Venture Catalyst Social Enterprise

$10,000 plus a six-month accelerator program to develop your social enterprise

The Innovation & Collaboration Centre wants to assist you in building your social enterprise.

Do you have an idea that could change the world for the better? A business that works to tackle social problems, improve communities, provide people with access to employment and training, or help the environment?

Applications are now open to UniSA students, staff or Alumni for the Venture Catalyst Social Enterprise program, designed to help early stage social entrepreneurs plan and successfully execute their journey to set up a new and innovative social business.

The Social Enterprise category is proudly supported by Pank Family who support social innovation and enterprises developed by UniSA students or alumni. Through the Venture Catalyst program, the Pank Family have ensured that new ideas that come out of the University have the support and mentoring needed to set up a new and innovative social enterprise in South Australia.

Program features to start your social enterprise

Workshops

A series of capability workshops and pitch and feedback sessions designed for founders to accelerate growth

Mentoring

One-on-one mentoring sessions to support implementation of your learnings

University resources

Access to co-working space in either the Adelaide CBD or Whyalla, and access to UniSA’s support services including research and placements

Industry experts

Access to a pool of global industry experts and experts in residence who specialise in advice for the startup journey

ICC community

Regular group activities supporting community building, resilience and access to networking events

Funding

A stipend of up to $10,000 AUD per company. Eligible startups only

Discover more of our program features

2020 Venture Catalyst Social Enterprise recepient

Katie Gloede completed the Venture Catalyst Social Enterprise category in 2018 with her startup Sport Tech Learn, a platform to engage students using an integrated curriculum to gain confidence and skills in STEM.

Access to a pool of global industry experts

Participants of all Venture Catalyst programs along with all other startups at the ICC have access to a range of global Industry Experts from all around the globe ready to provide your startup with advice, assistance and industry connections.

Learn more

Key dates

Applications open	Monday 5 June 2023
Applications close	Midnight (ACDT) Sunday 30 July 2023
Notice of outcome	Friday 1 September 2023
Program period	Monday 2 October 2023 — Friday 22 March 2024

Frequently asked questions

When do applications need to be submitted by?

Applications will need to be submitted by 11.59pm (ACST) on the Sunday 30th of July 2023.

Will I need to pitch my business as part of the application process?

If shortlisted, you will be asked to attend a short (45 min) informal interview to expand on your idea and allow the Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) to meet the key members of your team. This may be in person or online.

When will I know if I have been accepted into the program?

Applicants will be contacted on the 1st of September 2023 after their application has been assessed and kept up to date on the steps of their application.

Do I need to be based in Adelaide?

The founder of the business must be based in South Australia and committed to establishing the business here. For startups not based in metro Adelaide, the program can be completed at either the regional ICC in Whyalla or online.

Do I need to be part of UniSA to apply?

For our 2023 Venture Catalyst Social Enterprise program, one of the members of the startup must either be a UniSA student, staff member, alumni.

Do I receive funding when I join the program?

This program is based on individual support and mentoring to help you get your idea off the ground. The 2023 Social Enterprise program recipient will receive a $10,000 stipend as supported by the Pank family.

Do participants retain their equity when joining the program?

This program is 100% equity free. You retain any and all of your equity and IP as a participant of this program.

Who supports the Social Enterprise Category?

The Social Enterprise category is supported by Pank Family who support social innovation and enterprises developed by UniSA students or alumni. Through the Venture Catalyst program, the Pank Family have ensured that new ideas that come out of the University have the support and mentoring needed to set up a new and innovative social enterprise in South Australia.

Register your interest

For more information, please download our information pack, or feel free to contact us on (08) 8302 7368 or send us an enquiry.