By Casey Neill
Virtual reality for aged care and farm-fresh produce are at the core of two very different start-ups.
But small businesses Live VR in Keysborough and Green and Co Farms in Bangholme have at least one thing in common.
They were both successful in the latest round of Greater Dandenong Business Grants from Greater Dandenong Council.
Each will receive up to $8000 plus business mentoring and marketing valued at about $2000.
Ashley Inglis accepted a certificate marking the win on behalf of Green and Co Farms at the SEBN Christmas Industry Breakfast at Sandown on Thursday 14 December.
He said the idea behind the five-acre organic farm in the green wedge was to sell direct to local restaurants and cafes.
Dr Eugene Gvozdenko and Alam Bhuiyan were both present from Live VR.
They aim to use virtual reality to stimulate mental and physical engagement for aged care facility residents.
The first ever Greater Dandenong Business Grant went to Dandenong business Young Uncles back in 2014.
Co-owner Bert Glinka said he and Brendan D’Amelio used the cash to buy a high-quality coffee machine.
The cafe has gone from strength to strength, as has the duo’s smallgoods business next door that inspired the eatery, Uncle’s Smallgoods.
Earlier this year they opened another cafe, Sunny and Thor, in Harmony Square in Dandenong.
Mr Glinka said receiving the grant showed the council had confidence in the business.
“That confidence has fuelled us to keep going,” he said.
The Journal will profile the successful recipients in the new year.
