Investment and business development program Pollinatr has officially launched its new initiative designed to support and accelerate the growth of start-ups and early-stage businesses: the Pollinatr Investment Program.
The program aims to transform the entrepreneurial landscape in Australia by offering bespoke, high-impact support to successful applicants through industry experts and mentors matched to the specific needs of each start-up, as well as from Pollinatr’s CEO and Program Director, and its advisory board. Applicants will also gain guidance on fundraising strategies and connections within Pollinatr’s investor network.
A total of one to four early-stage ventures will be chosen for the program’s initial wave and will undergo careful screening and evaluation. Pollinatr will initially invest up to $50,000 per selected business, with additional funding available as businesses progress..
Richelle Nicols, CEO of Pollinatr, commented, “Our goal is to drive significant growth within the Australian entrepreneurial sector by offering tailored support for each business. We will provide a supportive management team to guide critical decisions, an Advisory Board to discuss key aspects and offer expert advice, and specialist mentors to address unique challenges. This program is designed to create room for growth—both financially and internationally—by providing greater opportunities and targeted resources. Ultimately, we aim to help these start-ups and early-stage businesses expand into global markets, ensuring their sustainable growth and long-term success.”
The Pollinatr Advisory Board, who will oversee the program, is comprised of Rachael Taylor Internationally-acclaimed Australian actress, writer, and producer with diverse business investments; Jim Groves, Founder of Rubberdesk; Belinda Kendrigan, Financial Director at AT&L; Mark Bohun, Tech Developer for WPay; Lisa Walker Co-Founder of Eir Women; and Tim Ladhams, the former Editor of Inside Small Business.
Nicols said, “The Pollinatr Advisory Board will play a crucial role in offering valuable insights and practical guidance to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and foster international expansion. With a strategic focus on the US market, we are currently establishing a Pollinatr office in Los Angeles to complement our Sydney operations, and with expansion plans for other countries, we aim to build networks and drive sustainable growth and long-term success in global markets.”
“To distinguish ourselves in the competitive early investment space we are working in partnership with the International College of Management Sydney (ICMS),” added Nicols. “This collaboration will elevate our program by hosting events, thought-leadership panels, and exploring innovative ways to educate and stimulate Australian entrepreneurs.”
Blair Courtney-O’Connor, Director on Pollinatr’s Governance Board, said, “Having led IT and data analytics departments and businesses, I believe in the power of innovation to drive positive change. I am passionate about empowering entrepreneurs with the resources and guidance they need to transform their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. This is why I am so excited about Pollinatr: it matches talent with experience, enthusiasm with vision, and importantly, growth with governance and structure, providing businesses with a level of support that is focused on their sustainable success.”
Entrepreneurs, early-stage start-ups and operational businesses with a proven product or service or a clear business idea with a feasible commercialisation plan are welcome to apply for the program.
