In the first project of its kind, 100 designers from across Australia have the opportunity to boost their
entrepreneurial capabilities through the 2008 Springboard mentoring program. Springboard will provide a
catalyst to encourage small creative businesses to invest in their own future. The national mentorship program
will enable the country's most promising furniture, accessories, textiles and homewares designers, to create a
competitive edge while they develop their professional career prospects both in Australia and in international
markets. Delivered in two stages over the next 12 months, designers will have the personal guidance of six
established business professionals across the key areas of sustainable best practice, IP, financial
management, the media, manufacturing, retail and export markets. Mentors include eco-design specialist John
Gertsakis, former brand consultant for Apple Computer Bradford Gorman, and Swedish market strategist Mats
Ekström. The program includes a growing list of guest mentors, including co-founder of Dinosaur Design's Liane
Rossler, media specialists and seminal Australian designers, who will provide real insights on running a
thriving design business from Australia. Training workshops, an online design portal, and one to one
mentorship, will provide designers with access to industry knowledge and an expansive network, providing the
tools and the know-how to connect their design skills with strategic business practice. Springboard is an
Australian Design Unit project - a joint venture between Parcel and Studio Propeller. It is supported by the
Australia Council, and is an Australian Government funded initiative under the Building Entrepreneurship in
Small Business program.

for more information go to www.australiandesignunit.com

Prototype Hybrid Chair completed and registered with IP Australia
Hybrid Chair was designed as a multi-use piece of furniture for both domestic and commercial markets. It can
quickly and easily be converted from a dining chair to a stool or ottoman by removing the back. It can also be
used as a bench seat by locking together multiple stools. The design has been registered with IP Australia
registration no. 314977.