Farmers with business ideas encouraged to apply for the Farmers2Founders Ideas Program

AgriFutures Australia is excited to be sponsoring the third Farmers2Founders Ideas Program and are encouraging anyone involved in our levied and emerging industries to apply for the opportunity before 21 August 2020.

The Ideas Program, set to kick-off in September, is designed to help primary producers test the potential of their idea, and determine how far they want to take it.

Each participant will have different goals, such as industry impact, getting closer to consumers, building a big technology company, or creating an additional revenue stream. They may also have ideas in technology, such as apps or new devices, or value-added products. The 12-week course, run online, will help them get started and give them the support and tools they need to make progress towards their goal.

Farmers2Founders Co-Founder Sarah Nolet said the Program takes participants on a practical journey to turn an idea into a feasible business.

“We’ve seen innovation and technology commercialisation projects in agriculture fail because they don’t meet the needs of primary producers. By working with producers, we start with the problems and can build strong companies from the start. Having AgriFutures Australia on board as an Industry Partner is a huge advantage, given their connection to innovators in a range of rural industries,” said Ms Nolet.

At the end of the Program, participants will have a clear idea of whether they want to scale their venture and what it will take. Participants have a mentor who will provide custom guidance and support along the way and you are given a toolkit to help them maximise their impact.

AgriFutures Australia are sponsoring four participants from our levied and emerging industries to take part in the Ideas Program.

Jennifer Medway, Senior Manager Business Development, AgriFutures Australia said that the partnership with Farmers2Founders is helping improve the development of innovations across the farming community.

“The Program gives primary producers the necessary support and guidance to step outside their everyday businesses to build their entrepreneurial skills, commercialise their technology ideas and bring new product offerings to market.

“We have already sponsored two participants in the Ideas Program, with both saying the Program has been instrumental in the development of their business ideas, and provided them access to invaluable commercialisation expertise that is otherwise hard to find,” said Ms Medway.

To be eligible for the Ideas Program, farmers must meet the following criteria:

• You are an Australian primary producer
• You have a business idea. This could be a technology, new product, or even a better way to connect with your consumers.
• You have a team of one to four people
• You can commit to 12 weeks of intense business growth (~five hours per week)
• You are willing and enthusiastic to take your business to the next level

Farmers2Founders will also be launching their six month Business Growth Bootcamp Program in November, designed for producers who have an existing off-farm business in agtech, food, or foodtech, and are looking for support to grow outside their local area.

For more information and to apply visit: https://www.farmers2founders.com/ideas-program