About Startup Business International Programs

 The Startup Business Entrepreneurial Learning in Action programs are delivered by teachers in-curriculum and are designed for secondary students. The program follows a problem based learning approach where teachers do not give answers but guide students to multiple solutions and to think differently about their local communities and society.

The entrepreneurial mindset provides a safeguard for students who are wanting to compete in careers not yet created at a time of rapid disruption and innovation. It also empowers students to see how they can create their own jobs by starting a business themselves.

Over the years, we have seen some clever and confident pitches from students who have developed a business idea to solve a multitude of problems relating to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. After completing the program, students had a really good idea of how important it is for Australians to innovate to solve problems.

Students in Startup Business based programs are given the opportunity to meet business owners to give them context for their learning and created connections between the school and business communities. This is so vital for students in regional areas who haven’t considered tertiary study and who want to remain in their hometown. Creating a connected community of practice ensures students can not only find jobs, but perhaps one day start a business and create jobs.

Through the program, 65 new business ideas were generated this year. In the two years since launching the program a total of 345 students, while picking up a host of soft skills such as strategic thinking, creative problem solving, collaboration, and resilience, have created 139 new businesses. All different. All innovative. All their own ideas.

Key Statistics from the 2019 AgriFutures Program.

Testimonials from Teacher Alumni

An entrepreneurial mindset provides a safeguard for students who are wanting to compete in careers not yet created at a time of rapid disruption and innovation. It also empowers students to see how they can create their own jobs by starting a business themselves. Students also gain confidence and resilience in problem-solving, realising that if they take action and are persistent, they will have an important impact. 



“Students started to look for opportunities and problems solved - students were reflecting without me bringing it up. It led to really interesting conversations in the home and the community.”
Annie Richter
Agriculture Teacher,
Cleve Area School, SA
"This program excites me as students will be able to develop new and innovative ideas, I can’t wait to see what they will come up with. My students are ready and excited to start this program and think it will be fantastic to have some excellent local mentors involved.”
Sarah Bramwell
Teacher, Maclean High School NSW



“The program certainly shone a light on the innovations and opportunities available in agriculture and that was a new direction for us.”

Jody Haydon
Head of Agriculture, Kinross Wolaroi School, NSW

For more information on our past, present and future partner programs, please click on the respective links below. If you would like to be apart of one of these programs, please contact us.