Are you an innovative female entrepreneur? How does a chance to get hands-on business coaching and opportunities to raise capital sound? Nice huh? Well, thanks to the Springboard Enterprises Australia’s 2014 Accelerator Program, it is well within your reach.
The 2013 edition, which also happened to be the inaugural Australian program, was undertaken by eight female entrepreneurs. The feedback from this first intake is that Springboard is the best professional development and corporate training that any had ever received.
Importing a model of success
Springboard Australia is a non-profit business accelerator connecting female innovators with investors and influencers, and is set to replicate the program’s success in the US.
In the U.S., Springboard has trained more than 500 women-led companies that have raised a whopping $5.6 billion in financing. More than 80 per cent of these companies are still in business, including ten IPOs.
How exactly does Springboard work?
Springboard Australia avails female entrepreneurs with their own personal advisory team.
This team is made up of well-connected investors, lawyers, bankers and business development professionals, who all offer their expert business strategy input.
The team works together to coach the female business owners over a period of two months, helping them refine their investor pitches and, make business connections. It’s like having the best in the business train you!
Participants then present before an audience of well-connected investors, corporate partners and industry experts, to secure the capital they need for their businesses.
What sets Springboard apart?
Springboard Australia chairman Wendy Simpson highlighted that the program was unique because the organisation is non-profit with no financial stake in the companies it assists.
“We open doors for innovative businesswomen by providing invaluable access to international contacts, networks and opportunities; without them having to leave Australia. Once these women enter the Springboard alumnae, a lifetime of global support is on tap,” Simpson explained.
She further commented that support for entrepreneurs is imperative in Australia, citing a recent study commissioned by Google that shows that Australia could add more than $100 billion to its economy, and create more than half a million additional jobs, by boosting the entrepreneur community.
Are you eligible for Springboard Australia’s 2014 program?
Springboard Australia is looking for 5 – 10 emerging growth companies and is accepting applications from just about every sector.
Eligible companies must be headquartered or based in Australia, seeking institutional investments in the next 12-18 months and have:
- A woman in a key management position with a significant equity stake
- A qualified and profitable market opportunity with competitive advantage
- A track record of milestone achievement for example grants, beta clients, revenue and partners
- A credible core management team or ability to attract one
A short list of successful applicants are then taken through a further selection process before being offered a place in the 2014 intake. However, all businesses that submit an application will receive feedback from someone with expertise in a relevant industry.
So, does your business fulfil the above requirements? Then head here to apply.
Be quick about it too, applications for Springboard’s 2014 program are close on December 3, 2013!
