“We are building an army of Kingdom Entrepreneurs who take their gifting and anointing into the marketplace and, like leaven, spread the love of Christ.”
This vision statement from Kingdom Business Global, an Australian organization at the forefront of the faith-driven business movement, captures the spirit of a moment unfolding across the country . From Gold Coast conferences drawing 1,300 believers to formal university degrees integrating theology with business strategy, Christian entrepreneurship in Australia is no longer a niche interest—it is a growing movement of believers who see their businesses as a form of ministry.
This guide explores the diverse landscape of Christian entrepreneurship programs available in Australia in 2026, from formal academic qualifications to networking events, mentorship opportunities, and specialized grant funding for faith-driven ventures.
Part 1: Academic Pathways—University Programs for Kingdom Entrepreneurs
Alphacrucis University College: The Flagship Provider
Alphacrucis (AC) University College has emerged as the leading Christian institution for entrepreneurship education in Australia. With campuses in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Hobart, plus extensive online offerings, AC makes faith-integrated business education accessible across the country .
Double Diploma of Business and Entrepreneurship
This 1.5-year program (12 subjects) combines core business concepts with hands-on entrepreneurial training . Key features include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 years full-time (up to 5 years part-time) |
| Cost | $1,700 per subject |
| Study Modes | Online Recorded, Online Live, Mixed Mode, Face to Face |
| Start Dates | March (S1), August (S2), November (Summer) |
What You’ll Learn:
- Entrepreneurship Foundations (ENT001) : Introduction to key concepts, early adopters, maintaining focus, and engaging with entrepreneurial teams
- Idea to Opportunity (ENT002) : Using the Redemptive Framework to identify and solve real-world problems
- Entrepreneurship Professional Practice (EXP008) : Hands-on experience working with startups or developing your own venture
- Business Ethics (BUS225) : Integrating Christian principles into ethical business decision-making
The AC Advantage: “Run by Christian entrepreneurs, this course provides access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs, a startup incubator and accelerator, and the possibility of exclusive venture capital funding” . Graduates emerge as startup founders, innovation consultants, product managers, and business development specialists equipped to make “a positive impact in this world” .
Double Diploma of Entrepreneurship and Ministry
For those called to bridge the worlds of business and church leadership, AC offers a unique 1.5-year double diploma combining entrepreneurial training with theological education .
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 years full-time (up to 5 years part-time) |
| Cost | $1,700 per subject |
| Core Subjects | 9 (90 credit points) |
| Electives | 3 (30 credit points) |
The Integration: This program “equips you with the skills to drive business success and lead impactful ministry initiatives, integrating grounded experience, Christian Theology and cutting edge practice” . Students explore subjects ranging from Introduction to Pastoral Ministry (MIN001) to Entrepreneurial Foundations (ENT001) and Idea to Opportunity (ENT002).
Pathway to Ordination: “This course meets the theological qualification requirements to be an ordained minister in churches that are part of the Australian Christian Churches movement, which represents over 1,100 churches throughout Australia and neighbouring countries” .
Australian Catholic University: Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
For those seeking a shorter, postgraduate qualification, Australian Catholic University (ACU) offers a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship starting March 2026 . With fees of approximately A$16,048 per year, this six-month program is designed for professionals seeking to develop entrepreneurial skills within a values-based framework .
ACU is ranked first in Australia and second globally for promoting healthy living and wellbeing (THE 2024 Impact Rankings) and has achieved 5 stars for full-time postgraduate employment (GUG 2024) .
Part 2: Training, Conferences, and Community Networks
Kingdom Business Global: Building the Movement
Based on the Gold Coast, Kingdom Business Global (KBG) is one of Australia’s most active Christian entrepreneurship organizations. Their mission: “to validate Christian business owners by showing them that the call to business is truly a call from God” .
The Kingdom Business Summit 2026
Held March 19–21, 2026, at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, the Summit brought together over 1,300 Kingdom entrepreneurs for 2.5 days of practical training, worship, and networking .
