FAQs

How much will the program cost?

This program is FREE and is kindly funded and is fully subsidised by the Victorian State Government

How long does the WEC Program run for and where is it based?

The full WEC program will run for 14 weeks. We need you to commit to attending 7 workshops, a networking event and the graduation event.

It consists of fortnightly 2 and a half hour workshops, mentoring catch ups and optional tutorial sessions in between workshop dates.

This program is based in Melbourne in North Richmond 3121 and will be run as a combination of face to face workshops (depending on COVID restrictions) and online.

What will I learn?

In this 14 week program you will

  1. Gain customers and learn to talk to them

  2. Develop a one-page business or project plan

  3. Develop an online presence for your business or community project

  4. Learn how to work with mentors and build a team for support

  5. Learn the basics of hoe to price your product or service

  6. Learn to talk about your business or project to partners, funders and investors and get them excited.

  7. Understand options for funding including local grants.

  8. Explore a new pathway for your career and way to make an income

Who can apply and join this program?

Anyone can apply to be part of this program but the community projects, social enterprises and business explored as part of this program must be inclusive of women and help promote equality in the community.

We will prioritise participation in this program from people who part of two or more of the following groups (the list below is not in order of preference)

  • Women

  • Migrant, Refugee or CALD background

  • Over 50 years of age

  • Living with a disability

  • Indigenous or Torres Strait heritage

  • People of Colour

  • LGBTIQ

  • Those with caring responsibilities

  • Unemployed or underemployed

  • Living in social housing

  • Low socio-economic circumstances

  • Veteran

  • Domestic violence survivor

  • Recovering from illness or mental illness

  • Neurodiverse

Why are only 15 businesses or projects being selected?

We want to make sure that we can provide a great learning experience to participants of the program. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough resources to support more than 15 business or community projects.

How will projects get selected?

Projects and business for the 14 week program will be selected by a diverse panel. Selection will based on the following criteria:

  • Commitment to attend the workshops and complete the program

  • Ability to reflect on feedback from peers, mentors and other professionals

  • The business or community project idea

  • Having access to a smartphone or, and can use the internet 

  • Application order for the program

  • Currently living, working, studying or have strong connections to the City of Yarra, City of Moreland, City of Melbourne, City or Darebin, City of Maribyrnong and the City of Boorundara

Got more questions?

You can find out more here or feel free to contact us. Our details are below.