Fueling Growth. Shaping the Future of Food with our FaBa Growth Hub Program.

The FaBA Growth Hub is a 12-week program built to accelerate Australian food and beverage SMEs and startups ready to innovate, scale, and meet the demands of a changing market.

Designed as a one-day-per-week commitment, the program provides access to a powerful support system that helps founders de-risk their venture, refine their product, and get investor-ready.

Participants receive tailored, in-kind support including expert mentorship, industry workshops, and strategic introductions to investors and partners. Working closely with Entrepreneurs in Residence, they also benefit from shared learning alongside a cohort of ambitious founders tackling challenges across ingredients, packaging, nutrition, and more.

By the end of the program, ventures are positioned for real commercial growth — ready to raise capital, grow confidently, and lead the transformation of Australia’s food and beverage sector.

The Program will be delivered virtually on Tuesdays for 12 weeks (Tuesday, July 22, 2025 to Tuesday October 7, 2025).

Applications close on June 23, 4:00 pm AEST.
 

 

 

FaBA Growth Hub is a 12-week program.

Key dates

Applications close on June 23, 4:00 pm AEST.
July 11 - Application Outcomes issued
Week 1–12: Tuesdays July 22  to October 7.
Pitch Night: Early October

Weekly contact days include:

  • Founder updates to the cohort
  • Talks from industry experts, founders and Entrepreneurs in Residence e.g. IP, agreements, marketing, team building, partnerships, founders’ stories.
  • Structured program and mentoring with an Entrepreneur in Residence and industry mentors
  • Founder health and wellbeing

Throughout the program your team will have access to:

  • 24/7 co-working space and makerspace
  • regular seminars supporting early-stage startups
  • mentors, our Entrepreneur in Residence and a network of professionals and potential investors
  • partnership benefits from Google, Microsoft, AWS, Hubspot, Matlab, Makerspace and more.

Pitch Night event to be held at the end of the program in early October 2025 to showcase program participants (by invitation) to the ecosystem and investor network.
 

FaBa application information session 1

Date: Thursday May 29
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm AEST
Venue: Online via Zoom
Register for info session 1

FaBa application information session 2

Date: Monday June 16
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm AEST
Venue: Online via Zoom
Register for info session 2

We are looking for passionate and committed leaders who have validated their value proposition, an initial sustainable business model and a solution.

When you apply you will need to provide evidence of customer interviews, market research and business modelling. Having a minimum viable product is ideal, but is not required to join the program.  

Overview and Terms and Conditions   View Agreement

You will be required to sign the FaBa Growth Hub Program Agreement to participate in the program. Please review the agreement document. Participating in the program is a one-day a week commitment between Tuesday July 22 and Tuesday October 7. 

Program Participants are expected to participate in at least 90 percent of the provided workshops and accountability sessions. Lower participation may result in the team being removed from the program.

Application Process

Entry into the FaBA Growth Hub is highly competitive. Only the most promising ventures make it through the five-stage selection process and earn their place in the program. 

Stage 1. Online application and video

Applications will be open from 12:00 PM AEST on Monday 12 May 2025 and close at 12:00 PM AEST on Monday 23 June,  2025 (Application Period). Applications received outside of the Application Period will not be accepted.

During the Application Period, applicants must fully complete and submit an online application which consists of a mix of written and video responses.

Once submitted, all applications become the property of UQ.


Stage 2.  FaBa Growth Hub Selections: First-round interviews
Shortlisted candidates from Stage 1 will be invited to participate in a selection process of first-round interviews. Applicants will pitch their business to our selection committee of experienced entrepreneurs and mentors. Followed by a series of interview questions. Interviews to take place Friday 4 July, 2025 online via Zoom. Please note you only need to be available for your allocated interview time slot. 

Stage 3.  FaBa Growth Hub Selections: Second-round interviews
The candidates from the first round of interviews will be narrowed down further and the successful candidates will be invited to the second round of interviews during the following week. These interviews are designed to probe further into your business and provide advice and feedback on how the team might fit in the FaBa Growth Hub program. Interviews to take place Thursday 10 July, 2025 online via Zoom. Please note you only need to be available for your allocated interview time slot.

Stage 4. Successful candidates notified
The selection committee will decide on the final cohort based on Stage 3. Startups will be notified on Friday 11 July, 2025. Successful teams will be required to sign the FaBa Growth Hub Program Agreement prior to starting the program (deadline Thursday July 17, 4:00 pm EST).