About the program

1. What is the Pathfinder Growth Ready Program?

Pathfinder is a Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) initiative for 20 established Brisbane businesses that have a proven core business and are ready to pursue their next phase of growth. Over five months, you identify, test and plan a significant growth opportunity, such as a new product, market, channel, partnership or business model, while continuing to run the business that got you here.

2. When does it start and how long does it run?

The program runs for five months, from February to June 2027. It opens with a launch and onboarding event on 28 January 2027 and closes with a graduation showcase on 24 June 2027. EOI applications to be a part of the program open on 13th October 2026 and close on the 13 November 2026.

3. How is the program delivered?

Pathfinder combines five elements, each designed to turn learning into action in your business:

• One-on-one coaching: four sessions with an experienced coach who has grown businesses and is matched to your industry, delivered in person and virtually
• Speaker events: Brisbane business leaders share how they made the growth decisions you are facing, followed by networking
• Virtual peer pods: small cross-sector groups of six to seven businesses apply each module to their own business and work through challenges together
• Accountability sessions: two in-person whole-group sessions keep momentum and hold everyone to their commitments
• Graduation showcase: participants share their growth story and insights with Brisbane’s business community

Program materials and resources are available throughout on the BEDA EventsAir platform.

4. What will my business get out of it?

• Highly tailored growth coaching, with learning applied immediately in your business
• Guided growth experiments that test a new growth initiative alongside your established core business before you commit serious capital
• A three-year growth plan and a 12-month action plan, built progressively across the program
• A clear view of what growth will ask of your people, leadership and structure
• A collaborative network of growth-focused Brisbane business owners, with opportunities for cross-learning and partnerships

5. Has the program run before?

Yes. Pathfinder was piloted in 2026. The 2027 program is the second delivery, redesigned specifically for established businesses using feedback from the pilot cohort.

6. What have previous participants said?

“Being part of the Pathfinder program was a game-changer for our team. It gave us the time and space to come above the noise and the day-to-day demands of the business and spend time strategising and implementing new innovations.” - iOrthotics, 2026 Pathfinder

“Running a business can feel lonely. Pathfinder fixed that. Yes, the facilitators were excellent, and the guest presenters were inspiring, but the real gold was the group. Honest conversations, shared experiences, and real connections. Do it.” - Glo Events, 2026 Pathfinder

“I wasn’t struggling to identify growth opportunities, I was struggling with how to build the next phase of the business while still running the business that got us here.” - Gov Ready, 2026 Pathfinder

“Very worthwhile, loved being connected with other Brisbane industry professionals. Advice that seems universal regardless of our industries.” - Spree with Me, 2026 Pathfinder

“The support and business coaching is high quality. It is also good to meet other businesses you might not meet otherwise.” - Urban Tours, 2026 Pathfinder

Is it right for my business?

7. Who is Pathfinder for?

Pathfinder is for owners, founders and managing directors of established Brisbane businesses, from any industry, who have a strong intention to grow and scale.

To be eligible, your business must have annual revenue of $1.5 million to $10 million+ and meet at least two of the following:

• Operating for at least three years
• Profitable in each of the last three financial years
• More than 20 employees

You’ll get the most from the program if your core business is stable, you have a growth opportunity in mind, and you are willing to test your thinking.

8. Is the program industry-specific?

No. Pathfinder is open to businesses from any sector. You’ll be placed in a pod with businesses facing comparable growth challenges and matched with a coach who has relevant industry experience. Many pilot participants said learning from businesses outside their own industry was one of the most valuable parts of the program.

9. What if I’m not sure my business is ready?

Sign up to the Growth Readiness Forum at the Brisbane Business Hub on 5 November. You can meet the facilitators, hear from speakers and ask questions about your fit. If you are still proving demand for your core offer, the Brisbane Business Hub offers Early Growth Workshops and industry-specific support designed for businesses at earlier stages.

10. What if my growth idea changes during the program?

That’s expected, and often a sign the program is working. The early modules help you compare growth options and test your assumptions with customers.

What it takes

11. How much time will it take?

Plan for 50 to 60 hours, over the program. This covers all program sessions and events, plus the applied work between sessions, such as running experiments, gathering customer feedback and making changes in your business. That applied work is where the results happen.

12. Who from my business should attend?

The key leader of the business should commit to attending every session, as each module builds on the one before. You may also bring a second senior leader for continuity and to share the learning across the business.

13. What happens if I miss a session?

One-on-one coaching sessions can be rescheduled with notice. All other sessions run on fixed dates and may not be recorded, so please check the program dates before you apply.

14. Where is the program held?

Brisbane Business Hub Level 20/69 Ann St Brisbane Peer pod sessions are held online, and coaching is delivered in person and virtually.

Cost

15. Is there a fee?

Yes. BEDA subsidises the majority of that cost. Participants pay a fee of $495. You are only invoiced if your application is successful.

Applying

16. How do I apply?

1. Review the Program Guidelines on the Brisbane Business Hub website to check your eligibility.
2. Submit the online Expression of Interest form between 14 October and 14 November 2026.
3. Attend the Growth Readiness Forum at the Brisbane Business Hub on the 5 November. This is optional but strongly encouraged.