Glen Innes Severn Council and the University of New England SMART Region Incubator (SRI) are joining forces to strengthen opportunities for local entrepreneurs, businesses and emerging ideas across the Glen Innes Highlands.
The new regional partnership will establish the Glen Innes Highlands Hub as a regional location within the UNE SRI network, connecting local entrepreneurs and businesses with a broader ecosystem of expertise, mentoring, capability development, programs and networks.
The partnership means entrepreneurs can remain based in Glen Innes while accessing connections and opportunities through UNE and the wider New England North West innovation network.
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis said the partnership delivered on a longstanding strategic priority for the Highlands Hub.
“Partnerships are a key strategic pillar of the Highlands Hub’s success. Connecting with incubators across the region has been part of that vision from the outset, so it is good to see this longstanding priority being delivered through our partnership with UNE SMART Region Incubator,” Cr Davis said.
“The Hub’s success depends on more than providing a space. It is about connecting local businesses and entrepreneurs with the expertise, mentoring and networks that help them develop ideas and grow. This partnership strengthens those connections while allowing people to build their businesses here in Glen Innes.”
Through the partnership, local entrepreneurs will be able to connect with the UNE SRI community, including mentoring and connector support, training and workshops, networking opportunities, university researchers, industry contacts and other professionals across the region.
The partnership will also bring more activity directly into Glen Innes, with UNE SRI intending to deliver events, masterclasses and SRI member gatherings at the Highlands Hub, subject to demand and availability.
The Highlands Hub will continue to operate as Glen Innes’ own local coworking, meeting, business and community facility, while acting as a local connection point into the broader SRI ecosystem.
UNE SMART Region Incubator Director Cameron Turner said, “Regional innovation works best when people, knowledge and opportunity are connected. What excites me about this partnership is the opportunity to unlock the knowledge and expertise within UNE, connect it with the ideas, businesses and people already doing great things in Glen Innes, and see what new opportunities emerge.”
“Ultimately, that’s what the SRI is here to do; help turn knowledge and ideas into practical impact that helps our communities thrive.”
The partnership will also create opportunities for future collaboration including founder programs, industry and research connections, regional initiatives and potential joint funding opportunities.
Council and UNE SRI formally celebrated the partnership at the Highlands Hub as part of Council’s Rise & Thrive – NSW Small Business Month 2026 program on Tuesday 13 October.
Cr Davis said the partnership provided a foundation for further regional collaboration.
“We have talented people, strong businesses and good ideas in Glen Innes. Bringing incubator partnerships to life is central to the Highlands Hub delivering on its purpose. I look forward to seeing this partnership translate into practical programs, stronger business connections and opportunities for our community.”
For more information about getting involved with UNE SRI via the Highlands Hub, please contact the Hub on (02) 6730 2400.
Media Release: Glen Innes Severn Council
