Applications will soon open for a new nine-week program designed for women in the Hunter and Central Coast who are ready to turn ideas into action or grow into leadership roles.
I2N FLIP, delivered by the University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N), offers practical support for women developing scalable businesses or wanting to build their leadership skills. The program mixes startup thinking with leadership development in a setting tailored to the needs of women balancing work, life and ambition.
Participation is open to women aged 18 and over, living in the Hunter or Central Coast regions. Applicants can apply solo or as part of a small team (up to three members). Business ideas can be early-stage or still forming, and the program also welcomes women looking to grow into leadership roles within existing startups.
To be eligible, applicants must identify as women, have received less than $500,000 in external funding for their idea, and be ready to commit to nine weeks of workshops, coaching and self-paced learning. Agencies and consultancies are not eligible, and no university connection is needed.
The program includes face-to-face workshops held at I2N Hub Honeysuckle in Newcastle and online sessions via Zoom. FLIP is designed to be as accessible as possible for women managing work, study or caring responsibilities.
The program’s design draws on insights from successful female leaders and offers access to experienced mentors who understand the specific barriers women often face in business. It also provides participants with initial intellectual property and trademark support through Davies Collison Cave, with funding support from the Belinda & Adam MacDougall Foundation.
“Entrepreneurship brings many benefits to communities but is a hard road full of setbacks. Women have amazing minds and fabulous ideas, and with a bit of support can achieve anything,” said Belinda MacDougall.
“If we can help build confidence and aid more women to bring their ideas to market that is a great outcome.”
For anyone interested in learning more, an online information session will be held on Thursday 7 August from 12–1pm. It will provide an overview of the program, details about who it’s for, and a chance to ask questions before applications open.
Information Session:
📅 Thursday 7 August
🕛 12:00–1:00PM (Online)
🔗 Register: here
