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Digital Solutions
Consulting
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Business Mentoring & Advisory
SEA Program
Melbourne Innovation Centre helps businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them build a smarter, stronger future. Since 1998, we’ve supported thousands of small businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs across Victoria and wider Australia.
We’re real people delivering workshops, webinars, online learning and ongoing mentoring and coaching support. We provide practical support that empowers people to start, grow, adapt and thrive.
To do that, we combine real-world expertise with a community-driven approach that meets businesses where they are. Whatever your industry, whether you’re launching a new idea, building your business model or planning for the next stage, we connect you with the knowledge, networks and confidence to take action.
For us, innovation means more than revolutionary ideas. It means turning those ideas into real and lasting impact through deliberate action.
If you’re ready to make a difference, we’re ready to help make it happen.
Behind every number is a story of change - of people, businesses and communities moving forward.
We meet people where they are. No jargon, no judgement. Just real support that builds confidence and capability.
Everything we offer is designed to help you grow - whether that’s gaining skills, reaching new customers, or turning an idea into impact.
We work with people across Victoria to deliver expert support - online, on the ground, and at every stage of the journey.
Darebin Enterprise Centre Ltd (DECL) was officially established on a former quarry and landfill site in Alphington, with $500,000 in seed funding from the Australian Government. It became one of Australia’s first business incubators, transforming disused land into a thriving hub for entrepreneurship.
DECL opened its doors to its first tenant businesses, providing affordable office and workshop spaces, mentoring, and shared business services. Within 15 months, it became financially self-sufficient, an exceptional achievement for a new incubator.
DECL expanded into a full suite of support programs providing training, export assistance, and local networking support for start-ups in manufacturing, creative industries, food, and technology sectors.
DECL gained multiple Business Innovation & Incubation Australia awards, including National Incubator of the Year (2001 & 2007).
In 2007, it launched Indigenous Business Hubs in Darwin, Alice Springs, and Katherine - a major national milestone supporting Indigenous enterprise across Australia.
By its tenth anniversary, DECL had supported over 55 successful graduates (73% still operating), employing hundreds of Victorians and expanding its national consultancy services.
The organisation was also awarded the prestigious International Business Incubator of the Year by the North American based National Business Incubation Association (NBIA).
DECL established the first Digital Arts Business Incubator in Australia based out of the old Northcote Police Station.
The incubator provided support to digital start-ups working across the video game, app development, graphic design and multimedia industries.
Approaching its 20th anniversary, the organisation rebranded to Melbourne Innovation Centre to align with its broad reach across metropolitan Melbourne, regional Victoria and Australia.
By this stage, MIC had evolved its services to drive digital transformation for businesses. This era was the start of MIC working with more than 15,000 businesses to improve their digital capability across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
In addition to its continued focus on digital business growth, MIC leads several critical projects focused on disaster recovery and pandemic support for small business owners across Victoria. This includes supporting businesses impacted by the devastating Black Summer bushfires across East Gippsland, North East Victoria and Wellington Shires.
MIC also delivers large scale business advisory support to Covid impacted businesses owners in partnership with wellbeing and financial counselling supports.
Recognising the evolution and sophistication of modern coworking models, MIC transitions out of physical business incubation program delivery. The organisation moves its headquarters to Cremorne, VIC, a thriving hub for start-ups and corporate digital first organisations.
The organisation continues to be a critical support for small businesses and start-ups across Victoria and provides equity of access to a range of innovative programming for new and existing business owners.
Creating an environment built on honesty, accountability and fairness.
Championing high standards that inspire confidence and bold thinking.
Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusion at every level.
Prioritising the long-term wellbeing of businesses, communities and the environment.
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Ready to bring your innovative idea to life?
At Melbourne Innovation Centre, we’re a community of entrepreneurs, creators, and changemakers focused on turning ideas into action. Whether you’re at the concept stage or ready to scale, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.
Let’s innovate, together.
