Meshpoints, powered by Spacecubed and supported by Lotterywest, is committed to building a stronger, more connected innovation ecosystem across Western Australia.
Following the success of our first Challenge earlier this year on elevating Promotion and Storytelling initiatives (read more), we continued our challenge-led approach to funding by asking an important question: How can the innovation ecosystem build resilience and wellbeing among founders and their teams?
Founders are at the heart of innovation, yet the pressures of building a business can often lead to burnout, isolation and uncertainty. This Challenge explored how the ecosystem can better support founders to build resilience, access meaningful wellbeing resources, and create more sustainable pathways for entrepreneurship across WA.
Following a highly competitive process, we're excited to announce eight funded initiatives, with a total of $142,800 awarded to projects that will strengthen founder resilience and wellbeing across the state's innovation ecosystem.
These initiatives reflect a shared commitment to recognising the unique challenges founders face and building stronger support systems that enable individuals and teams to thrive over the long term.
WA Social Enterprise Council (WASEC) | Building Resilience for Social Entrepreneurs in WA
WASEC will deliver a six-month wellbeing program for social enterprise founders, bringing together a small cohort to build resilience through peer support, expert guidance from psychologists, and practical leadership tools. By creating a trusted space for reflection and shared experiences, the program aims to help founders navigate burnout, reduce isolation and build sustainable leadership practices. $20,000 has been awarded to the WA Social Enterprise Council.
Creative Corner Inc | Creative Ground: Resilience & Wellbeing for Regional Creative Founders
Creative Ground is designed to support creative founders and small business owners in regional WA through hands-on resilience workshops and a practical digital wellbeing toolkit. Focusing on challenges such as isolation, irregular income and burnout, the initiative will equip participants with strategies to manage stress, strengthen peer connections and build more sustainable creative businesses. $20,000 has been awarded to Creative Corner Inc.
Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) | BOSS Innovation Huddles
BOSS Innovation Huddles will create regular opportunities for micro and solo entrepreneurs to connect, learn and support one another. Through facilitated peer discussions and expert-led sessions, the program aims to reduce the isolation many founders experience while helping participants build confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging within WA's innovation ecosystem. $12,500 has been awarded to Business One Stop Shop.
Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry | Mindfield
Mindfield offers one-on-one mentoring for founders facing periods of significant pressure or uncertainty. By matching participants with experienced mentors from the creative and technology sectors, the initiative provides tailored guidance to help founders make informed decisions, manage challenges and strengthen their long-term wellbeing. $20,000 has been awarded to Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Communicare | Together We Bloom
Together We Bloom is a series of wellbeing-focused gatherings for female and culturally diverse founders that combines mindfulness, self-care and meaningful conversations about purpose and impact. The program is designed to foster stronger relationships, reduce isolation and help participants reconnect with both their personal wellbeing and their entrepreneurial journey. $15,300 has been awarded to Communicare.
Reach Her Inc | Grounded to Grow: Resilience & Leadership for Female Founders
Grounded to Grow is a six-month coaching program that supports female founders through structured peer learning and practical resilience-building. Each session equips participants with tools they can apply in their businesses while creating a supportive network that helps address burnout, anxiety and the challenges of leading a growing venture. $15,000 has been awarded to Reach Her Inc.
20Talk | 20 Hours for 20Talk Founders Stream
20Talk is encouraging founders to disconnect from the constant demands of business by taking part in a guided 20-hour digital-free reflection experience. Through journaling, facilitated conversations and intentional time away from technology, participants will have the opportunity to reset, strengthen their wellbeing and develop healthier leadership habits. $20,000 has been awarded to 20Talk.
The Happiness Co Foundation | Sustainable Leadership & Wellbeing Initiative for Founders
The Sustainable Leadership & Wellbeing Initiative supports female founders through a six-month program combining leadership development, one-on-one coaching, peer support and nature-based experiences. Designed to address burnout and mental fatigue, the initiative helps founders develop sustainable ways of leading while prioritising their long-term wellbeing. $20,000 has been awarded to The Happiness Co Foundation.
Together, these initiatives represent a coordinated effort to address one of the most significant challenges facing Western Australia's innovation ecosystem. By investing in founder wellbeing, strengthening peer networks and creating practical pathways for support, these projects will help build a more resilient and sustainable startup community across the state.
Open Stream Recipient
West Tech Fest — Building and Supporting Our Ecosystem at West Tech Fest
As part of our Open Challenge this initiative will strengthen Western Australia's innovation ecosystem by combining a targeted international marketing campaign with the creation of a dedicated Ecosystem Stage at West Tech Fest 2026. Designed to increase WA's visibility across Europe, Asia and the Indo-Pacific while fostering stronger local and international connections, the initiative will create new opportunities for ecosystem storytelling, collaboration and global engagement. $20,000 has been awarded to West Tech Fest.
Importantly, all of the above initiatives demonstrate the value of a challenge-led funding model, bringing organisations together to respond to shared ecosystem needs rather than working in isolation.
As these initiatives begin delivery, we look forward to sharing their progress and the impact they have across the ecosystem, while continuing to identify and invest in opportunities that strengthen innovation across Western Australia. Our next funding round; the AI and Society Challenge is now open for expressions of interest until 27 August. Explore the latest Challenge and submit your Expression of Interest.