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Build. Grow. Scale. Succeed. A structured, cohort-based program designed to help founders turn ideas into thriving, sustainable businesses.

Start your business right

Having a great idea is just the beginning—turning it into a successful business requires strategy, resilience, and the right support. The Stack+ Founders Program is a fully online, flexible program designed to help founders navigate the complexities of business building with confidence, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and networks needed to turn ideas into impact.

Entrepreneurship can be uncertain and overwhelming, with founders facing challenges they didn’t anticipate. Many start without a solid plan, struggle to secure funding, or fail to validate their market, leading to wasted time and resources. Stack+ is built to change that.

This practical, structured program gives founders real-world business skills, access to mentors and industry leaders, and a step-by-step roadmap to move from idea to execution—stronger, faster, and smarter. With fully online delivery, participants can learn at their own pace while balancing other commitments.

 

Unposed group of creative business people in an open concept office brainstorming their next project.-1

The Start Up Challenge

Having a great idea is just the beginning, but turning it into a successful business is far more complex.

Many founders underestimate the realities of running a startup, from securing funding to validating market demand. Research shows that a lack of financial management, poor planning, and missing product-market fit are some of the biggest reasons startups fail.

Without the right knowledge and strategy, founders risk falling into the "Valley of Death," where early-stage businesses burn through resources before becoming financially sustainable.

Founders also struggle with isolation, decision fatigue, and limited access to experienced mentors, making it harder to gain traction and scale effectively.

Why Stack + Works

The Stack+ Founders Program is designed to bridge these gaps by providing a structured, flexible, and practical approach to building a business.

Through expert-led learning, real-world application, and access to a strong support network, founders develop the critical skills needed to navigate challenges with confidence.

With a focus on strategy, financial resilience, and innovation, Stack+ ensures founders have the right tools, templates and insights to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Delivered entirely online through our Learning Portal, the program allows participants to learn at their own pace while staying connected to mentors, industry experts, and a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

How we work

Cohort Based Learning

Join a structured, online cohort where founders progress together, engage in peer learning, and build a strong support network.

Real World Application

Every lesson is practical and actionable, ensuring founders apply strategies directly to their business with expert guidance.

Solution

Access mentors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs, creating lasting connections and opportunities for growth.

Cohorts

The program runs across four public cohorts per year, with additional cohorts offered through government-funded initiatives to support specific focus arears

 
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Stack+ STEM Female Founders

This program was funded by the Advance Queensland Backing Female Founders Program and was fully founded.
Applications are closed. 

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Stack+ Female Founders@JCU

This program is funded by the Advance Queensland Backing Female Founders and is fully funded.   
Invitation Only through JCU

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Stack+ General Cohort 

These cohorts are a general cohort $250 per month or $2,250 plus GST. 

  • Start: 1st September 2025
  • Start: 2nd February 2026

 

Launch & Align

Start with clarity and direction by defining your vision, aligning goals, and laying a strong foundation for business success.


What you will cover

 Identify values to create alignment

Develop a compelling vision

Set clear, actionable growth goals

Build early connections

Mindset Matters

Success starts from within—understand your strengths, develop resilience, and build the mindset needed to thrive as a founder.


What you will cover

  Identify your behavioural tendencies with Innovator EQ

 Develop strategies for focus

 Strategically assess SWOT 

  Learn mental resilience tools

Business Blueprint

 Turn ideas into action with a structured, strategic approach to business planning, ensuring long-term success.


What you will cover

 Map your business model

  Explore innovation frameworks 

 Develop  (MVP) targets

 Learn strategic planning tools

Connect & Collaborate

Build the relationships and partnerships that drive business success, from peers to industry leaders.


What you will cover

Identify super connectors

Map your ecosystem

Learn engagement strategies

Develop a compelling elevator pitch

Money Matters

Understand the financial side of business with budgeting, cash flow management, and funding strategies that support sustainable growth.


What you will cover

 Build a simple financial model

 Establish a metrics dashboard

 Learn about funding strategies

  Pricing and revenue strategies

Risk & Resilience

Every business faces risks—develop the skills to mitigate challenges, strengthen resilience, and maintain compliance.


What you will cover

 Learn Risk Management 

  Identify Key Risks

Learn Governance Fundamentals

Build Resilience Strategies

Safeguard Innovation

Your business is built on valuable ideas—learn how to protect intellectual property and secure long-term growth.


What you will cover

trademarks, patents, & copyright

Essential Contracts

Ethics models and frameworks

Security Risks and Compliance

Optimise & Streamline

Lay the groundwork for scalability and efficiency by implementing smart systems and workflows that support long-term growth.


What you will cover

 Systems thinking

 Automating and streamlining

 Identify Cost Effective Tools

  Quality Frameworks

Present & Propel

Capstone your Stack+ journey by refining your business narrative, gaining feedback, and planning for future growth.


What you will cover

 Develop a compelling pitch 

  Showcase innovations

  Gain actionable feedback  

  Create a future Roadmap

Step-by-Step Modules

Easy-to-follow, self-paced modules, guiding you through business fundamentals, strategic planning, financial management, and risk mitigation.

Each module provides clear, actionable insights, ensuring you build your business with confidence.

Tools & Templates

Comprehensive library of ready-to-use templates, checklists, and worksheets to help streamline business planning, goal setting, budgeting, and marketing strategies.

These tools provide a structured approach to working on your business while completing the course.

Real World Application

One of the challenges of being in business is knowing where to start and having time to work on your business not in it. 

Complete the course with practical exercises and scenario-based activities that reinforce learning but build business assets.

Mixed Media Insights

Easy-to-follow video, and audio tutorials and lessons that break down complex topics into plain, practical insights. Each session is designed to provide real-world examples, actionable strategies, and insider knowledge to help you make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.

Flexible delivery

The program supports both self-paced learning for individual businesses and hybrid training, for groups.

This makes Start Right adaptable for individuals, Chambers of Commerce, Start-up Hubs, and business associations looking to deliver structured business education.

Community

Small business ownership can be lonely and isolating which is why finding a tribe that understands is so important.

The Start Right community platform is available for the duration of the program and for two months after to share stories, build your tribe and learn lessons.