Better for everyone: Meet the migrant entrepreneurs strengthening Australia’s startup ecosystem

In an off-street corner of Melbourne’s Docklands sits an understated startup hub. It’s not a large space, but it almost feels like it is, with light flooding into a communal workspace through floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the length of two walls.

A honeycomb office marks the centrepiece, separating the office space from a communal kitchen and comfy area. It’s early, but people are already popping in and out, carrying coffees and chatting quietly, gathered around workstations.

This is Hatch Quarter, a space that wears many hats. Grown out of the creative agency Aiman Hamdouna founded with his brother Mo, it now also serves as a co-working space, and the centre point of a startup pre-accelerator program.

Through running their agency, the Hamdouna brothers realised “a segment of those entrepreneurs needed more than just service providers”, Aiman says.

As a migrant himself — Aiman was born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents, and lived in Jordan before moving to Australia when he was 19 — and with a background in business management and startups, Hamdouna felt well-placed to help other entrepreneurs.

The co-working space launched in 2015, while a meetup allowed students, migrants and refugees to come together to collaborate, connect and meet potential business partners, clients and employees. Read more

Stephanie Palmer-Derrien - SmartCompany - 27 November 2018