WIN $25,000 IN BUSINESS SERVICES
Applications close 5pm August 15th, 2025
The Startup Springboard
Successful entrepreneurs aren’t self made, they’re community made
The Startup Springboard is a NSW Southern Highlands business competition designed to give early-stage entrepreneurs the space, support, and visibility they need to turn ideas into action.
Developed by The Office Bowral, this initiative offers one passionate and promising founder a 6-month All-Access co-working membership, plus in-kind support from a curated group of local business experts, including coaches, accountants, creatives, marketers, and tech professionals.
This community-powered program helps one local innovator build momentum with structure, mentorship, and resources, all while celebrating the incredible talent we have here in the Highlands.
The Startup Springboard winner takes home more than just a trophy, they receive a prize package designed to truly move the needle for an early-stage business.
This isn’t theory, it’s support from local small business owners who have walked the startup path themselves. They’re not only leaders in their field, but also generous mentors who understand the challenges of building something from the ground up.
With expert guidance, valuable services, and a community that’s invested in your success, this package gives you the tools, connections, and confidence to grow your business with purpose.
Meet The Startup Springboard Expert Panel
Juliet Brady
The Office Bowral
As the initiator of The Startup Springboard, Juliet brings her deep commitment to empowering others into action, creating meaningful opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs to grow with support and visibility. Her goal is to see Wingecarribee thrive as a place where bold ideas are backed by strong community.
In-kind Donation
6-month All-Access Membership (across the term of the winning period) to The Office Bowral, including:
- Enjoy 24/7 access to our modern co-working space, so you can work at the times that suit you best.
- Permanently allocated (throughout the prize period) large desk with enough space for all your office equipment, plus a lockup pedestal
- Reliable, high-speed internet to support seamless workflow.
- Access to meeting rooms for client calls, team discussions, or brainstorming sessions
- Printing, scanning, and office supplies covered
- Join workshops, networking events, and social gatherings to grow your skills and business connections.
- Connect with other professionals, entrepreneurs, small biz owners, and remote workers in the Highlands.
Estimated $3,480
Chris Khall
Blackline Lawyers
At Blackline Lawyers, our vision is simple:
To provide our clients with better results, fast and cost-effectively. As the dedicated legal contributor for The Startup Springboard initiative, Blackline Lawyers is proud to offer specialised advice in business law and intellectual property to help the program’s winner build a solid legal foundation.
In-kind Donation
- A 60-minute Legal Strategy Session tailored to the winner’s business model and goals
- Up to 4 additional sessions (60 minutes per session) spread across the 6-month sponsorship period (no more than 1 session per month)
Estimated $2,750
Kate Taylor & Emma Taylor
Taylor Collaborative
TC service focus areas include: Business Coaching, Leadership and Management Mentoring, Strategic Development and Workplace Mental Health and Safety.
Together they understand the complexity of the workplace and the needs of Business and People.
In-kind Donation
• Month 1, 1 x hour Individual Coaching Session to assist with identifying specific opportunities/goals. 3 weeks later: Follow-up Consultation (30 min) to check progress and agreed actions
• Monthly check-in conversations via either phone or email over the 6 mth period
• Month 3: 1 x hour check-in Coaching Session to assess development / define new goals
• Month 6: 1 x hour check-in Coaching Session to define path ahead
Estimated $1,500
Jillian Brandon
Manifest Website Design
For this initiative, we will dig into your business, your goals, and where you want to go—then craft a custom ‘digital game plan’ to help you get there. From sharpening your SEO to coaching you on setting up a steady lead pipeline, we’ll help you turn traffic into traction and goals into growth.
In-kind Donation
- Create a Digital Roadmap.
- SEO implementation.
- Lead generation strategy and implimentation.
- Sales process set up.
- Automation and AI implimentaion.
Estimated $5,500
Sandra Mitchell
All Business Accounting Solutions
Sandra Mitchell is a seasoned Accountant with over 21 years in helping individuals, entrepreneurs and small to Medium sized businesses navigating the complex world of taxation.
Sandra is known for her clear communication that everyone can understand. Everyone is important and “Not Just a Number”
In-kind Donation
- 3x 60-minute appointments (initial consultation, mid-program check-in and end of program wrap-up, maximum of 1 session per month)
Estimated value $1,100
Lani Fouche
The Story Shed
Lani is passionate about helping businesses uncover the heart of their story and share it boldly with the world. She specialises in crafting authentic brand narratives, strategic content, and purpose-driven web design for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community-driven brands across the Southern Highlands and beyond.
In-kind Donation
- Month 1: Discovery chat, deep-dive strategy session, brand strategy report
- Month 2: Content Strategy, Keywords and SEO insights, Strategy Planning Discussion
- Month 3-6: Support and Refinement, Tailored Guidance
Estimated $6,190
Rachel Ware
Rachel Ware Photography
Rachel Ware Photography is a boutique portrait studio based in the heart of the Southern Highlands, dedicated to capturing the authentic beauty of families, children, and beloved pets. Rachel’s approach is personal and heartfelt, creating timeless images that become treasured memories.
In-kind Donation
- 2x Professional Business Headshots suitable for digital platforms
Estimated $424
The Fold Southern Highlands
Founded in November 2017, The Fold is a digitallifestyle publisher that’s proudly obsessed with the Southern Highlands.
Our mission is simple but powerful: to champion local and support small businesses by creating amazing content that people love to read, watch, and share.
We believe that when local businesses thrive, the whole community benefits. That’s why we’ve joined The Startup Springboard as a proud sponsor, to help shine a spotlight on the incredible entrepreneurial talent in our region.
In-kind Donation
- A Featured Business Listing on The Fold website for 12 month
- 6 social posts (one post per month) covering the journey
- 1 article rounding up The Startup Springboard journey
Estimated $2,750
Piers Shumack
Mint Home Loans
Piers is the founder of Mint Home Loans, a values-driven mortgage and finance brokerage based right here in the Southern Highlands.
As part of The Startup Springboard, Piers offers invaluable support to the winner by demystifying the world of loan finance and ensuring their funding structures set them up for sustainable success. Piers brings clarity, care, and decades of experience to the table. Simply put, he’s the kind of expert you want in your corner when you’re building something that matters.
In-kind Donation
- 3 x 1-hour strategy sessions to develop and formalise a tailored 5-year financial and lending roadmap. We’ll cover loan structuring, borrowing capacity, growth planning, and how to position yourself for future finance opportunities.
Estimated $1648
Business Southern Highlands (Chamber of Commerce & Industry)
Our mission and vision is to promote sustainable economic growth and community engagement that represents the voice of business in the Southern Highlands and to provide business-focused leadership representing all industry sectors across the Southern Highlands.
In-kind Donation
- Annual Membership to Business Southern Highlands
Estimated value $ 280
Eligibility and how to Enter
ELIGIBILITY
To apply, you must be:
- A Highlands-based individual
- An early-stage entrepreneur or founder (0–2 years in)
- 18 years or older
- Applying solo
- Willing and able to regularly use The Office Bowral space as part of your growth journey
- Willing to be part of our Startup Springboard social campaign, allowing us to track and share your progress throughout the experience
HOW TO APPLY
- Complete the online application via The Office Bowral website
- Submit either:
A short video pitch (2–3 minutes), or
A written pitch (max 500 words) - Your pitch should answer:
What is your business idea or project?
What impact could your business have on the
Highlands or wider region?
How would this opportunity help you grow?