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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 provides young people with access to events, resources and support to:

  • learn more about becoming an entrepreneur
  • find out how to take the next step to start or grow their own business.

Future Founders Forums

Future Founders Forums give young entrepreneurs chances to learn from experienced founders and connect with like-minded peers.

Forums are best suited to Year 9-12 students who want insight into starting a business. Parents are invited to attend and learn about entrepreneurship benefits. They’ll also discover ways to support young business founders. Attendees can choose to register for an event in their preferred location. 

Students spend 2 hours listening to a keynote speaker and a panel of young entrepreneurs. They also network over light refreshments.

Registration

Register to attend a forum at a location convenient to you.

Future Founders Bursary

The Future Founders Bursary provides fully funded support for young people aged 15-18 years to access business education and networking opportunities.

Applications for the Future Founders Bursary are currently closed.

Email Council for information about future opportunities.

The Future Founders Bursary enables young people who want help starting their entrepreneurial journey to access free support.

The 2026 bursary offered young people a choice of programs.

  • Program 1: Knoei Colab delivered by Groei Education
    A 12-month program leads to a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business (BSB40320). It also includes two digital credentials in empathy and creativity.
  • Program 2: Young Entrepreneurs Hub delivered by BOP Industries
    A 9-month program helps young people build, launch, or commercialise business ideas. It offers expert access, workshops, and real market experience.

By participating in one of these programs, bursary recipients are expected to:

  • learn from experienced guest speakers
  • meet and network with like-minded peers
  • gain key skills such as:
    • market research and interpretation
    • critical thinking and self-organisation
    • communication, collaborative decision making and presentation skills
    • marketing and web design.

To be eligible to apply for the Future Founders Bursary 2026, applicants needed to be:

  • a young person aged 15-18 years in 2026
  • a resident of Brisbane, or attend a school in Brisbane
  • creative and curious with an idea for business they'd like to start.

More information

For more information about this program, email Council.

Frequently asked questions

The bursaries support young people who have a business idea and need help to get started.

If you're curious and exploring ideas, attend a Future Founders Forum. Learn about entrepreneurship from experienced founders.

Email Council for information on upcoming forums.

Applications are open to young people who will be aged 15-18 years in 2026 and are based in Brisbane.

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