THE BIG LEAP Incubator Program

Facilitating International expansion
for Australian founders

Submit Expression of Interest

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About the Program

Startups that are looking to expand globally can apply to the Big Leap
3-month pre-accelerator program.

This hybrid heavily subsided program provides Australian tech- enabled startups with international market validation and makes expanding into India possible.

Program participants can expect to sharpen their growth plans and gain access to industry professionals towards international commercialisation. They will also have a solid go-to-market strategy, local on the ground contacts to assist with business expansion plans.

We won’t just finish there.

By the end of the 3-month program, each startup will have the opportunity to progress to the next stage by pitching to a panel of judges, progressing to the next stage towards commercialisation which also includes a fully paid trip to India.

Why India?

India’s 1.3 billion+ population presents a HUGE market with a wide spectrum of demographics and the needs and aspirations that come with it. Clocking 25 billion digital transactions per annum, India is forecast to become the largest global digital economy by 2030 overtaking the US.

A culturally diverse cohort brings new perspectives

The Big LEAP is led by two women business leaders and first-generation migrants to Australia, with an all-female support team of industry experts.

You’ll be part of a culturally diverse contingent of first and second-generation founders from different countries and backgrounds to bring fresh perspectives.

The Mentors

Jasmine Batra

Arrow Digital

Managing Director
Speciality: Strategic Marketing

Cerasela Tanasescu

La Trobe University

Director, Accelerator Programs
Specialty: Business Model

Elisa-Marie Dumas

Investible

Head of Programs & Partnerships
Specialty: Capital Raising

Priyanka Ravala

T-Hub India

Sr. Manager- International Programs
Specialty: International Expansion

FAQs

What can I expect from the program?

Our program helps migrant founders draw on their unique strengths, sharpen their plans, hone their skills, test a new market with their offering and build a network for long term success. You’ll be challenged to pass to the next stage through a series of unique pitch competitions & business case presentations.

By the end of the program, you will have a solid go-to-market strategy and many local partnerships and contacts to assist with your business expansion plans, even if you don’t make it to the India trip at the end of the Immersion phase.

Eligibility

This program is open for Australian founders . To be considered the following must be met:

At least one member of the founding team must be an Australian resident
Business to encompass a scalable tech component.

How do I apply, and what information do I need to provide?

Submit your expression of interest and our program manager will get in touch and send a link to the online application page.

You will require various business documents and information to complete the process, including:

Revenue information & other key financials
Funding history
Strategy & goals
Patent details (if applicable)
A reference letter from a business associate or mentor
A 10-15 slide presentation deck introducing your business to us.

We recommend allowing yourself enough time to complete your application thoroughly. If you have any questions, please book a call here and chat with a friendly consultant.

What is the investment?

Programs like this can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The Big LEAP program is heavily subsidised where founder or cofounder come from a migrant heritage thanks to the AusIndustry Incubator Support Initiative to help start-ups develop the capabilities to succeed in international markets.
The commitment fee for the 12-month program is $3500. The 12-month program is divided into three phases with a challenge at the end of each phase. Those who pass the challenge proceed to the next phase. Program participants are required to pay the fee only if they make it to the next phase.

INTENSIVE (3 months) $850
ACCELERATOR (6 months) $1400
IMMERSION (3 Months) $1250

Do you offer a payment plan?

This is a highly subsidised program, divided into three stages. It will be billed accordingly, so if you make it to the Immersion phase, you will be billed in three instalments.

What happens if I am unable to make face-to-face sessions?

We get it! Running a business is hard work and often throws up many challenges. The Big LEAP 12-month program is a hybrid model that works to your strengths. A mix of virtual and in-person sessions are spread out over the year, and we conduct our industry expert panels and personalised mentoring virtually according to our participants’ availability. Participants also have unlimited access to our online self-service learning platform to catch up at a time convenient to them.

Are there opportunities to connect with other participants and mentors?

Yes! This is at the heart of our program—to connect with like-minded founders and business leaders from different countries of origin. We encourage open discussion and collaboration through each step of our journey together, and there will be opportunities for networking and building a community through our dedicated Whitespace Facebook group.

Our mentors will also communicate their availability to answer questions and provide post-session guidance once the program is underway.