For producers with innovative business ideas for unique food products or novel technology
Validate your business idea with real customers and build your skills and network to help kick start your new business venture with the Farmers2Founders Ideas Program.
Applications are now CLOSED!
The Farmers2Founders Ideas Program is a 3 month program designed for primary producers who are wanting to work out whether their business idea is worth pursuing. The program equips you to test ideas, build capability and confidence to launch new products and services and kick start new business ventures.
The Ideas Program provides funding, tailored resources and coaching over an intensive 12 weeks. You will talk to over 30+ potential customers to help validate your idea, work out your business model and develop a plan to take the next step in your journey as an entrepreneur.
The next Ideas Program will be commencing on the 29th March 2021 and runs to mid-June 2021.
Want to learn more?
Book in a 20-minute office hours session with one of the F2F team.
2021 Application Timeline
14 Jan
Applications Open
1 Feb
Online Course
Opens
26 Feb
Applications Close
22 Feb-5 March
Applicant Shortlisting
8-19 March
Selection Panel Interviews
19 March
Finalists Announced
29 March
Ideas Program Kick Off
For any questions regarding these dates please contact us at
“Thanks to F2F, I feel confident that I have an understanding of various business tools, models and digital technology platforms. My biggest takeaway from this course is that it's okay to pivot, to fail, reflect, evaluate and adjust. I feel much more confident to reach out when I don't know or understand a concept’.
Phillipa Lawson, The Pinnaroo Farmer
Selection Process
Eligible applicants will go through a three stage process. Successful finalists who progress through each stage will be invited to join the Ideas Program.
Stage 1
Pre-Program
All eligible applicants will be invited to complete our free online course during the 'application open' period. This course will cover a basic syllabus of program content giving participants an understanding of the principles of the Ideas Program.
Note this course is not compulsory as part of the selection process however any applicant who is successful into the Ideas Program will be expected to have completed the course prior to 29th March.
Stage 2
Acceptance into Program:
Applicants who have completed the online course and/or who are shortlisted after submitting an application will be invited to a 'virtual' selection interview.
The F2F team and external panel will assess each applicant and announce the winners on the 19th of March.
Stage 3
Ideas Program Delivery
All Successful applicants who secure a place in the Ideas Program will be expected to have completed the online course prior to the commencement of the Ideas Program on the 29th March. From there, you will go through an intensive 12-weeks which will finish with a graduation event in June.
Watch a quick information session here

Supporting producers to transform agrifood and fibre
How Stage 3 works: The Ideas Program
Applicants who successfully progress through the selection process will pitch for a position in the Ideas Program.
The Ideas Program has been designed to specifically help you to build entrepreneurial skills and connect with our broad network in order to move your business ideas forward
Structured
Program
12-week program (delivered virtually and face-to-face when possible) including: Onboarding of participants; weekly workshops; expert sessions; coaching; networking opportunities and graduation event.
Tailored program to your needs
We customise the program to your particular needs by matching you with your own coach throughout the program who will provide 1:1 guidance and support.
Community Collaboration
Access to our online community platform which will allow you to collaborate and connect with your peers and have access to real time resources and program content.
Applications for the next Ideas Program have closed.
Who is it for?
The Ideas Program is for primary producers who are working on an idea for a new business venture that:
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Creates additional ‘value’ to your production by developing unique value-add food or fibre products for consumers Eg. transforming red meat into new healthy protein snacks
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Develops novel technology such as a software platform, piece of hardware, machinery, process or device that solves a problem on your farm or for your industry.
You are looking for help in:
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Working out whether your idea is worth pursuing
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Developing new skills and tools to kick start your new business
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Expanding your network through access to other innovative producers, potential customers and expert support
Ideas Program
Alumni
Read more about our previous Ideas Program teams and their experience and achievements.
Why Apply?
The Ideas Program delivers some incredible benefits for producers with early stage ideas.
