Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Chloe and her husband launched Hosking Bikes in February 2023.
In 2023, Canberran Chloe Hosking made the switch from pro-cyclist touring around Europe to launching her own bike company here in Canberra with the help of an ICON grant.
“I never set out to start a bike company, just like I never intended to become a professional cyclist, I came home with a lot of ideas,” Chloe said.
“With my husband Jack’s experience in start-up software companies and all of my industry connections, we launched Hosking Bikes in February 2023 and had bikes in market by June.
“Most business owners will know that capital raising is often one of the hardest parts of starting a business, so the grant was a huge help,” she said.
Chloe received $30,000 in matched funding last year from the ICON grant program. This enabled her to develop prototypes and help with marketing activities.
ICON grants are currently open and close 16 April 2024.
The ICON grants are delivered by the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), which receives funding from the ACT Government to support entrepreneurs, innovators and start-ups, like Hosking.
Chloe wanted to create a bike tailored to the needs of women.
“Over the years, I felt I wanted to change the lack of female representation in the industry,” she said.
“When you look at the top five cycle brands, only 13 per cent of the executive and board are women. And a recent study showed that 50 per cent of the women in the industry are thinking about leaving.
“The only way to change that is to have people in the room to change the narrative.”
Wanting to see more women on bikes, Hosking Bikes is one way she’s making it more accessible.
“Cycling has given me so much, and I want women to experience the joy that I got and get from cycling. Even if they don’t go pro.
“Creating a brand like Hosking Bikes that champions getting more women on bikes is the way to do that. We’ve also created a bike that’s half the cost of other bikes and we’re very focused on building an inclusive community to support more women into the sport,” she said.
Chloe has some wise words for any women looking to start a business.
“Believe in yourself 100 per cent. As an athlete you learn that you lose a lot more than win, but you keep working toward success, even if it’s not a race.
“But also, don’t let them doubt you! They will, but ignore them!” she said.
Previous ICON grant recipients include Future Swirl and Your Season.
For more on ICON grants, visit the CBRIN website.
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