Nikki Meller, Founder of CREDuED, took part in the Plus Eight Pre-Accelerator program at the Western Sydney Startup Hub in 2023, made possible thanks to the support of Investment NSW.
Her startup, CREDuED, offers eLearning design solutions, short course and micro-credential solutions and curriculum design review. The CREDuED Learning Lab mixes business with tech, offering a full immersive training experience to clients. With nothing currently like it on the market at the moment, CREDuED staff can create workshop materials based on the needs of clients, and facilitate the immersive workshops and learning experiences, offering the public a more innovative way to engage and learn.
Throughout the six-week program, Nikki was able to connect with a community of mentors, investors and advisors, and learnt key content through weekly facilitated sessions, to grow her skills as a founder.
The program concluded with a celebratory pitch night, where Nikki got to present her ideas alongside 9 other local entrepreneurs, in front of an audience of like-minded founders, Spacecubed members, and a community of supporters in the startup space.
When asked what the most valuable part of the Pre-Accelerator program was, she shared, “the most valuable thing I have taken away has been the sense of belonging I now feel being connected to a community of like-minded people, but also connected to a wider network of mentors, business leaders, other entrepreneurs who I can ask questions, have a coffee with, or collaborate with in the future.”
Throughout 2023, CREDuED has grown its customer base by 600%, and Nikki is in the process of trying to build the first CREDuED VR Learning Lab – a multisensory learning, development, and training space.
This Learning Lab will revolutionise traditional workplace training and education methods, offering immersive experiences made possible with the rapid evolution of technology.
Now, Nikki is acting as a mentor in Spacecubed’s Office Hours program, supported by the City of Parramatta Council. Through Office Hours, she has been able to connect with other founders, and share her experience and key insights on digital innovation, strategic leadership, curriculum development and building relationships with stakeholders.
Discussing her involvement in the Office Hours program, Nikki shared, “I enjoy being able to give back to others, including what I’ve learnt from my lived experiences, as well as advice I have been given by my mentors.”
“I think it is important to take the time to help support and share our experiences with those taking a similar journey. It doesn’t take much out of our days to give back what others have shown you. I think of it like a circular economy of shared knowledge and lived experience.” She continued.
Looking forward, CREDuED is focussing on opening the first CREDuED Learning Lab in 2024 and scaling the business.
If you're a local startup founder looking to grow your business, applications are now open for the Plus Eight Pre-Accelerator program. Exclusive and free for businesses owned or operated in Western Sydney. To learn more and apply, click here! (Applications close on April 19, 2024).
