• Charles Sturt selected to deliver business Startup Year courses as part of Australian government pilot program

Charles Sturt University is one of 11 universities that have been selected to participate in the Australian government’s Startup Year program, which aims to upskill future entrepreneurs

Recent graduates and Charles Sturt 2025 final-year students are being encouraged to apply for the Startup Year pilot program.

The program will encourage participants to consider what sort of business they may start or how to identify challenges and turn innovative solutions into viable ventures. For participants it provides a grounding in the entrepreneurial skills needed in today’s fast paced world.

Ms Dianna Somerville with Charles Sturt’s Innovation Programs said the program is designed to empower the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

“It is a unique pathway for industry professionals and final-year students to strengthen their skills in innovation, problem-solving and leadership,” she said.

“It is more than just professional development; it is about cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset that drives real impact within organisations and the wider community.”

Ms Somerville said that with shortages of professionals across the regions, those studying in the regions are seen as advocates and changemakers who will fill the service gaps across multiple industries in new and innovative ways.

“Charles Sturt has a proud list of graduates, from vets to pharmacists, who have found innovative ways to solve some of regional Australians most pressing challenges.

“The Startup Year program aims to further enable our offering to students and industry and help build the workforce of the future.”

The eight-month program commences in November 2024 and will be delivered through a hybrid learning model that connects participants with experts, mentors and academic leaders. Participants will be required to be on campus at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga for five days of the program.

The program includes six subjects comprising of two new subjects and four micro credentials offered through Charles Sturt.

The micro credentials that will be taught focus on key topics offered through Charles Sturt’s popular Bachelor of Business, such as social entrepreneurship, transformational leadership, strategic management and motivating and influencing people.

Applicants must have graduated from an Australian university in the past three years or be in their final year of an undergraduate degree at Charles Sturt University during 2025.

Applications close on Friday 8 November.