Supporting regional entrepreneurs - RISE program

Empower your business with the RISE program for regional entrepreneurs.

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What is RISE?

Are you a regional business looking to take your operations to the next level?

The iAccelerate RISE program supports new and existing regional businesses with practical workshops, online learning and a network of experts to help you grow and scale.

In 2024, our RISE program will focus on regional businesses across a range of key industries, including:

Aquaculture
Advanced manufacturing
Circularity
Ecotourism
High quality food production

The best part? These programs will be delivered at UOW’s regional hubs across NSW with businesses in other parts of the state also able to join virtually.

Bega Valley
Eurobodalla
Shoalhaven
Southern Highlands

How does it work?

RISE is a blended program, meaning you can work from anywhere, at your own pace using the online course content as well as join facilitated sessions and mentoring. This is an 8-week program culminating in a live pitch event. You will be taught how to develop a pitch you can use to attract paying customers, investors, and the media.

Here’s a glimpse of what your RISE journey looks like each week:

Spend 2-3 hours working on your business at your pace
Invest 3 hours working together with an expert facilitator
Optional mentoring sessions with an industry expert

2024 RISE program

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

New technologies and methods are transforming the manufacturing industry. We’re calling on manufacturers looking to innovate to join the RISE Advanced Manufacturing cohort to help you meet the demands of this evolving industry.

Key dates for the Advanced Manufacturing program

Express your interest and apply for the program. Applications close June 2024.
Join our online information session on 21 May.
Successful applicants will be notified if they are in the program in July 2024.
You will join our RISE program in August 2024, which focuses on validation, customer discover and pitch practice, among other topics! Workshops will run on Wednesdays 9.30am to 12.30pm. All participants have the option of joining online or can come together as a group at UOW Shoalhaven.
The program ends with a pitch event in September 2024 to showcase your business and the skills you've developed.

CIRCULARITY

Industries are exploring how they can be more sustainable by introducing circular economy principles. Scholarships are available to this program.

Key dates for the Circularity program

Express your interest and apply for the program. Applications close February 2024.
Join our online information session on 8 February 2024. Please join us to learn more about the program, what's involved, how to apply and we can answer any other questions you may have.
Successful applicants will be notified if they are in the program in March 2024.
You will join our RISE program in April 2024, which focuses on validation, customer discover and pitch practice, among other topics! Workshops will run on Wednesdays 9.30am to 12.30pm. All participants have the option of joining online or can come together as a group at UOW Bega Valley.
The program ends with a pitch event in June 2024 to showcase your business and the skills you've developed.

ECOTOURISM

Throughout the program you will gain the knowledge and skills to innovate in your ecotourism business or bring a completely new idea to life.

Key dates for the Ecotourism program

Express your interest and apply for the program. Applications close June 2024.
Join our online information session on 22 May 2024. Please join us to learn more about the program, what's involved, how to apply and we can answer any other questions you may have.
Successful applicants will be notified if they are in the program in July 2024.
You will join our RISE program in August 2024, which focuses on validation, customer discover and pitch practice, among other topics! Workshops will run on Wednesdays 9.30am to 12.30pm. All participants have the option of joining online or can come together as a group at UOW Eurobodalla.
The program ends with a pitch event in September 2024 to showcase your business and the skills you've developed.

HIGH QUALITY FOOD PRODUCTION

New technologies and methods are transforming our food production. We’re calling on producers looking to innovate to join the RISE High Quality Food Production cohort to help you meet the demands of this evolving industry.

Key dates for the program

Express your interest and apply for the program. Applications close April 2024.
Join our online information session on 21 February 2024. Please join us to learn more about the program, what's involved, how to apply and we can answer any other questions you may have.
Successful applicants will be notified if they are in the program in April 2024.
You will join our RISE program in May 2024, which focuses on validation, customer discover and pitch practice, among other topics! Workshops will run on Wednesdays 9.30am to 12.30pm. All participants have the option of joining online or can come together as a group at UOW Southern Highlands.
The program ends with a pitch event in June 2024 to showcase your business and the skills you've developed.

AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES INNOVATION

Fisheries Research and Development Corporation have invested in a three year program to advance circularity throughout fisheries and aquaculture. UOW and iAccelerate have partnered with the Regional Circularity Cooperative to deliver a Circularity Accelerator providing a structured program for ideas to be tested and lessons learned and shared.

Learn more about the circularity accelerator

DON'T SEE YOUR INDUSTRY?

RISE can support you even if you don't fit these key industry sectors. Whether you're already in business, or you're thinking up a new business idea, get in touch with us and be supported through the RISE program.

Express your interest and apply for the program.

Who should apply?

iAccelerate’s RISE program supports a diverse range of businesses and ideas, including:

Existing businesses looking to revitalise their strategy to launch new products or services
Entrepreneurs looking to turn an idea into a business. We provide the tools, mentorship and resources you need.
Not-for-profits and social enterprises looking to make a financially sustainable impact in their community. We’ll assist you in creating a viable, mission-driven business.

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.

Funded by the NSW Government as part of the accelerating regional innovation fund

Testimonials

Understanding some basic structures to build a longer term business model around. RISE broke down this area into simple pieces that I was able to apply to business and put them back together into a model that gives a much clearer path to where we want to head and how to get there.

Tim Wimborne

Founder, Braidwood Foods

The RISE program enabled me to refine the direction of the business and has taught me skills that will continue to add value - such as the importance of continually interviewing customers so the business can grow with their needs.

Fiona McCuaig

Founder, Walawaani Way Conservation Burials