Nope! Here at Bloom, we only ask that you have a problem you are passionate in solving. Having a rough idea on a possible solution is great, but not a prerequisite. We'll work on better understanding the problem first, then through multiple workshops we'll guide you through developing a solution. Launchpad is about you learning how to develop and refine an idea that is targeted at a problem you want to solve.

The launchpad program is accredited by which ever university you are currently studying at. The process for each university is different but we usually take care of it. We'll won't keep you in the dark and will notify you if we need more information from you. Some universities have different requirements so some participants speak to degree coordinators before applying.

The unit is pass or fail, which means lucky for you, it’s not going to affect your GPA. To pass, you have to complete a series of weekly reflections tracking your progress, validate your idea/problem and pitch it at the end of the program to the Bloom community.

Launchpad is run for students and is designed in a way that allows those in a program to collaborate and work with others in a constructive manner. This is not a university group project, everyone in the program is rooting for everyone to succeed. Its about you learning and developing your own idea in a supportive environment.

You'll learn about how to start and create change. To do that we'll help you better understand a problem, develop a viable business idea and how to pitch that idea to anyone and everyone. You will also learn skills to develop as a founder, from resilience to the confidence to pitch.

Launchpad is run out of the Bloom Lab, based at St Catherine's College which is just across the road from UWA. We run the Launchpad classes here, though sometimes we will be venturing off-campus to other innovation spaces, but for the most part class will be at Bloom.

If you are at any of the Western Australian universities you can apply.
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Once your application has been approved by Bloom, your university will be in touch with your regarding enrolment. It is recommended that you have capacity for an elective or practicum unit in your degree.

NOTE: different universities have different accreditation process and credit allocations.

That's totally fine, we don't expect you to be an expert.

Launchpad isn't about testing you on your startup knowledge, its about getting participants to go on the journey of developing an idea to a problem you are a passionate about solving. Having knowledge about startups and entrepreneurship is great but definitely not a prerequisite, we'll teach and support you through everything you need to know.

Yes, of course. Instead of claiming the cost of Launchpad as a university unit through HECS or the university itself, Bloom will invoice you for a nominated fee (outlined in the application form). You will receive all the same support just not the university accreditation.

The main focus of Launchpad is to help you to test your bright ideas, so don’t worry - you will have lots of opportunities to figure out if you like your idea or not in the first few weeks!

Nope! All Intellectual Property developed in the program stays your own.
We want you to be as motivated as you can be to take this seriously and create something you are proud of.

Yes. Most of the time.

Similar hours to what's recommended for your other academic units, 12 hours per week. 3 of those hours are a compulsory weekly time slot - where the Launchpad cohort participates in an intimate presentation, given by a startup expert on a different aspect of business building, before we get stuck into hands-on group work! The rest of the time you'll have access to the Bloom Lab, where you can work alongside other young founders for ongoing support and guidance while building out your idea.

Bloom Startup Launchpad is selective. There are three steps to applying and enrolling into the program:

‍1. Submit registration form
If you are interested in joining the Bloom Startup Launchpad program you should register your interest on this page, below. This will ensure that you receive further info and prompts about the program.
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‍2. Submit written application
An application link will automatically be sent to the nominated email from the registration form. Fill out and submit that application, book your interview and meet us in person.

3. Start doing research and getting stuck into entrepreneurship
After your interview, you will be notified of next steps and we'll take care of enrolment. We will stay in touch during the whole process to answer your questions and notify you if we need more information.

Please don't think that you're not good enough to apply or only do what your others think you need to do. We really believe in empowering more people to go on this journey and building the confidence in them to lead things they are passionate about. We'd love to help you grow individually and be there for every win to celebrate but all the bumps to help get you back on your feet.