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2021 The Studio Founders’ Program, Information

What is The Studio’s Founders’ Program?

The Studio Founders’ Program is a 6-week guided program. The program is a hybrid of online and in person activities at The Studio.

 

This program will equip you with essential entrepreneurial skills and fill knowledge gaps for existing founders. You’ll also become part of a startup community, which is invaluable to new entrepreneurs and startup founders like yourself.

 

The Studio has partnered with Startup Onramp to deliver this program.

When are the program dates?

Applications for the 2020 program are now closed.  To be notified when EOI’s open for the 2021 Program and apply for a fully-funded spot, see link below.

Program Overview, how does it work?

The first week of the Founders’ Program kicks off with a morning of welcome launch activities, orientation tour and induction.

 

In person activities, held at The Studio are conducted in a COVID-safe environment. All participants are required to follow The Studio’s COVID-safe policies.

 

Every Friday throughout the 6-week program, activities take place on-site at The Studio and include:

  • Masterclasses;
  • Ask-me-anything Sessions with, The Studio’s expert-in-residence, David McKeague;
  • Talks by industry specialists and subject matter experts;
  • Introductions to mentors and entrepreneurs;
  • Pizza, Drinks & News

At the end of the 6th week, you’ll be coached in a “Pitch Masterclass”, providing you with pitch-ready skills for the final activity, the Demo Day (cohort only activity).

 

During the course of the Founders’ Program, you will have access to the following during business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5.30pm:

  • Your own desk at The Studio
  • Access to the lounge and dining/kitchen
  • Access to meeting rooms
  • Access to the Green Screen Studio, Sound Studio, Edit Suite and Multi-Media Room

You are also welcome to join The Studio’s other events held in the lounge or virtually:

  • Founders' Stories - Tuesdays, midday - 12:30pm
  • Speaker Series - Wednesdays, midday - 1pm
  • Business Story - Thursdays, midday - 12:40pm
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2021 PROGRAM, notification

Who can join?

The Studio is industry-agnostic. We invite applications for this Founders Program from:

  • new entrepreneurs in the first 12 months of their business
  • early-stage startup founders with or without MVP (minimum viable product)
  • pre-series A founders
  • individuals with tech-business ideas that could be the basis of a scalable business
  • social impact or social enterprise startups

As  long as you’re highly passionate and driven to bring your startup to life, are based in the Sydney area and are 18+ yrs., then we encourage you to apply.

Is it free?

The Studio will offer fully-funded and part-funded places.

 

Fully-funded place:

6 week online course, with forum and 6 week residency at The Studio, which includes additional face-to-face learning, resources, activities and other benefits.

 

Part-funded place:

– 6 week online course OR

– 6 week residency at The Studio (with face-to-face learning, resources, activities and other benefits)

Which of these is granted is decided by The Studio.

What are the selection criteria?

  • Minimum requirement: Must be able to attend in-person each Friday during the Founders’ Program at The Studio.
  • Must have a startup business or planning to launch a startup.

How many people per cohort can join?

One person per team, additional team members can also do the 6-week online course for $300.

How can I apply?

Submit your EoI (applications open in early 2021, dates TBC).

Applicants are assessed throughout the application period. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual interview.

FAQs

Q: Do I have to have a startup company already registered in Australia?

A:
  • No. Establishing and launching a business in Australia is a key focus of this program.
  • If you are already a startup founder, you will also benefit from this program. It will fill any knowledge gaps and allow you to reassess your business through proven methodologies.

Q: Do I have to be based in Sydney/ the Greater Sydney  region?

A:
Yes. This inaugural program requires at least one team member to be located in the Sydney/ the Greater Sydney region. Other team members who wish to participate can be located anywhere.
Q: The program has on-site meetups and classes. Can I attend them virtually?
A:
This inaugural program requires participants to attend at least one day a week each Friday on-site during the program.

Q: What does the program expect from me? Does the program expect me to be able to provide an output (e.g. MVP, PoC) at the end of the 6-week program?

A:
The purpose of the program is to provide you with knowledge and tools to launch your startup.

Q: Do I have to sign up for residency at The Studio upon completion of the program?

A:
No, this is not a requirement of the program.

Q: Is there an opportunity to pitch to investors?

A:
The Studio runs a quarterly Pitch to Investors Night and invites members and its wider community to participate (T&C’s apply). This will commence again in 2021.

Q: If one team member of our startup is successful with a funded placement in this program, can other team members share the program?

A:
You can purchase an additional program for your team member for $300.

Q: Why is The Studio offering this program for free and low-cost?

A:
The Studio is a not-for-profit organisation and registered charity with a mission to support and foster startup and scaleup activity in Australia for the benefit of all.

Q: I thought The Studio was focused on startups in communications, media and the creative industries? If my startup is not related to any of these sectors can I still apply?

A:
While The Studio was founded to support these sectors, and has a broad focus and specialisation in these areas, The Studio is industry agnostic and supports startups across all industries and sectors, including social impact startups.