Creative minds across the region who developed business ideas during the COVID-19 lockdown will be able to see them come to fruition as CSU delivers its eighth Ready to Launch program, which is specifically designed to help regional innovators make their business ideas a reality.

Successful applicants will be joined by expert-in-residence entrepreneurs for the 10-week online course to learn how to apply start-up principles, develop connections to advance a business idea, test the market for an idea and create a business plan using a business model canvas.

Acting Manager of the Charles Sturt Innovation Hubs, Ms Siobhain Howard, said CSU was excited to offer a program that supports regional start-ups.

"This program is an immersive online experience open to anyone with a business idea in regional NSW," she said.

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"Participants will be taught the skills and mindset required to enable them to progress on the entrepreneurial journey.

"It really is a program that can takes businesses from just an idea, through to reality.

"It is also a great way to spark the economy and help boost innovation in our regional areas."

The program commences on Monday, March 8 and participants will be required to attend Zoom sessions every Monday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

At the conclusion on the program, participants will then pitch their ideas to a live audience.

Previous business ideas have included expanding local tourism, creating Wiradjuri animations to help preserve knowledge and promote education, and innovating with image technology.

Recent participant, Mr Adam Drummond, developed Lenser, a digital media platform offering news publishers access to real local, national and international news uploads via amateur and professional portals.

"Without the Charles Sturt University Ready to Launch program, I would not have been able to fast track my business idea so quickly," he said.

"By having 10 weeks of solid focus on the foundations of my business, I have gained new contacts, new ideas on marketing and networking opportunities and learned how to articulate my pitch with a pitch deck and audience-based pitches."

The participants in this years program will be given a variety of different tasks and challenges to complete in an immersive and interactive environment.

They will also benefit not only from CSU guidance but also cohorts, mentors and industry experts.

Applications for the Ready to Launch program close on February 22, with applications to be submitted online.