This document provides information about various startup communities and events in Australia that entrepreneurs can participate in to help increase their chances of success. It lists mailing lists, regular meetups in Sydney, quarterly evening events, two-day startup camps held in major cities, informal Bar Camp meetups, and recommends plugging into global communities through podcasts and remotely accessing tech summits. The communities aim to help reduce isolation, foster learning from others, and provide networking opportunities for entrepreneurs at different stages.

1. Getting Plugged Into the Startup SceneICT Illawarra – Lightening Talks, NovemberGeoff McQueen, Internetrix & Hiive Systems

2. Being an entrepreneur can be very isolatingAustralia is a small market a long way from most of the world’s tech in Silicon ValleyYou can dramatically increase your chances of success by learning from othersFortunately, there is a large community of entrepreneurs, many of whom are willing and able to help youIt’s the community, stupid

3. Active and high quality mailing listA bit over a year old732 members3781 postsRegular Friday DrinksBar 77, Grace Hotel, SydneyMore info at www.siliconbeachaustralia.orgSilicon Beach

4. Run in NSW by Dept Industry & InnovationFree to join, but need to have good techRun or connect to range of activities & eventsRecently put on the Tech 23 conferenceAlso arrange for discounts to trade shows, etcAlso $20K in matched funding availableMore info at www.ats.business.gov.auAustralian Technology Showcase

5. Informal meet-ups for Sydney EntrepreneursRun by Kim Heras, editor of TheNextWebAU every 2nd ThurGood mix of wantrepreneurs & more established playersMore info at:www.meetup.com/open-coffee-sydney/Open Coffee

6. Roughly quarterly evening events in Syd“This is NOT about starting. This is about growing”.Good selection of speakers & networkingDrinks are usually funded by a sponsorA few regulars from WollongongMore info at www.growthtown.comGrowthtown

7. Have been 5 since Sep 08, held in Syd (2x), Melb (2x) & Canberra (1x)Come up with idea, build product, launch product, pitch business in <2 daysAll volunteer drivenMore info at:www.startup-australia.orgStartup Camp

8. Bar Camps are informal, conference style meetups with open agendas & little planningProvide an opportunity to share ideas & meet diverse people in the tech communityOne on this Saturday, 21st at ATP, RedfernMore info at: www.barcamp.org/BarCampAustraliaBar Camps

9. Plug into the wider, global communityEntrepreneurial Thought Leaders from the Stanford Technology Ventures ProgramSearch on iTunes or go to ecorner.stanford.eduWatch leading tech summits, streamed onlineWeb 2.0 Summit: tv.web2summit.comConsumer Electronics Show: www.cesweb.organd many, many morePodcasts & Remote Access