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Waves

Catch the Next Wave of Growth with LEAP FWD>>>

Apply Now!

 

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level?

 

Applications are now open for the LEAP FWD Accelerator, a free 9-month program designed to help Sunshine Coast businesses overcome challenges, refine their growth strategy, and become investment-ready.

 

Why join an accelerator?

Research shows that businesses participating in accelerator programs significantly outperform their peers:

  • Accelerated startups are 3.4% more likely to raise venture capital and raised $1.8 million more in the first year after graduating Wharton School

  • Graduates of accelerators tend to have a 23% higher survival rate than businesses that don't participate GoingVC

  • Regions with accelerators see up to 104% increase in venture capital activity Congress.gov, lifting all local businesses, not just participants

  • Accelerator-backed businesses raise 2.5 times more funding than non-accelerated ventures within two years Peachscore

 

For regional businesses, the benefits are even more pronounced. You get access to mentors, investors, and networks that would otherwise require travel to capital cities, all while staying connected to your local market.

 

What you'll get:

  • Mentorship from experienced business leaders

  • Online sessions with your cohort for learning, networking and support

  • Three in-person workshops throughout the year

  • The chance to pitch at FWD Fest in May 2026 for sales and/or investment

  • Connections to local, state, and Australia-wide networks

 

Only 10 businesses will be selected for the 2026 cohort.

 

Who should apply:

Revenue-generating organisations on the Sunshine Coast looking to scale, solve challenges, and build meaningful connections.

 

Key dates:

  • Applications close: 28th February 2026

  • Applicants notified 9th March 2026

  • Program starts: 15th March 2026

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Beach Meditation Session

Program Guidelines

LEAP FWD Program Guidelines (ACS Labs / Silicon Coast)

Eligibility:

  • Must be a QLD resident or have a business registered in QLD with founder located on the Sunshine Coast

  • Must be a startup or scale-up focused on innovation (new technology, disruptive products/services with high growth potential)

  • Companies solving problems across Health Tech, Aviation & Aerospace, Tourism/Sports & Leisure Tech, Sustainability/Clean Tech and Food & Agtech are highly desirable Fwdfest

Application Requirements:

  • Completed application including detail on your idea or business and ability to submit a video recorded pitch link (5 minutes maximum) Fwdfest

Commitments:

  • Must be able to attend FWD Fest and participate in the LEAP FWD Procurement Pitch and FWD Showcase Fwdfest

  • Ability to dedicate a minimum of 3 hours per week for the first 6 months of the program Fwdfest

  • Willingness to fully engage and participate in both mandatory face-to-face and online events as scheduled Fwdfest

  • Active engagement in the membership community through attendance of program events, online networking and accessing resources and the ACS Labs team Fwdfest

  • Must be able to provide honest feedback and business progress results throughout the year Fwdfest

  • Must be able to commit to the program and be open to travel Fwdfest

What They're Looking For:

  • Demonstrable product differentiation and talent of founding team members Fwdfest

  • Must be able to sell a vision convincingly to customers, venture capital and employees — and demonstrate an understanding of the next three things that need to get done to drive the business forward Fwdfest

Promotional Consent:

  • Allow LEAP FWD & ACS Labs to promote founder's and company's participation

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