Uptown Program 2024

Uptown Accelerator 2024 – Applications Open Now 

The Uptown Accelerator is an innovative, first-of-its-kind program which aims to unlock the potential of going-out districts across urban centres by:

• empowering groups of businesses to collaboratively develop their district identity; and
• equipping them with the skills and networks to attract partners and consumers to their District. 

If you want to unlock the potential of your area as a unique and vibrant going-out district, this program is for you.

As part of the Accelerator, you will participate in a series of free workshops and coaching to accelerate your district’s development, covering skills such as:

• Visioning: crafting a collaborative vision, identity and story for your District.
• Branding: transforming this vision into a recognisable brand.
• Developing a business model: leveraging your District’s vision and brand to identify, create and attract partnership opportunities.
• Governance: establishing an appropriate legal entity structure for your District.
• Grant writing: developing skills in finding and applying for funding opportunities.
• Pitching: showcasing your District to potential collaborators and partners.

The Accelerator culminates with the District Showcase, a high-profile event in which your team is given the opportunity to pitch your District vision to an audience of potential partners and collaborators.

Read our Uptown Accelerator Fact Sheet for Businesses (PDF 1.19MB) to learn more about Round 3 of the Accelerator.

For detailed information before you apply, including eligibility criteria, assessment criteria, and the application process, you must refer to the Uptown Accelerator Admission Guidelines (PDF 887.28KB).

Join an information session 

Come along to an information session to learn more about the Accelerator, what’s in it for businesses, and how you can apply.

• Wednesday 17 April 2024, 11am to 12pm. Register to attend here.
• Wednesday 24 April 2024, 11am to 12pm. Register to attend here.

Apply

Applications for the Accelerator will close on Wednesday 22 May 2024 at 3pm (AEST). 

Apply now

Please note that the application form must be submitted in one go. We recommend preparing your answers in advance to copy across into the form. 

Find out more