Why INCO?
By joining INCO Elevate Australia, you connect to a worldwide movement. INCO is a social enterprise creating a more inclusive, sustainable economy. We’ve empowered 8,000+ businesses across 140 countries, connecting founders to mentors, peers, and resources to help you scale your impact.
See what our participants share about their experiences
"The INCO Elevate Australia program was a real turning point for me. I came in with a big, broad idea, and through the program I gained the clarity to narrow it down to a focused concept with a clear purpose and social impact. It helped me find my 'why' and build the confidence to take the next steps in my venture journey.
Since completing the program, I have applied for the MVP Ventures grant and several accelerators, and I feel much more equipped to move forward with purpose.
Amy Hammersley
Founder, PRECONX Australia and BowerNest AI
INCO Elevate Australia Cohort 1
Our Approach
At INCO Elevate Australia Express, we empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs to scale their impact through practical learning, collaboration, and community.
This free five-week hybrid program is designed for Sydney-based impact entrepreneurs looking to grow their purpose-driven businesses. You’ll complete self-paced weekly online modules, join two in-person Friday afternoon workshops on impact frameworks and storytelling, and finish with a live pitching practice on the final day.
Gain valuable insights, build meaningful connections, and receive expert mentoring, all in just 3 to 4 hours per week.
Build Your Impact Skills
Learn how to embed impact into your business strategy and daily operations through key topics like impact modelling, Theory of Change, impact measurement, and storytelling.
You’ll gain practical frameworks and tailored support to build strong foundations for scaling and accelerate your impact knowledge with confidence.
Expand Your Circle
Connect, collaborate, and learn alongside other changemakers.
During the in-person workshops, you’ll meet current and past INCO Elevate Australia cohort members, building networks and learning from shared experiences.
Thanks to our partner BNY, you’ll also receive industry mentoring from expert professionals during the live pitching event on the program’s final day.
INCO Elevate Australia Express
Elevating Sydney's impact entrepreneurs
Are you a purpose-driven founder creating products or services that drive positive change? Are you ready to take your business to the next level?
INCO Elevate Australia Express is here to help you fast track your impact and scale your business with confidence.
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5-week hybrid express program based in Sydney
From Friday 6 February to Friday 13 March 2026
Founders driven by purpose, leading small and micro impact-driven businesses, start-ups, or social enterprises with less than three employees and under two years of operation
Early-stage ventures with proven traction, such as a prototype, first customers, initial revenue, or a validated idea that is ready to launch, and a strong commitment to creating positive social and/or environmental impact alongside economic success
Why people choose INCO Academy for their career
See what our participants share about their experiences
As a founder, knowing how to grow and develop your business is a full time job in itself. What do you focus on first? What’s going to drive the most value? These were all questions that I was struggling to navigate alongside client work.
It was a big relief then, to stumble upon the INCO Elevate UK programme, with its structured, 12-week curriculum exploring a range of crucial topics to help grow my business. The experience has been eye-opening and insightful - I’ve learnt so much that I can apply directly to my business, especially around how I position and market myself to the wider world.
All in all, this programme was exactly what I needed to take a step back, look at the bigger picture and take Make It Stick to the next level. A huge thank you INCO!
Charlotte Kendall
Founder, Make It Stick
INCO Elevate UK Cohort 1
What makes INCO Academy stand out from other organisations is its transparency, inclusion, and diversity. The fact that it is fully funded made it possible for me to develop my skills and knowledge in tech.
Mayowa
To provide a stable future for my son, I considered reskilling and chose to pursue a career in IT. Joining a training program at INCO Academy gave me a supportive community of like-minded women. This significantly boosts confidence and unveils potential.
Anastasiia
INCO Elevate Australia Express
Elevating Sydney's impact entrepreneurs
Are you a purpose-driven founder creating products or services that drive positive change? Are you ready to take your business to the next level?
INCO Elevate Australia Express is here to help you fast track your impact and scale your business with confidence.
Application Process
Stage 1:
Written Application
If you meet our criteria, complete the application form.
Stage 2:
Application Review
We’ll objectively score and rank all shortlisted applications based on the details you provide in the application form
Stage 3:
Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an online interview, which will take place in December
Stage 4:
Final Selection
Shortlisted applicants from stage 3 will receive confirmation in January to secure their place in the program, along with all relevant details and next steps
FAQs
No, there is no cost to participate. Thanks to our partners at BNY, participants receive a fully sponsored place in the program, including mentoring from their internal experts who are passionate about helping businesses grow and succeed.
The 5-week program begins on Friday 6 February 2026, with an online onboarding session and runs through to Friday 13 March 2026. Participants should expect to dedicate 3 to 4 hours per week, completing self-paced online modules via our learning platform. These modules will prepare you for two in-person afternoon workshops with expert facilitators on Friday 20 February, and Friday 6 March 2026. The program concludes with an in-person pitching practice afternoon with BNY staff on Friday 13 March 2026, where you’ll also have the opportunity to pitch for a AUD $500 cash prize.
Please keep the following dates free in your diary. All our in-person events are based in Sydney CBD:
Friday 6 February 2026, 12pm-1pm: Online onboarding session
Friday 6 February 2026, 5pm-7pm: In-person welcome drinks
Friday 20 February 2026, 2pm-6:pm: In-person workshop on impact frameworks, including networking drinks
Friday 6 March 2026, 2pm-6pm: In-person workshop on impact storytelling and pitching, including networking drinks
Friday 13 March 2026, 2pm-6pm: In-person live pitching practice day with BNY
Yes, absolutely. The program is designed with busy entrepreneurs in mind, whether you're working on your company full-time or have other commitments. We provide a flexible schedule and advance timetables to help you carve out time for the program around your existing responsibilities.
No, you don’t have to be full-time. But you will need to ensure that you have enough time to take part in the activities and workshops.
The deadline to apply is Wednesday 10 December 2025, 11:59PM (AEST).
Yes, you must be registered as a company or sole trader in Australia, or be willing to register before the start of the program.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Online interviews will take place mostly in December, with selected participants announced by mid-January at the latest.
Yes, as long as they’re co-founders with leadership roles and meet our overall criteria.
INCO Elevate Australia Express is a hybrid program that blends online learning with in-person experiences. You’ll work through weekly online modules at your own pace, attend two in-person afternoon workshops focused on impact frameworks and storytelling, and finish the program with a live pitching practice on the final day.
Desirable Selection Criteria
Founders driven by purpose, leading small and micro impact-driven businesses, start-ups, or social enterprises with less than three employees and under two years of operation
Early-stage ventures with proven traction, such as a prototype, first customers, initial revenue, or a validated idea that is ready to launch, and a strong commitment to creating positive social and/or environmental impact alongside economic success.
Program Dates: From 21 July to 12 September 2025
Format and Location: 8-week hybrid program based in Sydney
