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Future Founders Program

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We're committed to boosting innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting our city's future talent.

The Future Founders Program helps young people develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to turn their business ideas into action.

Through events, practical learning resources and industry connections, Brisbane young people can develop business skills, test ideas and connect with other young people interested in business and innovation.

Whether you're exploring business and entrepreneurship, or developing a business idea, the Future Founders program will help you take the next step in your journey.

Future Founders Bursary

Do you dream of starting your own business?

Council's Future Founders Bursaries provide Council-funded places in business and innovation programs so successful applicants can participate at no cost. Through a bursary, young people from diverse backgrounds can access practical learning opportunities, resources and networks to build the skills and confidence to develop their business ideas.

With two programs available, you can apply for the one that best matches your experience and goals.

Which program is right for me?

  Program 1: Impact Boss Program 2: Knoei Colab
Suitability Curious about business,  innovation and entrepreneurship Already have a business idea you want to turn into a viable business
Do I need a business idea? No business idea required Business idea required
Duration 2-day intensive program in Term 1 12-month program during school terms
What to expect Identify challenges, develop ideas and test solutions Develop and refine a business idea while learning how to start and run a business
Outcomes Build foundational business and entrepreneurial skills and confidence Gain a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business

Program details

Impact Boss is a 2-day program of full-day workshops, delivered by Young Change Agents. The program will be held in Term 1 2027 on 24 and 25 February at Telstra, 275 George Street, Brisbane.

Impact Boss is designed for young people who are curious about business, innovation and entrepreneurship and:

  • want to learn how innovative ideas can create real impact
  • are looking for support to take the first step on their entrepreneurial journey.

Participants will also have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with students from other schools, learning and creating together. Over the 2 days, you can choose to work independently or form a team to develop your enterprise idea. You’ll work with experienced facilitators to:

  • develop an entrepreneurial mindset
  • identify challenges in your community
  • explore customer needs and test practical solutions
  • understand simple business models
  • develop and test ideas
  • create and test early-stage prototypes
  • strengthen your communication and presentation skills through a final pitch showcase.

The Knoei Colab, delivered by Groei Education, is designed for young people who already have a business idea and are committed to turning it into a viable business.

This 12-month program starts in Term 1 2027 and involves weekly online tutorials and one in-person learning lab each term. You will work alongside like-minded students, and receive support from experienced mentors and educators.

The program covers 4 modules.

  1. Creative problem solving.
  2. Developing the solution.
  3. Rapid business planning.
  4. Getting to market.

By successfully completing the program you will also gain a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320) as well as 2 digital credentials in Empathy and Communication, which are recognised by 14 universities.

The Knoei Colab requires a significant commitment, of approximately 2-3 hours per week during school terms, in addition to school and other activities. Students should be prepared to commit to the program throughout the school year.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply for the Future Founders Bursary 2027, applicants must:

  • be a young person who will be in Year 10 or Year 11 in 2027, or of an equivalent age
  • live in Brisbane, or attend a school in Brisbane
  • demonstrate an interest in business and entrepreneurship.

How to apply

Tell us about your idea. It could be a business you'd like to start, product you'd love to create or a problem you'd like to solve.

Tell us about your idea. It could be a:

  • business you'd like to start
  • product you'd love to create
  • problem you'd like to solve.

Applications are now open for our 2027 bursaries and close at 5pm, 16 November 2026.

Apply now

Future Founders Forums

Learn from experienced founders and connect with other young people who share a passion for business.

At the Future Founders Forums, you will spend 2 hours hearing first-hand stories from young entrepreneurs, learning about the opportunities and challenges of starting a business as a young person, and networking over light refreshments.

Forums are best suited to students in Years 9 to 12 who want to learn about business and entrepreneurship. Parents, caregivers and supporters are also invited to attend to learn about the benefits of entrepreneurship and starting a business and discover ways to support young business founders.

With events held across 4 Brisbane locations, you can register for the forum that works best for you.

Information about new events will be added to this page when available. To receive updates about Future Founders Forums, email Council.

More information

For more information about this program, email Council.

Frequently asked questions

To submit a strong bursary application, we encourage applicants to answer each question thoughtfully and provide specific examples where possible.

When completing your application, explain:

  • why you are interested in the program
  • what you hope to achieve by participating
  • how the program matches your current experience and goals
  • how you will balance the program alongside school and other commitments
  • how receiving a funded place would benefit you.

There is no requirement to have previous business experience. 

There are two programs funded by the bursaries, which support students at different stages.

Impact Boss – if you’re new to business and entrepreneurship and looking to build foundational skills this 2-day intensive program is the perfect introduction.

Knoei Colab – this 12-month program is designed for students who already have a business idea and want to take it to market. With weekly online tutorials, you’ll need to be able to balance your time outside of school. If you’re committed to your idea, this program will support you in making it a viable business.

Impact Boss – You do not need to have a business idea to apply for this program. If you’re curious about business, innovation or entrepreneurship and you meet the eligibility criteria, you’re welcome to apply.

Knoei Colab – To apply for this program, you should already have a business idea you’re looking to develop. 

Bursary applications are open to young people who will be in Year 10 or Year 11 in 2027 and are based in Brisbane.

You’re eligible to apply if you attend school in, or live in the Brisbane Local Government Area.

Eligibility is based on your year level in 2027. Students who will be entering Year 10 or Year 11 in 2027 are eligible to apply. 

If you’re not currently enrolled in school but are of an equivalent age to students entering Year 10 or Year 11 in 2027 you are eligible to apply for a bursary.

Bursary applicants can expect to be notified about the outcome of their application by the end of 2026. The funded programs will start in early 2027.

Yes. Future Founders Forums are held at multiple locations across Brisbane, and there is no limit to the number of forums you can attend.

If you can no longer attend a forum you've registered for, please cancel your registration so the place is available for someone else.