Deadline: 31 January 2025
Silicon Coast, in partnership with Advance Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council, a number of key Regional Industry Groups, and Australian Computer Society (ACS Labs), is excited to launch the LEAP FWD Accelerator and Incubation Program on the Sunshine Coast.
The LEAP FWD Program is a strategic step forward, designed to support the region’s goal of a $33 billion economy by 2033. Despite limited early-stage funding, the Sunshine Coast boasts a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and connected networks.
This program seeks to fill existing gaps by offering structured pathways for local Innovation-Driven Enterprises (IDEs) to thrive.
LEAP FWD is more than just a program; it’s a movement to position the Sunshine Coast as a global innovation powerhouse. By breaking traditional barriers, entrepreneurs can access streamlined pathways from ideation to scale, gaining tailored mentorship and becoming part of a robust network.
Incubation Program
- The LEAP FWD Incubation Program provides foundational support to early-stage ventures:
- Mentorship Network: Connections with industry leaders.
- Resource Access: Shared workspace, infrastructure, and essential business services.
- Skills Development: Training in core business and entrepreneurial skills.
Accelerator Program
- The LEAP FWD Accelerator Program supports scale-ready ventures with:
- Investment Preparation: Guidance on capital raising and market entry.
- Expansion Strategies: Resources for scaling nationally and internationally.
- Market Access: Facilitated connections with customers and partners.
- Specialised Expertise: Advanced mentoring for growth areas.
- Value to the Sunshine Coast Ecosystem
Benefits
- LEAP FWD businesses who have been successful in being selected, to be part of the LEAP FWD cohort of 25, will receive the following FWD Fest 25 bonus and be invited to participate at no cost in the FWD Showcase at FWD Fest 25 to be held on the Sunshine Coast on 7 – 9 of May 2025.
- This special FWD Fest 25 bonus valued at over $3,000, offers the LEAP FWD Cohort of 25 the opportunity to showcase and amplify their business, foster collaboration, and create meaningful opportunities for collaborate collisions to help propel their business forward.
- LEAP FWD businesses will receive the following FWD Fest 25 benefits:
- 2 x FWD>DAY ONE pass and 2 x FWD>KEYNOTE Breakfast tickets for Wednesday 7 May
- 1 x VIP Partner Dinner ticket for Wednesday 7 May
- 1 x FWD>DAY TWO pass and 1 x Celebration Dinner ticket for Thursday 8 May
- Ability to request ‘exhibitor only’ entry pass for additional exhibitor contacts
- 2m x 2m space including a 1.8m Trestle table and two chairs – cloth additional
- FWD>>>FEST is designed for collaboration and connection, so they do not provide walls or booth structures, and they invite you to utilise a banner as backdrop.
- Invited to participate in a co-branded media wall with other LEAP FWD businesses
- Promotion in FWD>>>FEST printed Matters program
- Promotion in FWD App as a Showcase exhibitor and LEAP FWD business
- Co-branded social media tile to promote your business will be at FWD>>>FEST 25
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a resident or have a Business registered in QLD and Founder located within the Sunshine Coast region.
- Must be a Startup or Scale up Business focused on innovation – i.e. companies deliver new technology to the market; or disrupt and transform existing products of services and have the high potential to grow across Markets.
- Completed Applications including detail on your idea or business and ability to submit a Video Recorded pitch link (5 minutes maximum) as part of the LEAP FWD application.
- As part of their dedication to support the Sunshine Coast – Regional Economic Development Strategy, (REDS) companies solving problems across – Health Tech, Aviation & Aerospace, Tourism/Sports & Leisure Tech, Sustainability/Clean Tech and Food & Agtech – will be highly desirable.
- Must be able to attend FWD Fest 2025 and participate in the LEAP FWD Procurement Pitch and FWD Showcase during on 7 – 9 of May on the Sunshine Coast.
- Ability to dedicate a minimum of 3 hours per week for the first 6 months of the program, and willingness to fully engage and participate in both mandatory face to face and online events as scheduled.
- Active engagement in the membership community, through attendance of program events, online networking and accessing of resources and the ACS Labs team.
- Must be able to provide honest feedback and business progress results throughout the year to LEAP FWD Program & ACS Labs Coordinator.
- Must be able to commit to this program that runs throughout 2025 and be open to travel. Demonstrable product differentiation and talent of founding team members Must be able to sell a vision convincingly to customers, venture capital and employees – and demonstrate an understanding of the next three things that need to get done to drive the business forward. Successful Applicants will be notified at least 1 week before the start date. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified prior to the program starting. Allow LEAP FWD & ACS Labs to promote founder’s and companies participation.
For more information, visit Silicon Coast.