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Criteria
Women founders driven by purpose, leading small and micro businesses, start-ups, or social enterprises with less than AUD$50k in revenue, fewer 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
8-week free pre-accelerator program
INCO Elevate Australia
Elevating Sydney's women founders
Are you a purpose-driven woman founder creating products or services that drive positive change? Are you ready to take your business to the next level? We're bringing together INCO's network of leading experts to boost the growth of impact-driven businesses led by women in Australia.
Our Approach
INCO Elevate Australia is an eight-week program empowering women founders to scale purpose-driven businesses. Designed for maximum flexibility, this free program combines self-paced weekly online modules with live, interactive sessions led by expert facilitators. Participants will gain valuable insights, build meaningful connections, and receive mentoring through a dynamic mix of online and hybrid learning. We know you're busy, so we'll keep the time commitment to 3-4 hours a week.
Business Expertise & Impact Leadership
We’ll host interactive workshops on key topics like impact models and strategy, storytelling, customer engagement, revenue streams optimisation, sustainability, and business planning to provide solid foundations for scaling, along with practical frameworks and support to accelerate your impact knowledge.
Mentoring and Community
Thanks to our partner BNY, we'll provide opportunities for industry mentoring and peer connections. Participants will also have the chance to meet in person at a Sydney-based event during the program.
Join a Global Network
INCO Entrepreneurs has trained over 8000 small businesses, connecting you to a world-class network and resources to amplify your impact.
Why INCO?
INCO is a world-leading social enterprise creating a more inclusive and environmentally sustainable economy by supporting the workforce and business leaders of tomorrow. We’ve worked in over 140 countries and supported over 8,000 businesses through our bespoke approach to coaching, mentoring, and community building.
What this means is, we’ve got your back!
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
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Why people choose INCO Academy for their career
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
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 shortlisted applicants will have a 10-15 minute online interview.
Stage 4:
Final Selection
Shortlisted applicants from stage 3 will be sent an invitation to join the program.
FAQs
Thanks to our partners at BNY, this program is completely free. And they’ll even throw in mentoring with their internal experts who are passionate about supporting businesses to thrive.
The 8-week program requires 3-4 hours per week, with self-paced online modules to complete via our learning platform before engaging in weekly live, interactive sessions on Zoom with expert facilitators. You’ll also take part in peer sessions, networking opportunities, and in-person mentoring activities.
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. In the application form, we’ll ask what time of day suits best for the online sessions so we can make the format work for as many of the participants as possible.
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 Friday 6 June, 11:59PM (AEST)
Yes, you must be registered as a company or sole trader in Australia, or be willing to register within the first few weeks of the program.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Online interviews will take place between 10 and 27 June, with selected participants announced by 4 July 2025.
Yes, as long as they’re co-founders with leadership roles and meet our overall criteria.
INCO Elevate Australia is an inclusive program designed for all women who identify as such. This includes cisgender women, transgender women, non-binary individuals, and anyone who feels that their gender identity aligns with being a woman. We believe in creating an environment where all women, regardless of background, experience, or stage in life, are welcome and supported to grow, learn, and succeed in their ventures.
INCO Elevate Australia is a hybrid program that combines the flexibility of online learning with the opportunity for in-person connection. You’ll complete weekly online modules at your own pace, followed by live, interactive sessions via Zoom with expert facilitators. In addition, there will be a special in-person event held in Sydney, where you can meet fellow participants and network with industry mentors.