Q2-2021 The Studio Founders’ Program, Information
What is The Studio’s Founders’ Program?
The Studio Founders’ Program is a 7-week guided program.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. Throughout the program you will be supported by a team of advisors, mentors for one-on-one sessions. The Studio has partnered with Startup Onramp to deliver the online component of this program.
Key dates:
Applications open: Monday 3rd May 2021
Applications close: Friday 18th June 2021
Interviews (on-line) with candidates / successful candidates advised: 14th June 2021- 23rd June 2021
Weeks 1- 6: Program runs, Monday 28th June, 2021 – Friday 13th August, 2021
Week 7: Friday 13th August 2021, Pitch Day / Demo Day (internal only)
Minimum requirement of attendance in-person at The Studio:
Day 1: Monday 28th June 2021, 8.30 – midday (half day)
Each Friday(full day) for duration of program: 2nd July 2021 – 20th August 2021
Program Structure:
- 7-week residency at The Studio
- Weekly master classes and workshops each Friday
- Startup Onramp online program
- Advisors and Mentors
How much does the program cost?
This program is supported by The Studio, Dolby, Invest Hong Kong and The Australian Federal Government. Full and part-scholarships are available for all successful applicants.
- Early bird applications: $599 +GST open until midnight 31 May 2021.
- Applications received 1st June 2021 – midnight 21st June 2021, $799 +GST.
(The full cost of the program is in excess of $2,000 per participant but through sponsorship The Studio is able to offer full and part-funded spots for the program).
If your application is successful, full payment is required prior to the program start date to confirm your acceptance.
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 program, activities take place on-site at The Studio and include:
- Masterclasses and workshops;
- Ask-me-anything Sessions with, The Studio’s expert-in-residence, David McKeague;
- One-on-one sessions with advisors and mentors;
- Talks by industry specialists and subject matter experts;
- Introductions to founders 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 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 - 12:40pm
- Business Series - Thursdays, midday - 12:40pm
Who should apply?
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.
What are the selection criteria?
- Minimum requirement: Should 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 7-week program for an additional $299.
How can I apply?
Submit your application, link here.
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?
- 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?
Q: The program has on-site meetups and classes. Can I attend them virtually?
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 7-week program?
Q: Do I have to sign up for residency at The Studio upon completion of the program?
Q: Is there an opportunity to pitch to investors?
Q: If one team member of our startup is successful with a funded placement in this program, can other team members join the program?
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?
Q: Why is The Studio offering this program at a 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.