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How can the innovation ecosystem build resilience and wellbeing among founders and their teams?
Meshpoints’ new Challenge invites not-for-profit and ecosystem organisations to propose initiatives that strengthen the wellbeing, resilience and long-term sustainability of founders, teams and the broader innovation community across Western Australia. $150K in grant funding (including up to $20K per initiative) is available.
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Startup founders are the backbone of Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem, driving new ideas, building companies, and creating future economic and social impact.
But behind this progress sits a growing challenge.
Insights from StartupWA’s latest founder survey (129 respondents) and Mental Health & Wellbeing Roundtable held in March highlight the scale of the issue: founders are experiencing high levels of stress, burnout, financial pressure and isolation, with many unaware of available support or hesitant to seek help.
Importantly, this is not just an individual challenge, it is a systemic one. Current ecosystem structures, expectations and support models are often not designed to proactively support founder wellbeing, leading to reactive interventions rather than sustained, preventative support.
This Challenge directly responds to that need.
Founder wellbeing is not just a personal issue, it’s an ecosystem issue. When wellbeing is overlooked, the impact is widespread:
Increased burnout & founder fatigue
Reduced business performance and decision-making capacity
Loss of talent from the ecosystem
Fewer sustainable, long-term ventures
Yet the opportunity is just as significant.
By strengthening resilience and building better support systems, WA can create an ecosystem where founders are better equipped to navigate challenges, stay engaged, and continue building impactful ventures over the long term.
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Meshpoints is seeking initiatives that strengthen resilience and wellbeing across WA’s innovation ecosystem. We’re particularly interested in ideas that build stronger support networks, create more proactive approaches to wellbeing, and equip founders with practical tools, environments or frameworks to manage the realities of building and scaling a venture.
These initiatives might take many forms, from programs and community-led experiences to platforms, partnerships or new support models, and we welcome ideas that bring organisations together and create meaningful, lasting impact across the ecosystem.
$150K in grant funding (including up to $20K per initiative) is available.
Structured programs, workshops or facilitated experiences that support founders and teams to build resilience, manage pressure, and develop the skills needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship over time.
Initiatives that reduce isolation and strengthen support networks — creating opportunities for founders, teams or ecosystem participants to connect, share experiences, and support one another in meaningful ways.
Practical tools, digital platforms or accessible resources that enable founders and teams to proactively manage wellbeing, workload, and mental health throughout their journey.
Alongside grant funding, successful applicants will receive access to additional support intended to help projects succeed and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Connect with a cohort of like-minded organisations to share learnings, challenges, and peer support throughout the challenge.
Enjoy access to coworking space to support collaboration, productivity, and connection.
Participate in structured sessions and regular check-ins to support progress, reflection, and accountability.
Receive marketing support along the way to help amplify your program, attract participants, and increase visibility.
Access Spacecubed event spaces at a 20% discount to support program delivery, workshops, or community engagement.
Have your project and outcomes showcased in a publicly available report highlighting impact and learnings.
These dates outline the process for Meshpoints funding, including when challenges open, close and are assessed by an independent panel.
23 April: EOIs & applications open
4 June: EOIs close
11 June: Applications close
Late-June: Funding awarded
5 July: Projects commence
Project Duration: Up to 6 months
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