Canberra prides itself on a culture of business innovation, supported by the CBR Innovation Network, a collaboration between the ACT government and big names in the ACT’s innovation community such as ANU, CIT, University of Canberra, CSIRO and Data61. 

But for the start-ups, the small businesses, or the single people with a great idea, there is Entry 29 (E29), a co-working space for start ups and entrepreneurs in Canberra.

Located in an unassuming office within the CBR Innovation Network headquarters in Canberra City, E29 itself started small, founded by a handful of “start up enthusiasts” to grow into a “passionate and connected community of entrepreneurs, innovators & mentors”.

The E29 facilities read like a start-up wishlist, including 3 meeting rooms, a podcast studio, library, kitchen, shower, high speed internet, and even a breakout area with PingPong table and XBOX. But perhaps more valuable to new entrepreneurs is the member community, with events and partner support available to even casual members. 

Access to E29 runs from $49 per month for drop in users with floating desks, to $330 a month for full time members. 

In their latest membership infographic, E29 said the space had been the birth place of at least “85 new jobs, 75 amazing people, and 42 world-changing startups”. The youngest entrepreneur is only 18 years of age, while the average age of members is 30 years. More than half of the start ups have gone on to hire an intern. 

Canberra’s CBR Innovation Network is unique within Australia. The Foundation Members and the ACT Government have committed to the Network for five years, with Foundation Members contributing $50,000 per annum per member. The ACT Government’s commitment includes ongoing financial and other support totalling more than $1 million per annum.

Further information is available at entry29.org.au