Entries for Amazon Launchpad’s $80,000 Innovation Grants close today

Startups, entrepreneurs and small-to-medium-sized enterprises looking to innovate and grow their business have until midnight tonight to enter the Amazon Launchpad Innovation Grants, worth $80,000 each.

There are five grant packages available and already Amazon Australia said it’s already received more than 500 entries.

Carl Hartmann, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of non-alcoholic company Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits, who has built his business using Amazon Launchpad, will help judge the applications along with Renae Smith of healthy baking goods brand, Bake Mixes.

Chadd Ciccarelli, Head of Launchpad, Amazon Australia said the judges will be looking for “brands that are building a community not a commodity”.

Recent research by Amazon Australia found that 28% of SMEs used the initial covid-19 lockdown period innovate for the future, with more than a third (35%) refreshing their business plan, while 38% used the time to focus on creativity.

The Amazon Launchpad Innovation Report, also found that more than a quarter of SMBs (29%) identified a lack of available funding is the biggest barrier to innovating or growing the business for the remainder of 2020. You can download the full report here.

Ciccarelli said he’s hoping the Amazon Launchpad Innovation Grants will help the five entrepreneurial small businesses chosen to continue creating and transforming products.

“In the first year since launch, we’ve worked closely with many startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners to launch cutting-edge products on Amazon Launchpad as part of Amazon.com.au,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to seeing how the grants will enable these creative minds to further this innovation for the future.”

Each Amazon Launchpad Innovation Grants package is worth more than $80,000 and includes a $20,000 cash grant, Amazon marketing support, AWS Activate credits, and exclusive access to mentors such as Amazon leadership and entrepreneur experts from Australia and HQ in Seattle; time with successful e-commerce savvy Australian SMBs; and insights from angel investors in the venture capital community.

Amazon Launchpad Innovation Grants close today, Monday, August 24, at 11.59pm.  Applications can be found at Amazon.com.au/launchpad.

The five Amazon Launchpad grant recipients will be announced in September.