FAQs

Tomorrow Makers SPARK program is a fully subsidised 18-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
• Access to the Business For Good Network
• Online learning modules
• A two-day immersive session from Monday 14 July (evening) – Wednesday 16 July in Beechworth Victoria
• A one day immersive on 24 November 2025 and Tomorrow Makers SPARK Showcase to celebrate the 2025 Tomorrow Makers on 25 November 2025.

We expect to award up to 15 Tomorrow Makers in 2025. Each recipient may be an individual or a team of up to two people.

SPARK 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 upon commencement of the program
• Week 10: $5,000 upon submission of a business model
• November 2025: $5,000 on completion of attending 90% of workshops during the program, attendance at the two-day immersive in July, delivery of a practice pitch in Week 17 and 1:1 pitch coaching session.
• December 2025: The final $5000 after attending the immersive on 24 November, pitching at Tomorrow Makers SPARK Showcase on 25 November and on completion of the final feedback survey.

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 program and to develop your social enterprise.

The program has been designed to fit into your daily work schedule, with online sessions running in the afternoon and the online learning modules being able to be completed throughout the week in your own time.

Weekly workshops:

• Duration: Two hours
• Day and timing: Monday, 4 pm – 6 pm (AEST)
• Dates: Starting from Monday 23 June until Monday 20 October 2025

Immersive session:

• Duration: Two days (two nights)
• Location: Beechworth Victoria
• Date: Monday 14 July (evening) – Wednesday 16 July 2025

Funds will be provided to each Tomorrow Maker for travel expenses and accommodation will be covered by AMP Foundation. The funds are to be used to cover travel based on the AMP Foundation Travel Guidelines.

Showcase event:

• Location: Sydney
• Date: Monday 24 November (half day immersive session) and Tuesday 25 November (day and evening)

Funds will be provided to each Tomorrow Maker for travel and accommodation expenses. The funds are to be used to cover travel based on the AMP Foundation Travel Guidelines.

Attendance requirements:

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

The online workshops will enable the SPARK 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, fun group and individual exercises, mentoring and pitch practice. The sessions are complemented by the content from the digital modules.

The 18 weekly sessions run from Monday 23 June until Monday 20 October 2025, 4 - 6 pm (AEST).

The two-day immersive session will bring together the 2025 Tomorrow Makers for a variety of inspirational and engaging sessions with local industry leaders.

SPARK Tomorrow Makers are expected to attend the session from Monday 14 July (evening) – Wednesday 16 July. Funds will be provided to each Tomorrow Maker for travel expenses and accommodation will be covered by the AMP Foundation. The funds are to be used to cover travel based on the AMP Foundation Travel Guidelines

The immersive will be held at the Old Beechworth Gaol in Beechworth Victoria.

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 TOMORROW MAKERS SPARK PROGRAM. SETTING OURSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS.

Gain a clear understanding of the program, fundamental traits of successful entrepreneurs and useful strategies to practice throughout Tomorrow Makers SPARK program 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.

CREATIVITY 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 SPARK program must meet the following criteria:

• An individual or team (up to two people) with a new social enterprise idea
• An existing social enterprise with either a new idea or looking to scale their existing operation (same service however new territory or market)
• Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident of Australia and must be living in Australia
• 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, Retire with Confidence and Improving Financial Fairness
• Must be able to commence and participate in the Tomorrow Makers SPARK program starting on in June 2025

To align your social enterprise 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 social enterprise is eligible for consideration under the Tomorrow Makers program.

• Female-led Businesses:This funding stream focuses on supporting social enterprises 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 enterprises 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.
• Retire with Confidence: This funding stream aims to support social enterprises 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 Fairness:This funding stream aims to support social enterprises 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.

For this program a 'social enterprise' is defined as a business that primary focus has a social, cultural or environmental purpose that is described in its constitution and generates revenue from a trade or service, and, a percentage of its profit is reinvested into the purpose stated in its constitution.

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 to a selection panel in May 2025.

You will need to complete an online application form on the SmartyGrants platform. Applications will open from Tuesday 4 March, 10am (AEDT) – Tuesday 25 March, 2pm (AEDT).

Applications submitted via other means will not be accepted. If you encounter any issues or need assistance, please email AMP_FoundationTomorrowMakers@amp.com.au.

Within the application form you’ll need to provide a link to a short video. The purpose of the video is for you to introduce yourself/selves, explain what your social enterprise idea is, its origins, and the impact you hope to achieve.

This can be recorded on your phone or computer webcam; it doesn’t have to be a professional video. We recommend you upload the video to a platform such as vimeo, YouTube or similar platform so you can include the link in your application.

Please ensure the video:

• Is no longer than 2 mins
• Showcases you and your social enterprise
• Current and set to public viewing

Click here to view a good example of an application video we received from a Tomorrow Maker.

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.

This includes Not-for-profits that have a new idea for a social enterprise that will help fund the Not-for-profits operations.

However, the grant is allocated to an individual who is the Founder or CEO equivalent, our experience shows that the individual in the program has to be able to make the decisions and not revert back to the organisation for approval on how the grant is spent or the work completed within the program.

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

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

At the completion of the Tomorrow Makers 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 Tomorrow Makers IGNITE program. Or be in a position to apply for funding from other organisations.

You will become part of the AMP Foundation Tomorrow Makers Alumni Community and have access to a closed Tomorrow Makers Alumni Community on the Business For Good Network so you can continue to learn and share.

We’ll get together to celebrate and showcase your achievements on 25 November 2025.

Yes, the Tomorrow Makers 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 young person’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.

It is optimal that both team members attend the entire program, but we understand it may not be possible in every circumstance. At least one founder or CEO will be required to attend the full program.

There is one position per Tomorrow Makers grant reserved at the immersive. In a team situation if the second person wants to attend the immersive or showcase event the funding can come from the Tomorrow Makers grant for the travel costs.

Funds used for travel, accommodation and meals must be spent in accordance with the following guidelines:

Bookings: SPARK Tomorrow Makers must book their own travel.

Transport: Airport transfers, taxis, train and ride sharing costs to and from:

• Residence to airport, and
• Airport to destination.

Air: Airfares must be economy class.

Accommodation: Not to exceed A$300 per night.

Meals: Not to exceed $100 per day (where meals are not provided).

WA and NT residents will receive A$2,900. Metro Sydney residents will receive A$800. All other Australian residents will receive A$1,900.

In a team situation if the second person wants to attend the immersive or showcase the funding can come from the Tomorrow Makers grant to cover all the travel costs.

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. Since 1992, it has invested more than $110 million into the community to help organisations and individuals create positive change.

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

The BFGN is a platform that connects purpose-led changemakers. It is a community of communities catalysing change.

The Tomorrow Makers SPARK program has a private closed group used to connect, share, collaborate and learn throughout the program.

BFGN also provides access to the learning room, events and webinars, upskill video library and resources. Find out more about BFGN here: www.bfgn.co

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, envision a better economic system where businesses can benefit people, communities, and the planet. Find out more about B Corporation here: www.bcorporation.com.au.