Groovy Baby

Sydney based Side Racket project ‘StartUp Groovy’ presents a creative solution to the entrepreneur’s bane

“The city will eat you alive”

Frighteningly descriptive words from entrepreneur Filipe Cardeira on what the economic pressure of a city like Sydney or London can do to a fledgling business. Startups and small businesses are on the rise, consuming increasing amounts of time and resources as the business develops.

Ultimately, this prompts some would-be business owners to take a leave of absence or disregard the proverb and quit their day job. Happily, some of these faith-leapers explode into wealth, independence and job satisfaction. For many however, a hard reality emerges after a few months. That is; regardless of how brilliant your idea or frugal your habits, living in one of the world’s most expensive cities can have a rapid and devastating effect on your finances. Suddenly, your start up venture is in a capital crisis.

What if there were a fully-fitted, dedicated creative space where you could work on your start up with passionate fellow entrepreneurs, tutors and mentors while cutting living costs dramatically, experiencing a new culture and having an awesome time? Enter Side Racket project ‘StartUp Groovy’ in Lisbon, a venture started by Cardeira after recognising the financial advantages of offshore business development.

Run with the support of StartUp Lisboa, StartUp Groovy is an intensive workshop specifically designed to allow entrepreneurs to develop their ideas in a highly engaged and educational environment, while keeping the cost of living low (to reasonable, depending on your social preferences. Lisbon has a burgeoning nightlife.)

Lisbon has been rapidly gaining popularity as a tech start up hub over the past year, a reputation supported and encouraged by Mayor Antonio Costa with the funding and development of a ‘startup ecosystem’. StartUp Lisboa currently supports 45 start ups and whispers of Lisbon are beginning to pop up in the media alongside start up veterans like San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

How does it work? First, you need a solid business idea. StartUp Groovy can provide education, technical support and mentoring but essentially you need a place to begin. Next you need around $1550 USD which will fund in entirety your accommodation, mentoring and workspace for the next month. Pack some spending money, ambition and a sense of adventure – you’re off to Portugal to develop your dream in the company of like-minded peers. StartUp Groovy plans to expand into Bali, Budapest and Buenos Aires over the coming year and is an excellent example of a global revolution in business trends.

Want to get more involved? StartUpGroovy’s head quarters are currently based in Sydney and Filipe is on the hunt for people with skills in advertising, marketing and social media. Get over and check out the StartUp Groovy project on Side Racket - you may find yourself in the enviable position of having a hand in the next ‘big thing’.

Not out to help, but sold on a trip to Lisbon? Head to startupgroovy.com for more information on the 2014 program.

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