Ventures is excited to welcome Vanessa Garrard as the new Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) for our Empower pre-accelerator program.
With an impressive track record of founding 25 companies, Vanessa brings a wealth of experience and insight to this role.
“I understand the fundamental challenges women face in raising capital, scaling their businesses and exiting.”
“That’s why I’m excited to be part of the Ventures Empower program.”
“I believe that by sharing my experiences, business insights and network, I can help other women start and grow their own businesses,” Vanessa said.
As a guest speaker for the past two cohorts, Vanessa is familiar with the Empower program, and it was this positive experience that inspired her to take on this new role.
“Having participated as a speaker in two of the groups so far and having met with the participants, I can see the value this program offers to the founders who participate in it and would love to collaborate more actively.”
Her new role is to help founders develop strong business plans from the get-go.
“My main goal as EiR is to work with founders to develop a sound business plan so they can launch their business from the very beginning and achieve maximum success,” she said.
Vanessa’s wealth of experience allows her to offer attendees a unique perspective both as a founder and as an investor.
“I have extensive experience founding, scaling, fundraising, exiting and investing in companies. I can provide insight from both a founder and investor perspective to help these companies grow and succeed.”
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Vanessa offers two valuable pieces of advice.
- Get coaching and expand your network
Accept mentorship, listen to advice from more experienced entrepreneurs, and develop a network of other founders with whom you can exchange ideas and openly discuss opportunities and challenges.
- Stay focused
In business, there will always be opportunities and tempting things that can distract you from your business plan. Create a strong business plan and stay focused and execute on that plan.
Vanessa is passionate about working with the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
“I look forward to meeting the next group of women who join the program and working with them to provide them with the tools, business insights and connections to help them scale and succeed in their businesses.”
Are you an early stage founder looking to improve your startup?
The Empower program is a 10-week transformational experience that helps accelerate your startup. You’ll join a peer group of inspiring founders and get the support, knowledge, and confidence you need to achieve your business goals.
Apply for the UQ Ventures Empower Programme
