Join Startup Village

Startup Village is a free 8-month program for migrant, refugee, and culturally diverse women, trans, and gender-diverse people.

Whether you're looking to grow your career, improve your financial confidence, explore a business idea, strengthen your leadership skills, or connect with others who understand your experiences, Startup Village is here to support you.

Through workshops, mentoring, coaching, and community connection, you'll build practical skills, confidence, and a supportive network to help you achieve your goals.

Supported and funded by the City of Melbourne.

What You'll Get

✅ Practical workshops on employment, business, leadership, and money management

✅ One-on-one or small group support from mentors and industry professionals

✅ Access to specialist coaches in employment, finance, marketing, business, and more

✅ Invitations to community events and networking opportunities

✅ A supportive community that understands your journey and wants to see you succeed

✅ Opportunities to explore personal, professional, and business goals at your own pace

Who Should Apply?

Startup Village may be right for you if:

You identify as a woman, trans, or gender-diverse person
You come from a migrant, refugee, or multicultural background
You live in Melbourne and can travel to workshops in the CBD
You want to build your confidence, skills, and professional network
You are interested in employment, career development, financial wellbeing, leadership, community impact, or business
You are excited to learn alongside other participants and contribute to a supportive community

Program Dates

Startup Village will run from late January to September 2027 (exact dates to be confirmed).

Workshops will be held in Melbourne CBD every 2-4 weeks, with additional opportunities to connect through community events, mentoring, and coaching sessions throughout the program.

We'll also aim to kick off the program with a Welcome Event, bringing together participants, mentors, coaches, facilitators, partners, and supporters of the Village. It's a chance to meet one another, start building connections, and celebrate the beginning of the journey together.

Time Commitment

Participants are expected to attend regular workshops and community events throughout the program. We understand life happens, but ask that participants make a genuine commitment to attending and engaging in the program.

How are we selecting our Villagers (participants)?

There are 25 places available in this cohort.

We review all applications as they come in, and aim to create a diverse cohort that reflects different experiences, cultures, goals, and communities.

What Happens After You Apply?

You can apply in the way that feels easiest for you:

Fill in this online application form
Apply over the phone and we'll help complete the application with you
Apply by email if you've been referred by one of our community partners, organisations, or networks

Once we receive your application:

We'll contact you by phone or email for a friendly chat.
We'll review all applications.
Successful applicants will be offered a place in Startup Village.
If all places are filled, we'll pop you on the waitlist for Round 2 and be in touch closer to August 2027 to see if you'd still like to join the Village.

Accessibility & Inclusion

We want everyone to feel welcome, safe, and included.

This form includes questions about language, accessibility, cultural, wellbeing, and support needs. Sharing this information is optional and helps us understand how we can support your participation. We will do our best to provide reasonable adjustments and appropriate support.

Privacy

The information you provide will only be used for Startup Village participant selection, program delivery, evaluation, and reporting requirements. Your information will be handled confidentially.

Before You Start

This form includes 2-3 short-answer questions and mostly multiple-choice questions and should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

Applications officially close on Sunday 29 November 2026 at 11:45pm, but may close earlier if all available places are filled before this date.

Need Help or Have Any questions?

Need support with language, accessibility, or completing the application?

📧 Emily Phan

ephan@wire.org.au

(03) 8614 5467

We're happy to help.

🌟 We look forward to hearing your story and welcoming you to Startup Village. 🌟

Contact the host of Startup Village 2027 Participant Application

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