Catalysr

🎯 What They Do

Catalysr is an award-winning startup incubator and accelerator based in Sydney, Australia, dedicated to empowering and connecting migrant and refugee entrepreneurs, known as migrapreneurs, to launch their own successful businesses across Australia. Established in 2016, Catalysr addresses the unique challenges faced by migrants and refugees in navigating a new business ecosystem and overcoming barriers to meaningful employment. Their vision is to create an Australia where every migrant and refugee possesses the skills, resources, networks, and opportunities necessary for success.

📖 Their Story

Catalysr's work is built on a strength-based model, led by migrapreneurs for migrapreneurs, with a core team comprised of successful migrant entrepreneurs who understand lived experiences. They offer two primary programmes: the Migrapreneur Fellowships, an eight-week pre-accelerator providing foundational knowledge in entrepreneurship, and the intensive three-month Accelerate Program. The Accelerate Program supports up to 25 early-stage startups that have already launched and are validated, helping them prepare for growth through rigorous mentorship and workshops.

⚡ What Sets Them Apart

Participants are paired with an Entrepreneur in Residence for weekly one-on-one mentorship, attend workshops, and engage in community sessions. Since its inception, Catalysr has made significant achievements, supporting over 1000 migrapreneurs from 87 different countries, with 46% of participants being women. This support has led to the creation of more than 200 startups, fostering both economic growth and social integration.

🏆 Track Record

Notable alumni include Spiral Blue, a space tech startup, and Think Enough, a social enterprise. The organisation also offers grants to founders in its Accelerate cohort to alleviate financial burdens during early growth stages. Key leadership includes Co-founder and CEO Usman Iftikhar, who has been recognised as Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2018, AMP Tomorrow Maker 2018, and Westpac Social Fellow 2019.

👥 The Team

Operations Manager Shelby Clark is also an alumnus of the program, and Devarshi Desai serves as Community Manager.