Published Tuesday, 28 August, 2018 at 11:31 AM

Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development and Minister for the Commonwealth Games

The Honourable Kate Jones

A Cairns company that's developed a weight control program for dogs is set to scale up and employ more staff in Far North Queensland following support through the State Governmnet's Ignite Ideas program this month.



Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Cairns-based K9 Weight Challenge Pty Ltd had received support through the latest round of Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas funding.



“K9 Weight Challenge Pty Ltd recently received $100,000 to develop their WAGSTA pet health app and get expert dog weight management advice directly to dog lovers around the world,” he said.



“We’re investing in innovative businesses like this to create the tech-based jobs of the future in Cairns.



“The funding announced today is part of more than $8.3 million in Ignite Ideas grants given to Queensland companies this month.



“These companies are at an exciting point with their products and they will use the funding to ramp up market development, expand their markets and workforce.



“Through a highly competitive, independently assessed process they showed they have the innovated products, the talent and the right mindset to take their businesses to new levels and new markets, and the government is pleased to support them.



“The Palaszczuk Government has now supported 271 Queensland businesses through $34.65 million (four rounds) of Ignite Ideas, driving more than one thousand new jobs.”



CEO Charlotte Williamson, a vet for 20 years, said the funding would help funnel more overweight dogs into their weight programs and expand their international customer base.



She said funding will create new opportunities for Cairns-based tech and animal health personnel and give her more time to develop partnerships with complementary pet businesses.



“WAGSTA is a first of its kind commercial system for pet weight management,” Dr Williamson said.



“Not only does it have the potential to provide expert advice to dog lovers the world over to reduce euthanasia rates and the suffering of physical ailments caused by pet obesity, we also predict it will allow us to create 20 new Queensland jobs.”



Ignite Ideas is part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $650 million Advance Queensland initiative.



Visit the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas Fund web page at https://advance.qld.gov.au/entrepreneurs-and-startups-industry-small-business/ignite-ideas-fund for more information on the program and its recipients.



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