Applications are now open for the Western Sydney Plus Eight Pre-Accelerator, a free six-week program supported by the NSW Government, designed to help local founders build, validate and grow their ideas.
Running as our second cohort for 2026 from May to June at the Western Sydney Startup Hub, this program supports early-stage entrepreneurs with the structure, mentorship and community needed to move from idea to real momentum.
Whether you’re just getting started, refining an early concept, or looking to gain traction and revenue, the Sprint is designed to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Delivered by Plus Eight, one of Australia’s leading startup development programs, the Pre-Accelerator connects participants with experienced mentors, investors and advisors who have built and scaled businesses themselves.
Each week combines hands-on workshops with dedicated time to work on your business, ensuring everything you learn is immediately applied. From refining your business model and understanding your customers, through to building your product, growth strategy and pitch, the program is intentionally designed to drive real progress.
What to expect from the program
Across six weeks, founders will take part in structured, in-person sessions at the Western Sydney Startup Hub, supported by:
Each session is focused on building momentum, with time dedicated to both learning and applying insights directly to your business.
Beyond the content, one of the most valuable parts of the program is the community.
You’ll be surrounded by other founders on a similar journey, creating opportunities for collaboration, feedback and accountability. Combined with access to mentors and industry experts, this environment helps accelerate your learning and keeps you moving forward.
A part of our alumni community, Ross King, SKTNG founder, joined the 2025 program to develop a new project where people can skate, connect, relax, be creative, and feel part of something.
“The program helped me see things from a founder’s point of view, not just a ‘creative dream’ one,” Ross shared.
Since recently completing the program, SKTNG has gone from concept to clarity. “I’ve tightened the vision, worked out the real value of the space, and started thinking more like an operator, not just a designer with a dream,” he expressed.
Reflecting on his startup journey, Ross believes the program came at the right time, giving him the clarity, confidence and tools to turn his vision into reality.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re serious about building your business and want the support, structure and community to move faster, this is your opportunity. Learn more and apply now before applications close on April 24, 2026.