IA Members

RISE Ecotourism

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About RISE

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

We will take you through our award winning RISE pre-accelerator program over 8 weeks.

You will also be partnered with mentors who are leaders in their fields to help you maximise your learning and your business growth.





Who should apply?

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.

Key Dates for the Ecotourism Program

Now to June 2024 - Expression of interest/Applications open

July 2024 - Successful applicants will be notified they are in the Program.

August 2024 - You will join our RISE program 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 our Shoalhaven campus.

September 2024 - The Program ends with a pitch event to showcase your business and the skills you've developed. 


Register your interest
Kay Saarinen

Saarinen Organics

We learnt how to build our business up step by step, how to employ staff, employ contractors, put SOPs into place, pinpoint our minimum viable product, how to advertise it and how to scale into machinery. From humble beginnings, we now find ourselves with confidence and connections to succeed.

Kay Saarinen

Sea Health Products

As a result of the program, my business has an exciting, achievable vision to work towards and a strategy to get there. We are beginning to see some incredible results.

Jo Lane

Bega Tathra Safe Ride

For people who want to be part of a dynamic group, Bega Tathra Safe Ride is a community bike group that is committed to building an active transport link between Bega and Tathra. Our product is healthy, sustainable, affordable and fun!

Doug Reckord

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. 

A weekly plan would look like:  

  • Spend 2-3 hours working on their business at their own pace and  
  • 3 hours working together with an expert facilitator 
  • Optional mentoring sessions with an industry expert