THE BIG LEAP Incubator Program

Facilitating International expansion
for Australian founders

Apply now

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About the Program

A hybrid 12-month program tailored to your schedule & learning style.

We’re connecting innovators, investors & influencers.
Our mission is to build and scale global, sustainable businesses.

We’ve designed a program to help founders draw on their unique strengths, sharpen their plans, test their ideas on a new market, hone their skills and build a network for long term success through international expansion.

We won’t just finish there.

A support network of like-minded influencers, investors and innovators dedicated to building high-growth migrant-led, future-focused companies, with technology at its’ core, will help you on your way to success, challenging you through every phase of the program.

And if that’s not all, you have the chance to fly with us to India to connect with investors and test your offering in this high-growth market. Our Immersion Phase is subsidised through grant funding and up for grabs for the best and brightest business ideas!

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.

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
Founder or Cofounder to have a migrant heritage
Business to encompass a scalable tech component.

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

When you are ready, Apply Now at the top of this 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 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.

Is there a travel component to this course?

Yes, there will be an opportunity to travel to India for those our leaders deem to have a successful offering ready for this high-growth market. This forms the Immersion Phase and will be hosted by program partner T-Hub India.

Three participants from each cohort (one program per year over two years) will be selected, and the trip will run at the end of the second and final program year. It will be heavily subsidised through grant funding.