How to Embrace the Start-Up Journey
The challenge with a new business idea is what to do with it next!
You need to know if it’s commercially viable, but how can you share it, test it and get feedback on it confidentially?
These are real concerns for the start-up innovator, but there is support for you. The Curtin Ignition Program provides a safe, confidential and rigorous space to develop your start-up in a world-class program for entrepreneurs.
In 2023 John-Paul Grosser of Aruma Home, won the City’s scholarship with his idea to develop an affordable housing company for Indigenous and remote communities.
In this no-holds-barred interview we asked John-Paul to tell us about his experience inside the Curtin Ignition program.
Bringing your ideas into the light
Facing the fear of having your idea stolen
John-Paul had a bold vision: an affordable housing company for Indigenous and remote communities. Despite working on this idea for eight years, he had never spoken about it publicly, for fear of having the idea stolen.
"I entered the Curtin Ignition Program to seek validation of whether I even had a viable proposition and if anyone would support me," John-Paul recalls. "I had been working on my idea for eight years but had never spoken about it publicly for fear of it being stolen. I was given assurances that going through this program I was protected to a point, and it was a great way to validate whether my idea was viable."
Dealing with imposter syndrome
Starting the program was daunting for John-Paul, who grappled with imposter syndrome, a psychological pattern where you doubt yourself and have an irrational fear of being exposed as a ‘fraud’.
"When you start, you know the feedback is going to be real and sometimes confronting from industry professionals, so you start feeling that imposter syndrome – questioning if you even deserve to be talking about this as an idea of yours," he admits. "But the whole idea of the course is to go through those feelings as a cycle and come to the realisation that it is a fictitious thing. We all go through it, and it is a safe space where everyone's idea has validity, and at the end of the day, it is all about how passionate are you."
The intensive journey
Structure and support
The Curtin Ignition Program is not for the faint-hearted. It is an intense 5.5-day session, with around 90 participants divided into small groups.
"We had about 90 people accepted into my group in one round. It is a very intense session for 5.5 days. We get broken up into groups of about 10, and there are dedicated mentors and facilitators for each group helping us get through," says John-Paul.
Building a strong network
The program's structure fosters close-knit relationships. John-Paul's group of ten became a vital support system.
"It is a real emotional journey, so it is really good to have that small group of people to rely on, and you end up staying in contact. We have done this on WhatsApp, and everyone still keeps each other updated. It is about sharing the experience and being there for support. It is a great support network for you."
Diverse perspectives and deep learning
A melting pot of ideas
One of the program's strengths is its diversity. Participants come from various industries, offering a rich mix of perspectives.
"The group comprised quite a mix of people. The idea is that having mixed industries allows for different perspectives rather than just being isolated in one area. There were participants from software, products, hoodies, housing – there is no limitation. Anyone willing to go through this process and passionate about their idea is welcome," explains John-Paul.
Intensive learning and pitch preparation
Participants work both in groups and individually to refine their business pitches. This rigorous process is crucial for clarifying and articulating their ideas.
"There are one-on-ones as well as group sessions. When you get into your groups, it is about working toward your final pitch. You go through the exercise of what's the problem statement – you go through a process that takes a bit of time," says John-Paul.
Emotional resilience and personal growth
Embracing vulnerability
The program challenges participants to be open and receptive to feedback, a process that can be emotionally taxing.
"It is a very emotional journey because you are quite vulnerable going through the process. You have to be open because if you are not, you are not really accepting any thoughts of advice going through the program," John-Paul shares.
Crystallising your idea
A key takeaway for John-Paul was the importance of believing in and clearly articulating his idea.
"I think the crystallisation of your idea is so important because when you do your pitch, if no one believes that you believe in it and you are just reading from a script, then no one is going to follow."
Expert advice and lasting connections
Diverse expertise
The program provides access to a wide range of experts, from financial advisors to marketing gurus, all offering invaluable advice.
"There were all sorts of people providing advice – financial, IP, marketing, psychology, business start-up companies who have gone through the journey and the program themselves," notes John-Paul.
Lifelong community
After completing the program, participants become part of the Curtin Alumni network, a supportive community that continues to offer support and opportunities.
"Once you go through the program, you are part of the Curtin Alumni – especially from an entrepreneur program. There are regular catch-ups and visits, including people from overseas and different industries," says John-Paul.
Post-program reflections and next steps
Post-program reflections
The days following the program are often filled with reflection and planning the next steps.
"After the program, it takes a few days to get a full night's sleep as you are so wired by the end of it. After about a week, there is that quiet time when you are like, 'What happens now?' as it has ended and there is no more real correspondence regarding the program other than the people you connected with and your team," says John-Paul.
Continuing the journey
John-Paul's journey did not end with the Curtin Ignition Program. He went on to patent one of his products and joined the Curtin Accelerate Program to further develop his business.
"I filed a provisional patent for one of those products and started organising lots of meetings, talking about it to lots of people, and getting feedback from more people outside the program. I then joined the next program called Curtin Accelerate, which is the next step as a founder," he explains.
Balancing advice and passion
John-Paul learned the importance of balancing external advice with his own vision. He emphasised the value of listening to advice, but also stressed the need to stay true to your own passion and vision.
John-Paul's experience highlights that while external advice is invaluable, it is essential to balance it with your own vision and passion to ensure you remain true to your goals.
Final thoughts
For anyone considering the Curtin Ignition Program, John-Paul offers these words of advice:
"There is such a great community – not just an alumni but a community for life. They are always there and always around to reach out to – you are brought into the fold. Trust in the program. You are protected. Give it a go. You have nothing to lose. You are going to get great support from people. It is emotionally draining. Pretty much everyone comes to tears at some point because of the amount of information and because you are vulnerable and exposed and seeking to validate your own personal journey – you are validating everything. But then you get through that, and you gain so much once you get through the program."
John-Paul’s story is a testament to the transformative power of the Curtin Ignition Program. If you're considering taking the leap, find out more about the Curtin Ignition Program Scholarship and the scholarship offered by the City of Cockburn by visiting Curtin Ignition.