Entrepreneurial opportunities for students
In this list, you can expect opportunities and experiences related to entrepreneurship — networking, jobs, internships, competitions, funding, and more.
We understand how hard it can be as a student to gain practical entrepreneurial skills. So we’ve compiled this resource to get you started. This is not an exhaustive list — if you want to get the latest opportunities at all times, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter.
Subscribe to SPARK’s newsletter
SPARK Deakin Programs
These opportunities are curated and delivered to you with love by the SPARK Deakin team. We are Deakin University’s key entrepreneurship hub.
Deakin Startup Competition
This pitch competition is designed for Deakin University students, staff, and alumni of all experience levels. This is not your traditional competition — we are all about inspiring creativity and curiosity and so we will be providing 6 beginner-friendly workshops to help you create the perfect submission for the competition.
Expressions of interest will open in June. To stay up-to-date, make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter where we will be launching this competition.
Women in Digital Work Program: Applications close this Sunday 23 May 2021
This program is a fully subsidised training program for migrant and culturally diverse women who are interested in freelancing or owning a digital business.
Deakin University Programs
These are opportunities supported by Deakin University but are not affiliated with SPARK Deakin. They can provide further support in niche areas of interest.
CyRise
CyRise is a cyber security venture accelerator program, powered by NTT and Deakin University. They are accelerating, supporting and investing in world-class cyber security solutions.
Manufutures
ManuFutures is a purpose-built, advanced manufacturing innovation hub located within the heart of Deakin’s Future Economy Precinct. Developed in partnership with the Victorian Government, the advanced manufacturing hub and accelerator will support emerging Australian enterprises.
Startup Community Programs
These opportunities sit within the startup ecosystem and are provided by SPARK Deakin’s community partners. Former SPARK Deakin participants have been successful in these programs receiving over $400 000 in equity funding following by $1m+ investment from venture capital.
Startmate Student Fellowship
Startmate’s Student Fellowship offers university students a peek behind the scenes of what it’s like to work at a startup and life-long access to Startmate’s community.
Startmate Accelerator Program
The Startmate Accelerator unleashes the ambition of Australia and New Zealand’s best founders, and propels them toward their goals of taking their startup to the next level.
Startmate Office Hours
A place to talk about startups, startup ideas and get feedback on your startup. Don’t forget to mention SPARK Deakin in your application for office hours!
Skalata Accelerator
Skalata Ventures is a seed investment program providing up to $250k in funding to help early stage companies prepare to scale and grow into significant and sustainable businesses.
Galileo Ventures Accelerator
Galileo Ventures is a venture capital firm and growth accelerator program for emerging founders in Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Founded by one of our generous SPARK Deakin mentors; Hugh Stephens.
LaunchVic Programs
The state government’s startup agency, Launchvic doesn’t support entrepreneurs directly but does fund a host of programs, accelerators and other opportunities – you can have a look at the range of program sthey have funded and apply for those opportunites – many will have been funded so will be free or significantly subsidized for you.
Tools to build your network and community
These tools will help you to find jobs, communities, and networks in the startup ecosystem.
AngelList Jobs
A curation of the latest jobs and opportunities in the startup ecosystem.
Lunch Club
Facilitating casual conversations that lead to not-so-casual professional impact.
Connecting the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful. You’re probably already familiar with Linkedin, but it’s here to remind you to keep it up to date. In fact many companies only use Linkedin to find their next hire!
Indie Hackers
Global community for indie hackers (a person building an online project that can generate revenue, but usually with no investment sought). A brilliant, honest and very generous community of entrepreneurs helping one another out.
FAQ: How do I know which startups are hiring?
In addition to the above and being familiar with startup brands you love – Usually those who have recently raised funding are hiring, follow startup news and see which have received venture funding – look at portfolio companies for reputable VC Funds eg Blackbird, Rampersand, Square Peg and Giant Leap etc.
Good luck,
Daizy Maan