Growth Masterclass in Finance: Demystifying Growth Funding for Aussie Founders
Strategy to Impact hosted its inaugural Growth Funding Masterclass—a jam-packed evening of candid insights, practical funding tips, and
eye-opening real talk from experts across the finance spectrum.
From left: Ray Short (standing), Katya Ellis, Ross Duncan, Emily MacFarlane, Sarah Grace Worboys (sitting).
We brought together a powerhouse panel:
Ross Duncan from ANZ, representing traditional bank lending.
Emily MacFarlane, host of Funded Futures and expert in equity crowdfunding.
Sarah Grace Worboys, COO at Saniel Ventures, speaking on venture capital and high-growth businesses.
Ray Short from McLean Delmo Bentleys, broke down how to structure your business for funding success, and the importance of getting financial advise early on.
Why This Event?
Too often, funding options feel like a mystery. What’s relevant? Where do you even start? Whether you're building a lifestyle brand or the next tech unicorn, the right funding path depends on your business stage, structure, and vision.
From Left: Sarah, Katya, and Emily.
Key Lessons from the Panel
Grants are complimentary, not supplementary. Cannot rely on grants if you need funding, they help when you don’t need the help.
Banks look beyond numbers—they assess your character, track record, and risk profile. Banks are traditionally risk averse, however, ANZ is aspiring to support more daring ventures.
Equity Crowdfunding works if you've already built a community. It's not “free money”—you need a solid campaign and presence.
Venture Capital is for businesses with big visions, big markets, and serious scalability.
Structure matters: Get your legal and financial foundations right early, or risk being uninvestable later.
Real Talk
Emily MacFarlane, Senior Campaign Lead at Birchal
We didn’t shy away from uncomfortable truths:
Many female founders struggle with underconfidence during capital raises—despite having strong businesses.
Founders who can’t speak passionately about their company usually don’t get funded.
Overvaluing your business without validation? Expect investor ghosting.
A Community of Support
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It was great to see business leaders, founders and event RMIT students come together and network and share ideas. The energy in the room was inspiring. Cannot wait to see what the seeds planted at the event will grow to.
Strategy to Impact exists to help business owners grow confidently—with clarity, community, and the practical tools to succeed. We're grateful to our partners ANZ, McLean Delmo Bentleys, Interflora, SiaLeon Video Production, Le Ciel Events, and LEV8.online for making this event possible.
🎥 Couldn’t attend? A video recap will be shared soon. Subscribe to Strategy to Impact to get updates.
