Journalist: Many of us might have that brilliant idea, that one that’s going to set us up for life, it’s going to make us a multimillionaire, it’s going to put us on the world map.

But the reality is we have an idea but we don’t quite know how to get it to the next stage. Or maybe we know what to do we just don’t have the resources to do it.

Well, if you’re on the Gold Coast and that’s your story maybe there’s an answer for you. We’re talking to our MP Karen Andrews.

Hello Karen, how are you?

Karen Andrews: I’m very well, how are you?

Journalist: Super and improving, especially with what we’re going to talk about. If you’re a bit of an ‘ideas’ person Karen, there’s a chance to have someone who’s a bit of a money kind of person to help you out.

Karen Andrews: There certainly is. As a Government we are very focussed on start-ups and doing what we can to assist our budding entrepreneurs and our innovators to get out there and commercialise their inventions so that they can participate very productively in the workforce, maybe employ some people, but certainly help our economy.

Journalist: Now there are a whole lot of things that we can possibly consider a great idea but what really qualifies? Does it have to be a somewhat sane idea? Or can even the craziest things qualify to get some funding?

Karen Andrews: We’re certainly looking for inventions or innovations that have really got some prospect of going to the next stage, to commercialisation. So this isn’t just an opportunity for someone effectively to have a thought bubble and to apply to the government for some funding.

We’re looking at what the criteria will be for that and making sure that there are some stringent guidelines in place so what we’re looking at is what the need for the funding is going to be and we’re clearly looking at what ideas are already reasonably well developed and are ready to take the next step.

So the need for the funding, what are the market opportunities going to be like, is there an opportunity that there will be a market for this invention? What the plan will be to get this into the market? Although clearly we’re in a position to be able to help with that. We’re looking at management capabilities, so will the individual or the organisation that’s putting up the proposal be able to take this to the next stage? And what are the national benefits in it?

Journalist: Ok, so there’s a lot to go in there, there’s $484M put on the table by the Government for the Entrepreneurs Investment Programme but are you a decision maker Karen?

Karen Andrews: No I’m not, I’m certainly well and truly at arm’s length from this and applications will be assessed by the Department of Industry and Science.

As part of the Entrepreneurs Investment Programme, we have the Accelerated Commercialisation Programme, which is where I would encourage our budding entrepreneurs to start looking at to get some support.

We have some people who will be able to assist with the next stage of commercialisation.

Journalist: Now I’m a bit disappointed you’re not a decision maker because I think you’d have the sort of vision to get my idea. I’ve actually got something, do you mind if I pitch you an idea Karen and see what you think? See if it will get through the qualifications?

Karen Andrews: Give it your best shot.

Journalist: Ok, we’re going to do this next with Karen Andrews, behind this whole entrepreneurial funding that’s there from the Federal Government. We’re going to talk more about it soon at Juice 107.3.

On Juice 107.3, MP Karen Andrews is our guest this afternoon and we’re talking about some funding for entrepreneurs. If you’ve got this brilliant idea but you need some support, some funding, to take it through to the next stage then it’s there for you.

Karen I’ve got this idea that I reckon is going to take off. I think you’re going to see the visions for it.

Karen Andrews: Ok, I’m listening

Journalist: Ok. It’s very simple. I’m just going to give two words to you and see if it blows your mind. Hypercolour. Spandex. Hypercolour. Spandex. What do you reckon Karen?

Karen Andrews: I think that is an incredibly scary prospect.

Journalist: You’re clicking online now going ‘Can I buy hyper colour spandex? Where do I get them from?’  You want some, don’t you Karen?

Karen Andrews: Yes I’m thinking of who I could give that to.

Journalist: It’s the gift that just keeps on giving.

Karen Andrews: It does indeed. I think you should certainly pursue that option, it’s got potential.

Journalist: Will it get through? Do you think people would see my vision?

Karen Andrews: I think people will be interested in hearing more about it.

Journalist: You are such a politician, always diplomatic. Karen thank you so much for your time this afternoon, I know you’re busy. Thanks for sharing this project with us and maybe unlocking some dreams or visions for people on the Coast. Thanks heaps.

Karen Andrews: You’re welcome, take care.

[Ends]