and showcased what can be achieved through collaboration, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking. The future is certainly in capable hands.