FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOWRAL, NSW: Applications are now open for the Southern Highlands’ only startup initiative offering this level of dedicated business support, with one emerging local small business owner set to receive more than $25,000 worth of expertise and resources through Startup Springboard 2026.
Returning for just its second year, Startup Springboard is a six-month business launch program created by The Office Bowral to give a promising local small business owner access to the expertise, connections and practical support needed to turn an idea or early-stage venture into a growing business.
The successful applicant will work with experienced Southern Highlands business mentors across strategy, branding, marketing, digital, finance, legal and professional imagery, as well as receiving six months’ access to The Office Bowral coworking space.
Founder of The Office Bowral and Startup Springboard creator Juliet Brady said the program was established to fill a gap for new and emerging small business owners in the region.
“Great businesses don’t grow in isolation. When we put the right people, expertise and connections around an emerging business, we give it a stronger chance to thrive,” Brady said.
The inaugural Startup Springboard program supported 2025 recipient Sacha Wark-de Boer in taking her business, Opal & Oak, from idea to launch.
“It felt like having an inbuilt team behind me with expertise to soundboard ideas and map out my launch. I couldn’t have done it without them, or indeed without the Startup Springboard program,” Wark-de Boer said.
Wark-de Boer returns in 2026 as the program’s ambassador, bringing firsthand experience of the impact that coordinated local business support can have in the early stages of building a business.
This year’s mentors and partners include Kate and Emma Taylor of Taylor Collaborative, Lani Fouche of The Story Shed, Jillian Brandon of Manifest Website Design, Piers Shumack of Mint Home Loans, Clarissa Follan of Our Lawyers, Shelly Willingham of Headshot Collective and Peter Hassos of Aura Partners.
The Fold Southern Highlands and Business Southern Highlands have also joined as program partners, providing additional promotional opportunities, business membership and connections across the region.
Startup Springboard is open to Southern Highlands businesses in their first 24 months of operation, as well as locals with a strong business idea they are ready to launch.
Applications close at 5pm Thursday, 8 October 2026, with the successful recipient to be announced on Tuesday, 20 October during NSW Small Business Month. The six-month program begins in November.
Applicants must complete an online application and submit a video pitch of up to two minutes introducing themselves, their business and what they hope to achieve through the program.
For applications and eligibility, visit:
www.theofficebowral.com.au/startup-springboard/
ENDS
Contact details:
Media enquiries and interviews:
Jasmine Kolster – PR Coordinator, AZPR
M: 0491 346 975
E: [email protected]
