Applications for Catalysr’s ‘migrapreneur’ startup accelerator program are about to close

Catalysr, the startup incubator dedicated to supporting high-performing migrant and refugee entrepreneurs, is on the hunt for 25 “migrapreneurs” to take part in its 2023 Accelerate Program.

Applications close this Wednesday, September 6, with the free, three-month program running from September 17 to early December.

Since 2016, Catalysr has supported and mentored more than 900 migrapreneurs to help them learn about entrepreneurship and transform their ideas into tech startups and social enterprises.

Cofounder and CEO Usman Iftikhar said that this year, in partnership with TechVisa, Catalysr will offer Migrapreneur Activate Grants of $2,500 to selected startups within the 2023 cohort. The grants are designed to help with the administrative and operational expenses of launching a business

“Amplifying migrapreneurs and their startups is at the heart of what we do, and we are excited to launch the 2023 Accelerate Program to nurture the potential of up to 25 dynamic startups,” he said.

“This program embodies our commitment to driving innovation, providing mentorship, and fostering an inclusive and diverse community that will continue to thrive long after the program concludes.” 

The program includes weekly practical workshops, in-depth mentoring and financial support, kicking off with the immersive Startup Bootcamp, where the budding entrepreneurs customer discovery and validation of their startup idea.

“This initial phase will also include the allocation of dedicated Entrepreneurs in residence (EiRs) who will serve as mentors throughout the program, guiding the founders and their startup journey towards growth,” Iftikhar said.

The program’s weekly mentoring sessions with the EiRs then provide a platform of accountability for startups to discuss progress, set goals, and receive expert guidance, ensuring a steady trajectory towards achieving their business objectives. 

Another key highlight of the Accelerate program is the series of weekly events hosted by the Catalysr team every Wednesday evening. These events will encompass a range of activities, including networking mixers with industry mentors, investors, and funders, as well as specialised workshops and office hours facilitated by industry experts and service providers in fields, such as accounting, legal, venture capital, and more.

Best of all, there are no fees charged, and no equity taken for being part of the program thanks to support from Catalysr’s long-standing backers, the eBay Foundation, Westpac Foundation and TechVisa. 

Usman Iftikhar said participants who complete with program will join a community of more than 1000 founders, professionals, advisors and investors migrapreneurs involved with the organisation, who’ll provides ongoing support, resources, and a platform for migrapreneurs to connect, collaborate, and share their entrepreneurial journeys 

Submit your application here.