Catalysr

Catalysr is an Australian nonprofit startup accelerator founded in 2016 that works with migrant and refugee entrepreneurs, a group it terms "Migrapreneurs". Rather than deploying capital, the organisation provides startup education, mentorship and investor introductions to help founders build businesses and social enterprises in Australia. Its programs are fully subsidised through supporters and partners, a structure intended to remove cost as a barrier to participation.

Two core programs sit alongside its support model. An eight-week fellowship is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs building startup skills, knowledge and connections; the Accelerate program targets founders at later stages of building their startups or social enterprises. Both are supplemented by masterclasses and workshops on startup fundamentals, and by one-on-one coaching, with participants connected to an alumni network, industry professionals and investors.

Since 2016, Catalysr has supported more than 1,300 entrepreneurs representing 87 countries of origin, with participants going on to create upwards of 300 businesses. Its verticals span startup acceleration, entrepreneurship education and social enterprises, and its operations are concentrated in Australia. The organisation describes its work as contributing to a more inclusive Australia and has been recognised with industry awards.