Idea to keep kids safe wins ACT entrepreneur $10,000 grant

An invention by Canberra entrepreneur Hollie Bell could soon be keeping kids safe in homes around Australia following a $10,000 grant from Beyond Bank Australia’s Community Entrepreneur Program.

Anti Grabbity is a removable device that helps improve balcony safety. It prevents small children from pulling themselves over balcony railings in high-rise apartments, hotels and cruise ships.

The device consists of a strip of little prickles which are uncomfortable to touch when weight bearing. It attaches to balcony railings with cable ties or glue dots. It can be assembled in less than five minutes and costs just $20 a metre. No modifications are required to the railing so it can be used by people renting as well as home owners.

This simple, but clever and effective design helped Anti Grabitty stand out amongst many excellent nominations for the second annual ACT CEP grant round.

“We have established this program to help entrepreneurs like Hollie turn great ideas into reality,” Beyond Bank State Manager, Chris Blight said.

“However, our criteria for choosing a winner is broader than someone simply having an interesting concept. We are looking to help local innovators get a business off the ground that has the potential to contribute to their local community and economy.”

Canberra families are increasingly living in medium and high density housing and Anti Grabbity is designed to make apartments more family friendly.

“Balconies provide outdoor living space in apartments, but they are often underutilised by families because of justifiable fears about children climbing railings and falling,” Anti Grabbity Director, Hollie Bell explained. “Using Anti Grabbity will give parents more confidence to use this space and let their children play outdoors.”

Hollie also sees potential for Anti Grabbity to help prevent teenagers and adults engaging in risky behaviour such as planking and balcony hopping.

Anti Grabbity provides a low-cost and non-permanent solution to the problem of people climbing on balcony railings.

“We believe it will also act as a deterrent to burglars who may access a property by climbing onto the balcony and help cat owners who do not want their pets going out at night,” Hollie said.

Anti Grabbity is now ready for sale. The Beyond Bank grant will be used to begin marketing the product around the country.

“We commend Hollie on Anti Grabbity and are pleased we can play a role in her making children safer in their own homes,” Chris said. “Beyond Bank Australia has every confidence in Hollie’s ability to make Anti Grabbity a success as she has an outstanding track record as an inventor and business owner.

“Beyond Bank Australia looks forward to being with Hollie as she builds the Anti Grabbity business and hopes to soon see this product in homes, hotels and anywhere else it will make a difference.”

Applications for the next round of grants will open soon and more information about the program can be found on the Beyond Bank website www.beyondbank.com.au/entrepreneur