Little BIG is thrilled to announce that the local businesses at the Flour Mill of Summer Hill have come together and been selected as one of the 25 teams across NSW (and five teams in Sydney) to participate in the Uptown District Accelerator program. This prestigious program is run by the Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport under the 24-hour commissioner.

About the Uptown Accelerator Program

The Uptown Accelerator is an innovative, first-of-its-kind program for businesses which aims to unlock the potential of going-out districts across urban centres by:

• Empowering District Teams to collaboratively develop their district identity.
• Equipping District Teams with the skills and networks to attract partners and consumers to their District.

The program includes a series of vision workshops, legal guidance sessions, grant writing training, and culminates with the District Showcase where Districts pitch their vision to potential partners and collaborators.

The Team

The team consists of representatives from all hospitality, retail and services business which surround the Flour Mill park and plaza; the Little BIG House, Hampton & French, It’s Parfait, Paper Rock Scissors Art Studios, the Granary Cafe, Headlands Coffee, Bekya Egyptian Spice and the Flour Mill Markets. We also extend an invitation to any adjacent business to join us on this journey.

A Bright Future for the Flour Mill District

Over the next 12 weeks, the Flour Mill District Team will participate in various workshops and training sessions designed to fast-track the formation of our local business community and facilitate our growth. We are most excited to spend this time getting to know one another, thinking about how we serve our community, and forming long-lasting working relationships with our business neighbors.

Building on a Rich History

The Flour Mill district has a rich history, with many local residents of Summer Hill having worked in the previous Flour Mill before its conversion in 2017. Since then, the district has flourished, with all ground floor retail and commercial premises occupied, and the markets, operating since 2018, have garnered a strong community following.

Our Goals

As part of the Uptown Accelerator, our primary goals include:

• Strengthening Community Ties: By engaging in collaborative workshops, we aim to build a cohesive and supportive business community that thrives on mutual success.
• Enhancing District Identity: We will work together to refine and promote the unique identity of the Flour Mill District, highlighting its rich history and vibrant present.
• Engage our local community: We will work together to create an even more vibrant and collaborative space for our nearby residents.

Looking Ahead

This opportunity marks a significant milestone for the Flour Mill District. We are committed to leveraging the resources and expertise provided by the Uptown Accelerator to create a dynamic, thriving community space that benefits all local businesses and residents.

We invite everyone to follow our journey over the next 12 weeks and beyond as we work towards a brighter future for the Flour Mill of Summer Hill. Stay tuned for updates and join us in celebrating this exciting chapter in our community’s story!

The Flour Mill District Team is excited and ready to embrace this journey. We look forward to the growth, collaboration, and success that the Uptown Accelerator program will undoubtedly bring to our beloved community.