I2N FLIP
It's time to back yourself.
FLIP is a 9-week immersive program designed to help ambitious women like you build the skills, confidence, and network to launch a business or accelerate your leadership journey. We provide a safe and supportive space to turn your quiet ambition into impactful action.
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Program details
Over 9 weeks, you'll gain hands-on experience and a support system designed to navigate the unique challenges women face in business. The program's blended structure of fixed workshop days and flexible self-paced learning is designed for women juggling multiple responsibilities, maximising accessibility and impact. I2N programs offer all participants:
- The I2N Community: for almost 10 years, we've cultivated a vibrant community of founders, experts, and mentors. By joining FLIP, you will connect with a powerful network of almost 5,000 entrepreneurs and a cohort of like-minded women on the same journey.
- Deep expertise: our carefully selected program coaches and experts work alongside founders to build their capacity as venture builders and problem solvers. Together, we're supporting our region to diversify its economy and create sustainable opportunities for future generations.
- Dedicated Program Partners: It takes a village to build a startup, and our programs connect you with some of Australia's best resources. We've designed a program for women leaders and founders with the generous support of the MacDougall Foundation and all founders receive initial intellectual property and trademark support from Davies Collison Cave.
Is this right for me?
- You are based in the Hunter or Central Coast regions
- You identify as a woman and are over 18 years of age
- You have an idea for an innovative product or service, or you're an aspiring leader wanting to build your skills to join a scalable business
- Your business idea has received less than $500,000 in external investment
- You're quietly ambitious, a natural problem-solver, but might be looking for the confidence and community to take the next step
- You can commit to the 9-week program, including weekly workshops, coaching sessions and self-paced activities
- You're eager to learn, open to feedback, and ready to connect with a powerful community of female leaders and founders
Note: agencies and consultancies are not eligible for this program
No university affiliation required - we welcome all eligible founders and problem solvers from our regions!
Important dates
- Applications open: TBA
Frequently Asked Questions
We have designed FLIP to be as accessible as possible, with a mix of face-to-face and online sessions.
For face-to-face sessions, the program will take place at I2N Hub Honeysuckle, Q Building, 16 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle.
For online sessions, the program will take place via Zoom.
FLIP content days are Thursdays.
FLIP participation requirements are up to 6 hours each content day (a mix of face-to-face and online)
Weekly coaching meetings are 60-minutes, online and at a regular time that suits.
Peer learning pods are up to 60-minutes, online and at a regular time that suits.
Attendance by all participants at the content workshops, coaching meetings and peer learning pods is mandatory. Exceptions will be considered only in exceptional circumstances and on a case-by-case basis.
There is an expectation that founders will undertake additional self-paced learning and effort putting theory into action. While we've built flexibility into the program, it's a good idea to consider your capacity to commit to the program before making an application.
No. Participants do not need to be affiliated with the University of Newcastle to be eligible for FLIP. However, you do need to be located, or plan to be located, in the Hunter or Central Coast regions.
Ideas can be at any stage, from a concept to early-stage. The program is designed to help you validate your idea before significant investment. We also welcome applicants who don't have a defined idea but are aspiring leaders wanting to join a team.
You can apply as an individual or as a pre-formed team of up to 3 members.
We will be hosting a team formation session as part of the Women in Innovation event happening Thu 14 August.
All team members participating in FLIP must identify as women.
We are looking for motivated women who are eager to solve problems. Your application should detail your idea or leadership goals, what motivates you and what unique perspective you would bring to the cohort. Your application doesn't have to be 'right', it just needs to demonstrate that you have thought about the problem you are trying to develop a solution for or what leadership qualities you would like to build through the program.
Absolutely. The questions are saved in this document for your review.
Please feel free to book a 20-minute Q&A Zoom session via this link.
Intellectual Property (IP)
The University of Newcastle makes no claim over the intellectual property (IP) generated by participants as part of FLIP (subject to the University’s IP Policy and Procedure) provided your use of the IP acknowledges that the IP was developed as part of FLIP (unless it is unreasonable to do so).
If a team member is an employee or student of the University of Newcastle, they agree and acknowledge that ownership of the IP will be in accordance with the University IP Policy and Procedure, as amended from time to time. IP Policy found here. IP Procedure found here.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.