SPARK is a fully subsidised 20-week program designed to support and empower aspiring social entrepreneurs, delivered in partnership with Impact Boom.

You'll receive a grant of up to $20,000* along with skills, resources, support from industry experts and mentors and connection with like-minded individuals needed to turn your social impact dreams into a reality.

The program involves:

• Weekly online group workshops led by experienced facilitators.
• 12 weekly digital modules (unlocked over 20 weeks) providing knowledge and exercises to guide Tomorrow Makers to develop a sustainable social enterprise.
• Personal and group mentoring sessions to help spark the idea.
• Access to online learning and a community collaboration hub to engage, share and learn from other Tomorrow Makers.
• Each Tomorrow Maker will receive a grant of up to $20,000 (subject to conditions below) *
• A two-day immersive session from Thursday 10 (evening) – Saturday 12 August. Flights, accommodation, and meals will be provided. Location to be confirmed.
• Awards night to celebrate and showcase the 2023 Tomorrow Makers hosted in Sydney.

Tomorrow Makers will each receive a grant of up to $20,000 (the “Funds”). The grant will be distributed in four instalments based on the completion of key milestones.

The timeline for the distribution of the grant is as follows:

• Week 1: $5,000 at the beginning of the program
• Week 6: $5,000 upon submission of a revised business model
• Week 15/16: $5,000 post-delivery of the practice pitch
• Week 20: $5,000 upon completion of the program

The Funds can be utilised for a diverse set of purposes such as supporting you as you take time off from any paid employment in order to participate in this program, pursuing academic or research endeavours to support your social enterprise, purchasing equipment or tools relevant to your project and purpose.

Whatever helps support you through the SPARK program or develop your social enterprise whilst you participate in SPARK.

SPARK has been designed to fit into your daily work schedule, with online sessions running in the evening and weekly digital modules available for completion throughout the week, during your own time.

Weekly workshops:

• Duration: Two hours
• Day and timing: Tuesday, 5 pm – 7 pm (AEST)
• Dates: Commencing from Tuesday 18 July until Tuesday 28 November

Immersive session:

• Duration: Two days (two nights)
• Location: To be confirmed
• Date: Thursday 10 (evening) – Saturday 12 August (afternoon)
• Travel, accommodation and meals covered by AMP Foundation

Awards event:

• Location: Sydney
• Date: Tuesday 5 December (one day immersive session) and Wednesday 6 December (awards event in the evening)
• Travel, accommodation and meals covered by AMP Foundation

Attendance requirements:

• Immersive session: Mandatory
• Weekly workshops: Attend 90% of the sessions
• Awards event: Mandatory

The online workshops will enable the Tomorrow Makers to come together to learn, network and share.

Typically, the session includes a presentation by an experienced industry professional, followed by Q&A, engaging group and individual exercises, mentoring and pitch practice. The sessions are complemented by the content from the digital modules.

There will be 15 weekly sessions over the 20 weeks run Tuesday from 5pm – 7pm (AEST).

The two-day immersive session will bring together the 2023 Tomorrow Makers for a variety of inspirational and engaging sessions with local industry leaders.

Tomorrow Makers are expected to attend the session from Thursday 10 (evening) to Saturday 12 (afternoon) August. Travel, accommodation, and meal expenses will be covered by AMP Foundation. Location to be confirmed.

12 Weekly Digital Modules

Each module will provide you with key knowledge, exercises and insights to help you develop a sustainable enterprise and create impact. Flexible modules allow you to learn in your own time and combine it with other work. Strengthen your new skills during the in-person sessions. You'll gain access to a private online group alongside other program participants and leaders.

WELCOME TO SPARK. SETTING OURSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS.

Gain a clear understanding of the program, fundamental traits of successful entrepreneurs and useful strategies to practice throughout SPARK as we work to scale your enterprise and impact.

PURPOSE, VISION, IMPACT. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND EFFECTIVE TEAMS.

Clearly define your ‘why’, desired impacts, roles, teamwork theory and other frameworks that will drive your startup projects from the core.

