As part of our partnership with Climate Salad, Global Victoria will pay the program fee costs for the chosen Victorian companies.

With the support of the Climate Salad team, experienced mentors and industry experts, you'll have the resources and guidance you need to navigate new markets and drive growth.

Eligibility criteria for Victorian businesses

• You must be the founder or a senior leader of a climate tech business headquartered, or significantly based, in Victoria as of December 2023.
• Have a website featuring the product or service.
• Have an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• Submit only one application per ABN.
• You are able and willing to travel to San Francisco during the key dates October 27 - 1 November 2024.
• You are able and willing to cover your travel costs during the program.
• You can attend virtual pre-trip market intelligence workshops during September and October 2024.

About Climate Salad

Climate Salad is an active network to boost climate tech companies, in Australia, with tools, programs, and community support. Its team and mentors understand the unique challenges of scaling a climate tech business internationally, and they're here to help.

Climate Salad has designed trade missions that favour pre-market support centred around high-value mentorship, and a well-developed in-country program of events and opportunities. This allows them to help you gain maximum value from an international mission.

They are 100% focused on climate solutions and know climate technology differs from normal tech. It is often deep tech, may be hardware, and can be complicated. It can require consumer behaviour change and new measurement protocols. It also needs to get to scale fast to avert the climate crisis. It needs a new approach.

Why the US?

The US market is attractive to Australian clean tech and climate tech companies for several reasons:

• Large market size: The US has one of the largest economies in the world, providing a vast market for clean tech products and services.
• Government support: There are significant federal and state incentives, grants, and subsidies for clean and climate technologies, encouraging innovation and adoption.
• Private sector investment: The US has a robust venture capital and private equity ecosystem that heavily invests in clean tech and climate tech startups.
• Technological innovation: The US is a global leader in technological innovation, providing an environment that fosters advanced research and development in clean technologies.
• Sustainability goals: There is a growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints among US businesses and consumers, driving demand for clean tech solutions.
• Strategic partnerships: The US offers numerous opportunities for strategic partnerships and collaborations with leading companies, research institutions, and government agencies.
• Market entry programs: Various programs and initiatives help foreign companies, including those from Australia, to enter and scale in the US market.

What's included?

Global Victoria will pay for the program costs for up to 5 selected Victorian companies.

Also included in the program:

Pre-Market Intelligence and Mentoring

• Flexible program components that won't distract from running your business.
• Pre-trip mentoring and pitch coaching with market specialists.
• Practical workshops in key areas such as setting up operations in a new market, acquiring your first international team member, closing your first overseas customer.
• Engagement and consultation with the Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) offices in the Americas. region.

In-Country Program and Support

• Climate Salad and Victorian Government team support while in-country.
• Demo and network in San Francisco and Silicon Valley during Verge Climate Tech Event.
• Core relationships with fellow cohort founders.
• Tailored introductions to Climate Salad's US networks of industry leaders, mentors and investors.
• Engagement and consultation with Victorian Government Trade and Investment (VGTI) offices in the Americas.

What's not included?

• Airfare: Estimated round-trip cost is $1000 - $2000, depending on your departure city, booking time and airline.
• Visas and travel insurance
• Accommodation: Climate Salad has secured a discounted rate at a partner hotel in San Francisco, with an estimated cost of AUD$250 per night.
• Meals: Welcome and farewell dinners are provided, alongside networking nibbles during official activities. All other meals are at your own expense.
• Personal expenses: Any additional personal expenses such as souvenirs, transportation, and other incidentals.

Delivered in partnership with