The Real World Ready (RWR) Program

An 8 week interactive and high energy pre-employment and self-employment program for young people aged 15-24 to start a micro-business or enhance their employability skills.

Apply for Real World Ready

We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the Real World Ready Program in Toowoomba. This program is designed to help young people aged 15 to 24 years by providing them with the essential skills, knowledge and network to start a micro-business or enhance their employability skills.

Cost: Thanks to the generous support of the Australian Government Department of Social Services, participation in the program is free of charge. However, spots are extremely limited and will be allocated through an application process below.

Sessions: We have 3 sessions available for the program - please state your preferred location in the form below:

Session Option 1 - Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:00pm @ Toowoomba City Library, 155 Herries St, Toowoomba City
Session Option 2 - Afternoon Session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm @ Toowoomba City Library, 155 Herries St, Toowoomba City
Session Option 3 - Evening Session: 4:30pm to 7:00pm @ Toowoomba City Library, 155 Herries St, Toowoomba City

Over the course of the program, participants will attend sessions designed to:

💡 Develop and refine ideas.

💰 Gain financial literacy.

🎤 Improve public speaking and pitching skills.

🌍 Building a personal brand.

🦈 Experience a Shark Tank-style pitching session.

Food + snacks will be provided each week for participants.

Workshop Dates

📍 Location: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
📅 Date: Monday, 13 April
⏰ Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:00pm
⏰ Afternoon Session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
⏰ Evening Session: 4:30pm to 7:00pm
🛠️ Theme: Developing and Refining your idea
📍 Location: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
📅 Date: Monday, 20 April
⏰ Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:00pm
⏰ Afternoon Session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
⏰ Evening Session: 4:30pm to 7:00pm
🛠️ Theme: Essentials for excellent customer interactions + Managing Conflict
📍 Location: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
📅 Date: Monday, 27 April
⏰ Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:00pm
⏰ Afternoon Session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
⏰ Evening Session: 4:30pm to 7:00pm
🛠️ Theme: How to develop a brand for your business + personal branding
📍 Location: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
📅 Date: Saturday, 2 May
⏰ Time: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
🛠️ Theme: Execute a business as a group to raise seed investment for your businesses
📍 Location: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
📅 Date: Monday, 11 May
⏰ Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:00pm
⏰ Afternoon Session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
⏰ Evening Session: 4:30pm to 7:00pm
🛠️ Theme: Learning important financial literacy skill to manage and scale your business
📍 Location: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
📅 Date: Monday, 18 May
⏰ Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:00pm
⏰ Afternoon Session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
⏰ Evening Session: 4:30pm to 7:00pm
🛠️ Theme: Developing a Pitch Deck and script of how to present your business or yourself in an interview
📍 Location: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
📅 Date: Monday, 25 May
⏰ Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:00pm
⏰ Afternoon Session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
⏰ Evening Session: 4:30pm to 7:00pm
🛠️ Theme: Improve public speaking and pitching skills to effectively communicate your impact and business
📍 Location: To be provided once your place is confirmed!
📅 Date: Monday, 1 June
⏰ Morning Session: 10:00am to 12:00pm
⏰ Afternoon Session: 12:30pm to 3:00pm
⏰ Evening Session: 4:30pm to 7:00pm
🛠️ Theme: Shark Tank-style Pitching + Presenting your business ideas to potential investors

RWR Toowoomba Application

Applications close 5:00 PM on Tuesday, 7 April 2026

FAQs

Each week of RWR will be delivered by our high energy facilitators in one-on-one and group settings.
RWR is designed to equip young people with the essential skills, knowledge and opportunities needed for self-employment or employment. Through a series of intensive workshops, participants will develop and refine essential life skills, learn how to start a micro-business if they’re interested or build a portfolio for employment. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and learnings throughout the program in a Final Pitch Exhibition.
We have developed an online platform, Space, which program participants will receive complimentary access to. Space features monthly mentoring and support to help you continue to develop your business ideas, and course content to learn new skills and build your knowledge.
No, you do not need to have a business or have been employed to apply. RWR is designed to help you develop and refine your business concepts or equip you with the skills needed for your future career.

No! Thanks to our partnership with the Australian Government, we are able to provide these valuable sessions at no cost to participants. However spots are extremely limited and through application process only.
Absolutely! You are welcome to apply with a friend. Who knows, you might discover that you make great co-founders. Applying together can also provide additional motivation and support as you navigate the program.
Once you’ve sent in your application, we may reach out to have a quick chat with you on your application and aspirations for RWR. After that, we’ll send you all the details you need to get started. Due to the high demand, if we can't have you in this cohort we’ll let you know too. Thanks for applying, and we can’t wait to see what you’ve got!
This program is designed for young people aged 15-24 years who are living or studying in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs. If you are outside of this region, pop us a message and we can share what other opportunities we have available to you!