Validate your idea with real consumers and customers
Map out a plan for the next 3-6months of growth for your new business
Identify a viable business model and revenue stream
Expand your network to include other producers, mentors, and customers
Improve your understanding of start-up best practice
Access to tailored resources, individual business coach support and funding
Join a close-knit community of entrepreneurial producers building new agtech and value-add businesses.
Need More Information?
Have a question about applying? Need to understand what we are looking for? Want to know more about our coaches?
Book in some time to talk with one of the F2F team
Frequently asked questions
Ideas Program
When do applications open?
How do I apply?
Book in some time with the F2F team to talk through your idea or submit an application form and we will be in touch. From there you will have the opportunity to join our pre-program online course.
How will applications be evaluated / what are you looking for?
Applications will first be screened for eligibility.
When does the Program Kickoff?
The next Ideas Program will kick off on the 29th of March 2021.
How long does the program go for?
Do I need to have an idea for a business or technology?
Yes. You do not have to have started building it though. And it does not have to be a technology- value-added food products for consumers, new food processing technology, and value chain innovations are also welcome to apply.
Do I need to be a primary producer?
Yes, each team must have at least one primary producer involved.
What are the key benefits?
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how to operate using the best practices, processes, and tools that successful entrepreneurs use
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how to know if your idea is worth pursuing
-
what resources will be required to achieve your goals, and how to attract them
Is this the only program you’ll run?
No, we launch multiple programs throughout the year. Sign up to the mailing list to stay in the loop.
What else do I get?
Does it cost anything?
No, but you contribute $1k toward your venture. This does not go to coaching or the program, you get this money to spend on program activities. We match this $1K with $3K in funding to progress your new business idea forward.
Do you take equity?
No!
How many hours per week will I need to commit?
Who are the coaches and mentors?
How many teams will be accepted?
12-14 participants
Where is the program located?
Currently the program is delivered fully remotely. However, as we assess the situation with COVID-19 in the new year we will try to co-ordinate some face-to-face delivery. Location TBC.
How can I learn more or ask questions?
Email admin@farmers2founders.com or book in for a office hours session with one of the F2F team.
Do you own my IP?
No!
How does the program work?
Will we receive support to travel to any face-to-face events in the program?
Yes, a travel subsidy will be provided to support travel to events.
Bootcamp Program
When do applications open?
How many teams will be accepted?
12 teams
How do I apply?
How will applications be evaluated / what are you looking for?
Applications will first be screened for eligibility.
When does the Program Kickoff?
The next Ideas Program will kick off in March 2020
How long does the program go for?
Where is the program located?
Location TBD
Will we receive support to travel to the kickoff?
Yes, a travel subsidy will be provided to support travel to this event.
Do I need to have an idea for a business or technology?
Yes. You do not have to have started building it, though. And it does not have to be a technology- food, foodtech, and value chain innovations are also welcome to apply.
Do I need to be a primary producer?
Yes, each team must have at least one primary producer involved.
Is this the only program you’ll run?
No, we expect to launch regular programs. Sign up to the mailing list to stay in the loop.
What are the key benefits?
-
how to operate using the best practices, processes, and tools that successful entrepreneurs use
-
how to know if your idea is worth pursuing
-
what resources will be required to achieve your goals, and how to attract them
What else do I get?
How does the program work?
Does it cost anything?
No, but you contribute $1k toward your venture. This does not go to coaching or the program, you get this money to spend on program activities.
Do you take equity?
No!
Do you own my IP?
No!
How many hours per week will I need to commit?
How can I learn more or ask questions?
Email admin@farmers2founders.com
Who are the coaches and mentors?
Book office hours session
Interested in getting feedback on your business idea, getting help growing your off-farm business or just wondering what’s involved in F2F programs?
Office Hours is an opportunity to book in a 20 minute session with one of the F2F coaches to talk about your business, idea or tech adoption challenge, get expert advice and find out more about how Farmers2Founders can help.