Now could be the perfect time to take your idea to the next level with applications closing soon for the next intake of the Female Founders Program.

Delivered by the University of Newcastle’s I2N in partnership with the NSW Government, the Female Founders Program supports a minimum of 10 female-led founders from the Hunter and Central Coast regions with training workshops, tailored mentoring and support through I2N’s network.

Director, Entrepreneurship, Siobhan Curran, said the Female Founders Program's main aim is to level the playing field for committed female founders to build their businesses and reach their fullest potential.

“It takes more than a great idea to launch a startup. Business know-how, a strong and supportive professional network, and confidence in yourself and your concept are ‘must-haves’ to succeed,” Ms Curran said. “The Female Founders Program will provide that network of supporters who will provide the insights and guidance to help founders succeed."

The free 10-week program focuses on helping participants understand their value proposition and the market for their business. They will learn how to get traction as a start-up and gain the business skills to help them model cash flow projections and structure their business as it grows – critical skills for a new business venture.

Hey Zomi Co-Founder and I2N program participant, Mika Koelma, said entrepreneurial programs like the Female Founders Program help early-stage founders kick-start their ideas and get them scaling sooner.

“The I2N program helped create a safe, supportive environment for everyone to learn what they needed, specific to the stage of their businesses. The team and my cohort encouraged me to 'become' the founder of Hey Zomi and the mentoring I received enabled me to do the real work I needed, in order to get to market quicker.”

Applications for the Female Founders Program are closing Monday 18 September. 

For more information including eligibility and application details visit www.newcastle.edu.au/ffp

Want to know more? Watch the Female Founders Program Information Session recording.