Startup Program for Women
Proudly Supported by LaunchVic & Natural Velocity
Tired of corporate? Have moonshot goals? Join our program designed to take you from employee to entrepreneur in 12 weeks.
Applications close 15 May 2025 for cohort 4, running from 1 August to 15 November 2025. There are 20 scholarship spots available with up to 85% off program fees.
"There's no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish"
MICHELLE OBAMA
Our Amazing Partners
Our incredible partners are committed to helping make your startup successful.
Why Press Play
Want to launch a startup?
Starting your own business can feel both thrilling and overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Press Play, we support women as they shift from employee to entrepreneur, helping them bring bold ideas to life and shape the future on their own terms.
If you’ve been thinking about entrepreneurship, especially after a career in corporate, startups, or scaleups, this is your moment! In the past year alone, we’ve helped over 125 founders take the leap. Some have raised millions in funding, others have landed major enterprise clients, all within a year of completing the program.
Press Play is your 12-week launchpad to turn your idea into something real. It’s your chance to unlock your potential and step confidently into the founder space — just like trailblazers Melanie Perkins (Canva) and Kim Teo (Mr Yum) once did.
Get a Head Start
What we
Offer
Find your Inner Founder
Go from corporate thinking to entrepreneurial thinking. With our support, you’ll find clarity, confidence, and your own unique way to lead.
Avoid Expensive Mistakes
Skip the trial-and-error. Learn what works (and what doesn’t) from founders who’ve been there before and saving time, money, and stress.
Power up with Coaching
Get expert support on the journey and stage your on. Our coaches help you clarify, refine, and take action with confidence.
Discover your Tribe
Find your people. Build alongside a community of women who get it, supportive, ambitious, and on the same journey as you. Plus get connected to the startup ecosystem with our network of partners including investors, experts and current and past founders.
What our
Founders Think
What 120+ Founders Say
Made for You
What you can expect
Scholarships & Zero Equity
There are up to 20 scholarships up for grabs at 85% off.
Plus the program is equity-free which means whatever you build is always yours.
No Need to Quit Your Day Job
Curious about entrepreneurship, but not ready for the leap?
Keep your day job while you do the program and explore the world of entrepreneurship.
Balance Your Time
Commit only 4 to 5 hours per week to do the program. The rest is time for whatever you need to do, whether it be time for work, family or some well-deserved you time.
How we
do it
Tailored for your Success
Everyone’s story is different. We want to meet you where you are, and help you take control of your business journey. We prompt the learning with critical questions to fast track your success.
Reflection
“Where have I been” and “where am I now”, to reflect on the journey you have taken to embark on your founder journey
REALISING AMBITIONS
“Where do I want to be” and “What’s holding me back” we understand your aspirations and work with you to unblock barriers
BIAS FOR ACTION
“What do I need to do” and “What do I need to let go of?” which help you prioritise and remove stumbling blocks
SUPPORT
Who’s walking with me?” to see who can support, guide and inspire you in the next phase of growth and throughout your startup's lifetime.
How we
do it
Flexible Learning
We also recognise that different people have different learning styles. We offer two pathways for you to choose from:
Introducing our Partners Natural Velocity
The Innovation Centre is a workspace for purpose-led professionals driving AI, and emerging technologies. Located in the District Docklands, Melbourne, the Innovation Centre is at the heart of the Natural Velocity ecosystem integrating specialist hubs, training and experience centres, and a vibrant community-driven support network for global commercialisation. Your journey to impact starts here.
Who is behind it?
Expert Support
Led by Startup experts, at Press Play we aim to stoke the entrepreneurial fire in those weary of the usual 9-to-5 drill. We’ve been in your shoes, yearning for more than just an ordinary job and itching to make a greater impact. If this resonates with you as it did with us, Press Play is your catalyst for entrepreneurship.
Frequently Asked Questions.
We’re committed to helping more women launch successful businesses. That’s why we’ve introduced an 85% subsidised partial scholarship, available to women across Australia.
This partial scholarship allows you to join the online-only program for AUD 799 (including GST), and the in-person program for AUD 1,299 (including GST).
To maximise your chances of being selected, please indicate your preferred scholarship option on the application form.
The program lasts for 12 weeks. Each week you need to commit a total of 4 to 5 hours to the program and your startup. There will be 2 hours of compulsory programming per week and then other optional activities to help you get ahead in building your business.
Previously, Press Play was only available to women in Victoria, Australia. However due to increased demand, we have opened the program to women across Australia.
Our online-only program will be avilable to women across Australia. Our in-person program will be available for Victoria-based women, and will be delivered in Melbourne (Docklands), with all workshops and events taking place in-person.
Press Play is designed for women who want to become a startup founder after being employed at corporates or technology businesses. We look for women with a background or affinity for technology. You don’t need a refined idea, but we are looking for women who are adventurous, resilient, have a burning desire to solve huge pressing problems, and are committed to their business journey.
We have received a large number of requests from people from other genders and also from other countries. If this is you, please apply and we may consider opening up our program if there’s significant demand.
A Startup is a young technology-based business that uses innovation to scale rapidly and capture market at a high velocity. Examples of technology include software/apps, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, advanced manufacturing & robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, augmented / virtual reality, 3D printing, advanced materials, genomics & life sciences (including Biotech & MedTech) and autonomous vehicles.
Applications for Cohort 4 are open now, and will close on 15th May 2025. The Scholarship spots will be allocated on first-come first-served basis. Cohort 4 Program will commence on 1st August, until 15th November 2025.
Applications close on 15th May 2025. The Scholarship spots will be allocated on first-come first-served basis. Cohort 4 Program dates: 1st August, until 15th November 2025.
We’re confident in the value of the Press Play but if you feel it’s not the right fit, we offer a full refund within the first two weeks of the program. This allows you to experience the first two sessions risk-free. After the second week, all payments are final due to the limited spots and high-demand nature of the cohort. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. If there are extenuating circumstances please contact us and we’ll try to assist.
Not ready to take the leap yet?
We completely understand. Dip your toes in the water and get on the list to hear about the incredible events and network opportunities we host.