Accelerate 2025 — Catalysr

Accelerate Program

Program Overview

The Accelerate Program is three months long, offered to up to 25 startups.

Starting with a Startup Bootcamp, you’ll be paired with an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) who will act as your mentor throughout the program. You’ll meet with your EiR once a week to check in on your progress and get help with your goals.

In addition to this, you‘ll attend weekly office hours, community sessions, and workshops hosted by the Catalysr team on Saturdays.

The program’s weekly time commitment is approximately 3 hours (outside of normal business hours).

More details on the program below:

  • Startup Bootcamp: During this time, you’ll pitch to EiR’s, the cohort, and Catalysr team. We’ll also allocate your EiR and go over your roadmap for the program.

  • Intensive Mentorship: Weekly meetings with your EiR to keep you accountable and help you reach your business goals.

  • Weekly Events: Mixer events with mentors, investors & funders, Office Hours with industry experts, service providers (accounting, legal, etc.), and hands-on practical workshops.

  • Apply for Grants: In partnership with TechVisa, Catalysr Foundation will offer 4 x $2,500 grants to founders in the 2025 Accelerate cohort to help relieve financial burdens.

The struggles of startup life don't end with the program. After the program, you'll become part of our community of 1,000+ alumni where you can get support, access resources and networks, and share your journey with other migrapreneurs!

2025 Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: Sunday, 20th July 2025.
  • Decision Notification: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Startup Bootcamp: Saturday, 2nd August 2025.
  • Program dates: 2nd August - 25th October 2025.

Eligibility criteria

  • Migrapreneur Led: At least one first-generation migrant or refugee co-founder in your team.
  • Early Stage: Your startup should be less than 5 years old with fewer than 10 staff.
  • Registered: Your business must be incorporated or operating under a sole tradership.
  • Australia based: Open to migrant-led startups from anywhere in Australia.
  • Tech or Social Enterprise: Specifically support Tech startups or businesses with positive social/environmental impact.

If unsure, please apply as we consider applications on a case-by-case basis. For questions, contact us at ops@catalysr.com.au.

FAQs

  • When do the weekly events take place?

    Weekly events are on Saturday mornings between 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.

  • Who is a Migrapreneur?

    A migrapreneur is a migrant or refugee entrepreneur. At least one first-generation migrant or refugee co-founder is required.

  • Can I apply if I’m an international student?

    Yes, but you must meet visa requirements.

  • What ideas or ventures will you accept?

    Tech startups or businesses with positive social/environmental impacts.

  • Can I be a solo founder?

    Yes, applications from solo founders are accepted.

  • What if English is not my first language?

    Applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are welcome, but must be able to understand and communicate in English.

Cost of Attendance

The Accelerate Program is completely FREE, supported by our partners & mentors. We do NOT take equity as part of this program.

Is this the program for you?

The Accelerate Program is best suited to Founders that are:

  • Using their business to solve problems they’re passionate about.
  • Adaptable, resourceful, and open to new ideas.
  • Determined, resilient, and tenacious.
  • Supportive and empathetic to others.