Catalysr is running a 12-week pre-accelerator program to help migrapreneurs decide if they want to have a crack

Startup accelerator Catalysr helps migrants and refugees build the businesses that contribute to Australia’s economic success.

And now, after five years helping people in Sydney and Melbourne, the organisation is going national with plans to help for than 400 “migrapreneurs” (migrant entrepreneurs) over the next two years.

Since 2016, Catalysr has supported more than 400 migrapreneurs who’ve launched more than 150 new enterprises in Australia, including spacetech startup Spiral Blue, HR tech – HR Partner, and social enterprises such as charityBay and The Creative Co-operative. 

CEO Usman Iftikhar is not looking to take the Catalysr message Australia-wide, kicking off with a free pre-accelerator program to help ideation/early stage migrant entrepreneurs launch new businesses.

The 12-week program, delivered largely online, as well as in person, has two main elements: online masterclasses and face-to-face Ccommunity sessions in each major city led by local Chapter Leads. It aims to give would-be founders an understanding of startup fundamentals.

“We are excited to support migrant and refugee founders across all of Australia,” Iftikhar said.

“Our plans are to support an additional 400 migrapreneurs by the end of 2022, extending serviceability to South Australia, Queensland, Northern Territory, Canberra, Western Australia and Tasmania is the first step in achieving that goal.”

Applications for the  free pre-accelerator program close Sunday, March 28, at 5pm. To apply and for more details on the program, click here.