UNDERSTANDING ROOT CAUSES & SOLVING THE RIGHT PROBLEM.

Gain a clear grasp of important Design Thinking, Co-Design & Systems Thinking strategies to understand, redefine and respond to the right problems from the beginning, so you don't waste time later.

GAME CHANGING BUSINESS MODELLING AND VALUE PROPOSITION DESIGN.

Understanding and designing innovative business models is crucial to a social entrepreneur’s success. You’ll learn how to best deliver value to your customers and stakeholders.

REATIVITY JAM! CONCEPTUALISATION & IDEATION TO CREATE NEW, SUSTAINABLE POSSIBILITIES.

Learn innovative methods to create world-changing solutions through strategic design. Analyse, expand on and improve the way you are delivering value.

PURPOSEFUL PROTOTYPING AND PILOTS.

Learn quick, iterative and effective prototyping and piloting methods to validate concepts with your target audience. Throw away assumptions and respond to customer and stakeholder needs effectively.

IMPACT MARKETING & BRANDING STRATEGY.

Learn key tools to understand the market in which you operate. Define a personal and enterprise brand strategy. Understand social media and other marketing methods to create a trusted brand.

FINANCING PROJECTS AND GETTING THEM OFF THE GROUND.

Understand the best financing methods to fund your project and learn from leading investors. Get effective crowdfunding tips and learn how to become impact investment ready.

POWERFUL PITCHING & STORYTELLING SECRETS.

Learn the art of storytelling to capture, engage and influence an audience. Receive and practice pitching secrets to successfully sell your project.

KEY LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS.

Gain a clear understanding about how to best protect your Intellectual Property. Understand legals and get contracts right. We'll talk business structures, tax and what’s best for your impact enterprise.

UNDERSTANDING THE ECOSYSTEM. LEADING IMPACT ENTERPRISES.

Get strong insights from organisations, support bodies & leading global social entrepreneurs. Hear success and failure stories to keep you on track. Mix and network with local social entrepreneur leaders.

CREATING TRACKS AND MOVING FORWARD WITH IMPACT.

Methods and tools to keep entrepreneurs on track to deliver viable enterprises that deliver impact. Impact measurement and metrics. Reflection and clear planning to move forward.

All applicants for a Tomorrow Makers grant must meet the following criteria:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

• Applicants/applicant organisations must be:

  • An existing social enterprise with either a new idea or looking to scale their existing operation (same service however new territory or market).
  • An individual or team (up to four people) with a new social enterprise idea
• No grant funding has been received for the social enterprise idea.
• The application must meet the program definition of a “social enterprise” (For profit, For Purpose)
• Must be able to measure social impact and generate some revenue.
• The social enterprise must support at least one of the following funding streams: Female-led businesses, First Nations People, Retiring with Dignity and Improving Financial Equality.
• Must be able to commence and participate in the SPARK program starting on Tuesday 18 July 2023.

To align your social enterprise idea with the funding streams of the Tomorrow Makers program, you must choose at least one of the following areas of social impact. The alignment will help ensure that your idea is eligible for consideration under the Tomorrow Makers program.

Female-led businesses: This funding stream focuses on supporting social enterprise ideas that are led by women or have a primary focus on empowering women, with a focus on empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs, increasing gender diversity in business, or addressing issues that disproportionately affect women.

First Nations People: This funding stream is dedicated to supporting social enterprise ideas that are created by or for Indigenous communities, with a focus on promoting the well-being and empowerment of First Nations People in Australia. It recognises the importance of Indigenous perspectives, culture, and knowledge in driving positive social impact, promoting reconciliation, empowerment, economic development and social justice.

Retiring with Dignity: This funding stream aims to support social enterprise ideas that improve the quality of life for older Australians transitioning into retirement or facing retirement challenges. It focuses on projects that promote social inclusion, health and well-being, financial security, and active aging, supporting seniors in their later years.

Improving Financial Equality: This funding stream aims to support social enterprise ideas that focus on improving financial literacy. It includes initiatives that promote financial education, budgeting skills, savings, investments, and other financial tools, empowering vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals and communities to make informed financial decisions and build financial resilience.

