The Idea Lab 2020

Overview

It's no secret the hospitality industry is doing it tough thanks to the global pandemic — and the repercussions will be felt for a fair while longer. On top of heading to your favourite bar, restaurant, cafe or pub when you can, there are other ways you can support Australia's hospo scene right now. One is bartender advocacy program The Blend with its initiative Idea Lab 2020, which is giving out grants to hospitality owners and staff for innovative ideas that'll positively shake up the hospo industry.

The Blend is by way of Beam Suntory, the brand behind spirits such as Maker's Mark, Jim Beam, Roku Gin, Canadian Club and Sipsmith, so it's safe to say it knows its fair share about the industry. Earlier this year, it opened up applications to Aussie hospitality businesses for grants between $5000 and $20,000 for ideas working towards growing, supporting and rebuilding the industry. Now, 20 finalists from across NSW, Qld, Vic, WA and SA have been shortlisted, with each receiving help from an industry mentor to actualise their ideas, before presenting them to a judging panel.

So, how can you help out? You can jump onto the Idea Lab website and vote for your favourite — or favourites — which will help decide who takes home a wad of cash to put behind their innovative ideas and change the current hospo situation for the better. Not only will your vote go towards supporting local legends, but also it'll be financially supporting the future of Australia's hospitality scene. Winners will be announced in December 2020 — and you'll be able to experience some of the ideas IRL as soon as next year.

Throw your support behind the hospitality industry by voting for your favourite entrepreneurial idea shortlisted in The Blend's Idea Lab grant initiative over here. Votes are limited to one per person, per day.