Build your business. Reimagine your education.
UpStart is a micro-program inside Global Village Learning for secondary-aged learners who are ready to make their business their school.
Whether you’ve already launched your venture or have a burning idea you’re ready to test, UpStart gives you the space, mentorship, and real-world scaffolding to build something meaningful — while learning through doing.
What We’re Looking For:
- Young people with a business, product, service or idea they’re committed to growing
- Willingness to show up, take risks, and learn fast
- A pitch that shows purpose, initiative and imagination
School doesn’t have to come before business. At UpStart, it is your business.
You’ve got the idea. You’re already building.
Now step into a crew that backs you to go bigger, bolder, and all in.
Some young people wait to grow up. Others just get started. Which are you?
At UpStart, we back young founders who are ready to turn bold ideas into real-world ventures.
If you’ve got the drive, we’ll bring the mentors, time and tools to help you build.
We will be there alongside you with:
- 1:1 Mentorship with founders, creatives and professionals (including Frank Wyatt)
- Time to work on your venture every week
- Business Masterclasses in branding, pricing, marketing, pitching and more
- Pitch Labs & Showcases to refine and present your work
- Offsite Learning with real-world entrepreneurs and organisations
- A learner-led, future-focused environment that builds confidence, capacity and community
How to Apply
Pitch to us. No forms. Just show us what you’re building and why it matters — in your own way.
Tell us about:
- What you’ve already started or what you want to launch
- Why you’re excited about this opportunity
- What kind of support or mentoring you’d most value
Your pitch can be a:
- Video (90 sec max)
- Insta-style reel or TikTok
- Audio note
- Poster or slide deck
- Written expression with visuals
- Anyhting you think can sell your product and vision
Send your pitch to: hello@gvl.vic.edu.au
Start Date: July 2025
UpStart FAQs
If you’re dreaming big and building something real — this is your place.
Join the UpStart crew.
Make business your school.
Make change your product.
- Can I do this if I’m not a GVL learner yet? Yes! This is open to both current and prospective learners. We’ll help you figure out the transition if needed.
- Do I need a ‘proper’ business already? Not at all. Some UpStart crew will be selling things at markets or online already. Others will be just getting started. What matters is that you’re ready to do something.
- How big is the crew? Small. Intimate. High-agency. Around 8–10 learners max.
- Is this a full-time program? UpStart is designed to integrate into your GVL experience. You’ll spend focused time each week on your venture, with flexible time for co-working, offsite learning, and mentoring.