These funding streams represent important areas of social impact that the AMP Foundation is committed to supporting through the Tomorrow Makers program.

How do you envision your social enterprise idea aligning with the important areas of social impact represented by these funding streams? We are open to your creative ideas and innovative solutions that can contribute to creating positive change in these specific areas through the program.

For this program a 'social enterprise' is defined as a business that primary focus has a social, cultural or environmental purpose and generates revenue from a trade or service.

The AMP Foundation team uses a rigorous assessment program over several months to select Tomorrow Makers. This process includes a detailed application form, phone interviews and potential requests for additional information if required.

Recipients are chosen based on the creativity of their social enterprise idea and its potential impact on addressing a social issue.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to present their social enterprise idea to a selection panel in June 2023.

Yes, an existing organisation with either a new idea or looking to scale their existing operation (same service however new territory or market) can apply.

Yes, if you’ve received a Tomorrow Maker grant in the past and you have a new idea that meets the criteria, we encourage you to apply.

After an extraordinarily successful 30 years of giving one-off grants, the AMP Foundation is moving towards a more impactful and sustainable approach to supporting social change. The evolution of our Tomorrow Makers program aligns with our strategy to support and empower aspiring social entrepreneurs by providing them with the support and resources they need to bring their ideas to life. The Tomorrow Makers program is designed to have a more long-term and transformative impact on our community. Tomorrow Makers will each receive up to $20,000 to help support them through the SPARK program and to develop their social enterprise.

While the foundation has moved away from giving one-off grants, we will continue to support our traditional charity partners through the AMP employee matched funding program. This program called 'AMPlifiers' enables AMP employees to make a difference by donating to registered charities of their choice, and AMP Foundation matches their donations dollar-for-dollar. This allows us to continue our commitment to charitable causes while also providing targeted support to social entrepreneurs through Tomorrow Makers program.

No, applicants are not required to have an ABN or DGR status to apply.

At the completion of the SPARK program Tomorrow Makers will have a documented business model that provides a case for them to apply for the next phase of funding and support from AMP Foundation through our IGNITE program (more details available soon). Or be in a position to apply for funding from other organisations.

You will become part of the AMP Foundation’s Tomorrow Maker alumni and have access to a closed Tomorrow Makers alumni group on the collaboration hub so you can continue to learn and share.

We’ll get together to celebrate and showcase your achievements at an awards night on 6 December 2023.

Yes, the SPARK program is open to all ages. However, applicants aged under 18 need the approval of a parent or guardian to apply. Permission can be provided via the application form and any communication will be directed to the adult. Of course, adults can help a young person with an application, but it must be submitted under the child’s name.

The assessment process is undertaken in stages. Anyone who reaches our final stage would have heard from the AMP Foundation several times – not only by email but also through phone conversations – and will be made aware of the next steps. As always, be alert to potential phishing emails requesting bank details with the promise of receiving a grant. AMP Foundation will not send you an unexpected email.

Yes, you will be able to access all these on your mobile device. Any technical issues can be discussed with the AMP Foundation.

We expect to award up to 15 Tomorrow Makers in 2023. Each recipient may be an individual or a team of up to four people.

No, not all team members are required to attend the immersive session or awards event, though at least one founder or director will be required to attend the full program.

Attendance at the weekly workshops can be shared between the team members, though the founder or director will be required to attend each session, this can be discussed with the AMP Foundation.

Impact Boom is a B Corporation and certified social enterprise focused on the support and development of social enterprise globally. They are highly experienced in delivering programs to support changemakers develop sustainable businesses with positive social impact. Impact Boom is the proud delivery partner of the SPARK program. Find out more about Impact Boom and listen to their podcasts here: www.impactboom.org.

B Corps are businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

The Tomorrow Makers program is an initiative of the AMP Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AMP. Operating a series of charitable trusts, the Foundation distributes income generated through its investments to the community. Since 1992, it has invested more than $110 million into the community to help organisations and individuals create positive change.