An increasing number of eager locals have embraced online platforms to create start-up businesses and become successful entrepreneurs.

It comes after the launch of Silicon Paddock, a locally developed website centred around regional startups and innovators in the small business space.

Independent councillor Angela Vithoulkas, during a sitting on Monday night, highlighted Wagga’s efforts at embracing innovation and supporting local startups.

Sydney’s Lord Mayor will also formally acknowledge Wagga for its role in supporting innovation, including council for backing the Silicon Paddock platform. 

Mayor Greg Conkey said he hopes the recognition will be the first step in forging a collaborative partnership between Wagga and Sydney in terms of innovation-driven businesses. 

“From my point of view, it would be absolutely fantastic to build up a relationship between our two cities,” he said. 

He said initiatives like Silicon Paddock helped assert Wagga’s status as a start-up hub. 

Mat Beeche, Silicon Paddock founder, said he was shocked by the growth of tech-startups in the bush.

“There are currently around 17 technology startups in Wagga, according to our very preliminary research,” he said.

“That’s 16 more than I thought there were when I arrived in Wagga, and probably 16 less than the true number of tech businesses currently being worked on there.

“Wagga is in fact at the very early stages of a ‘tech boom’ of sorts.”

The city is supported by being just one hour from both Sydney and Melbourne by plane, having major Army and RAAF bases situated nearby and the NBN finally rolling out. 

Entrepreneur Simone Eyles, who loves her coffee as much as any inner-city dweller, always dreamed of opening her own cafe. 

But when she asked a friend to come up with an app that would allow customers to order coffee on their phones, he said she should ditch the café and work on it herself. 

Ms Eyles is now one of the city’s leading business innovators, and she welcomes a partnership between Wagga and Sydney. 

“We support anything that is going to encourage people to follow their dreams and get support for them in the process,” she said.