Poplabs is a first-of-its-kind incubator designed to build and support a growing ecosystem of purpose-led creative businesses using storytelling to drive change. Applications are now open for Cohort One and close 11.59 pm AEST 18 September 2020.

Since we’re the new kids on the block, we recognise that most of you have more questions than answers at the moment. Because of this, we’ve put together a series of information sessions to give you a chance to learn what we’re about and ask any questions you may have on the application process and the program.

Across a series of three different information sessions we’ll be diving into each of our pillars: Social Impact, Business and Storytelling. For each of these sessions our co-founder, Sarah Mak, will be joined by one of our brilliant industry partners to unpack these concepts and explore how they all intersect to form the foundation of Poplabs.

This is the third and final Poplabs information session, and it’s focusing on Storytelling. Joining Poplabs Co-Founder Sarah Mak are co-Founders of Media Mentors Australia, Esther Coleman-Hawkins and Denise Eriksen. With decades of producing, commissioning and development up their belt, Denise and Esther are passionate about helping people get the very best out of their creative career, thriving in the freelance life and telling the very best stories they can – about themselves and the world around them. Through this information session, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the world of storytelling, what it means to embed storytelling in your creative practice and business, and how Poplabs will give you the tools and skills to harness its power.

Having seen people in the creative field flounder, struggle with where they’re going or burning out, and recognising the lack of support available to them, Esther and Denise made the decision to co-found Media Mentors Australia in early 2020. Since then, Media Mentors Australia has mentored projects, helped businesses get a foothold in Australia, and mentored individuals – with assistance in accessing the right industry-based training, career analysis and facilitating networking. Put simply, helping creatives create and empowering them to tell the stories they want to tell. To learn more about Media Mentor Australia, check out their website at https://www.mediamentors.com.au

Who’s invited to these information sessions? Anyone who’s excited about innovating within the creative space! Whether you’re new to this realm and still not sure what it’s about or are already excited about applying and keen to learn more, all are welcome!

Live captioning and Auslan interpreting services will be provided. We’re passionate about equity and inclusion so if you have any concerns or other specific requirements to be able to join in our information sessions, please let us know when registering.

Our sessions are recorded and made available at www.poplabs.com.au at a later date.

We would like to acknowledge and pay respects to the Traditional Custodians and Elders of the lands where we live, learn and work and extend our respect to Traditional Custodians whose country we create on, the Turrbal and Jagera people, to their Elders, both past, present and emerging.

We also celebrate and embrace diversity and strive to take an intersectional approach that empowers those around us and is respectful of their lived experience. We endeavour to create an environment that is equitable and inclusive for everyone we work with and for, where everyone's voice is heard.