Springboard

Established in 2008 by the Australian Government funded Australian Design Unit, The Springboard Project was set up to aid local designers in establishing their professional careers. During the mentoring process, 100 designers from across Australia were given expert guidance from industry heavyweights covering the areas of entrepreneurship, retail, marketing, paths to market, design for sustainability, branding, media, finance, contracts and IP. Additionally, an online design portal providing resources specific to the needs of an Australian design business evolved from the shared knowledge of the participants.

Paul Justin, the mind behind makedo, was short-listed for an intensive second phase providing more focussed mentoring. Walking in with a sketch of an idea to create a business around a set of cardboard box connectors, Paul was guided by Springboard directors Heidi Dokukil and Ewan McEoin along with Peter English, Mats Ekstrom, Bradford Gorman and Jessica Stanley.   As an emerging business, having open access to high level experts has been invaluable, and we think the launch of makedo speaks volumes for the success of the program.

Springboard have announced their 2010 program. More here.