Australian fashion designer Nixi Killick is one of the first to receive a cash injection on behalf of RMIT's $5 million New Enterprise Investment Fund (NEIF).
Her start-up NXK is reportedly one of just six to be awarded the capital required to kick start her business through a $25,000 interest-free loan from the initiative.
The NEIF program was designed to boost funding to businesses from RMIT's student and alumni pool.
Killick believes the success of business so far will only be accelerated with the support of the university.
"I've done so much in the last 15 months, since launching my label, from partnering with HP and IBM to dressing Lady Gaga for her global ArtRAVE tour.
“It’s all just been with mum's old sewing machine too - imagine what I could do with some real equipment.”
NEIF chair Eddie McGuire said that the initiative should act as a resource to develop forward thinking business and provide employment opportunities for future generations.
“RMIT is renowned for being a world-class centre for education of technology and design.
“The university also has a history of taking a hands-on approach to teaching.
“I can’t think of a more perfectly positioned institution to train future business leaders and provide them with a platform to achieve their professional ambitions.”
Other recipients of the fund since its establishment earlier this year include free water brand Free is Better, artisan chocolate company Tonantzin Chocolate, optical fibre specialist Lightcore Tech, organic health product company Manuko and online live music comparison and booking marketplace GigKoo.