LIFT Program for Women
iAccelerate has a long standing commitment to inclusion and supporting female entrepreneurship. In 2023 52% of our companies have an active female founder.
Along with partners in the University of Wollongong we are offering the LIFT program to encourage greater participation of girls and women in STEM and entrepreneurship.
Our unique program is open to all women, but is particularly aimed at women from diverse communities, including Indigenous women, culturally and linguistically diverse women, and women from refugee backgrounds, who are looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
LEARN
In LEARN we will be working with current and pre-service teachers to build their knowledge and confidence for participation in STEM education using Makerspaces.
IGNITE
In IGNITE women from diverse backgrounds can learn about entrepreneurship and embark on their journey as an entrepreneurs. You will join iAccelerate's pre accelerator program Activate and discover how to take your idea to a viable business or community initiative.
FLOURISH
We're partnering with industry to offer early career and doctoral researchers industry placements, leadership training, the IGNITE program, community outreach and networking.
TRANSFORM
An engaged community is crucial to transformation. We will run a series of events including outreach workshops, networking and community events (including school groups) and showcase leading women in STEM-E careers.
Upcoming Events
We will be hosting a series of events. Check back here soon.
Key Dates for the Ignite Program
Now to January 2024 - Expression of interest/Applications open
February 2024 - Successful applicants will be notified they are in the Program.
March 2024 - You will join our Activate program which focuses on validation, customer discover and pitch practice, among other topics!
Workshops will run on Wednesdays 9.30 to 12.30 at iAccelerate.
May 2024 - The Program ends with a pitch event to showcase your business and the skills you've developed. Let's celebrate!
Ignite Program
This program will provide the skills to run your idea or start-up through various stages of customer development, customer validation, prototyping and pitch training to build an entrepreneurial mindset through our Activate Education . Participants will also gain access to the iA co-working space and community, 6-months membership to the UOW Makerspace with making workshops and mentoring sessions, culminating in the award of a micro-credential in Entrepreneurship.
Who should apply?
We want to ensure that talented women have equal opportunities to excel in entrepreneurship.
Our program can support businesses and ideas, including:
- Startup businesses looking to turn an idea into a business
- Not-for-profits and organisations looking to make a financially sustainable impact in their community
- Existing businesses looking to revitalise their strategy to launch new products or service
If you’re not sure if this is the right opportunity for you, give us a call to discuss what we have available for you.