Key themes included:
- Online & Offline Marketing Strategies
- Financial Stewardship & Building Kingdom Wealth
- Leadership & Team Culture
- Sales & Communication Mastery
- Strategic Planning for Growth
- Innovation & Digital Systems for Scale
- Biblical Principles for Kingdom Impact
Pricing: Early bird tickets were just $99, with additional tickets available for $30 each—making the event highly accessible .
Ongoing Resources: KBG offers a free 7-day devotional for entrepreneurs, available through their Business Greenhouse website, and hosts regular training content through their LinkedIn community .
Christians in the Marketplace (CITM): Awakening Business
Christians in the Marketplace (CITM) is a network focused on equipping business leaders to resource “the next move of God through practical training, spiritual insight, and powerful collaboration” .
Awakening Business 2026
Held March 21, 2026, at a venue in Perth, this one-day catalytic summit was designed to “ignite Kingdom impact in the marketplace” . Features included:
- Speakers: David Balestri (Executive Coach & Corporate Leadership Author) and Hugh Marquis (Christian Leadership Coach & Entrepreneur)
- Topics: Supernatural provision, prophetic business strategies, financial wisdom, team leadership
- Cost: $99 per person or $750 for a table of 8
Who Should Attend: Business owners, entrepreneurs, CEOs, executives, church leaders, and anyone “passionate about business as ministry and funding Kingdom initiatives” .
Tearfund Australia: Just Leadership Cohort
Tearfund’s Just Leadership Cohort (JLC) is an eight-month program designed to “empower the next generation of Australian changemakers to step into leadership and address the root causes of poverty and injustice” . While not exclusively an entrepreneurship program, it focuses on equipping young adult Christians (launching February 2026) with skills in advocacy, system change, and integral mission—all essential for social entrepreneurs .
What Participants Learn:
- Biblically shaped justice responses to poverty
- Engaging church and community for action
- Learning from Christian agency leaders working across Africa and Asia
- Advocacy skills for systemic change
Commitment: Eight months (April–November) combining in-person and online learning, mentor meetings, and action assignments .
Part 3: Mentorship and Fellowship Programs
City Link Mentor Program (Catholic Education Foundation)
Based in Sydney, the City Link Mentor Program (CLMP) has been transforming lives since 2015 by connecting disadvantaged students with experienced mentors . Since its inception, nearly 200 students and 106 mentors have participated, with over 100 graduates pursuing careers in medicine, law, teaching, finance, and more .
How It Works:
- Students (nominated by principals in Year 7) are matched with mentors
- Mentors provide financial support ($5,000 per student per annum, tax-deductible) and meet with students each term
- Students attend leadership workshops, business etiquette events, and university/workplace visits
Why It Matters: “For many students, this program is a turning point. It equips them not just to succeed in school, but to thrive in life” .
Get Involved: Express interest by emailing citylinkmentorprogram@scs.catholic.edu.au .
Young Catholic Women’s Fellowship
The Australian Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity and Ministry offers a two-year fellowship for women aged 25–35 committed to their Catholic faith . The program provides:
- Academic Formation: Financial sponsorship ($4,000 total) toward a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Women’s Leadership for Mission) at ACU
- Faith Formation: Spiritual direction, Called and Gifted discernment process, mentoring by experienced Catholic women
- Community: National gatherings (proposed March 2026 and October 2027) with flights, accommodation, and meals covered (up to $3,000 value)
Selection Criteria: Applicants should demonstrate commitment to Catholic Social Teaching, desire to enhance leadership potential, and a willingness to explore the diversity of the universal church .
Part 4: Grant Funding for Faith-Driven Ventures
Backing the Future Grants (Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation)
One of the most significant funding opportunities for Christian entrepreneurs in Australia is the Backing the Future program, which offers up to $50,000 to individuals or groups of individuals in Queensland and New South Wales .
Eligible Projects: Grants support early-stage ideas that help young people aged 12–30 in one or more of the following areas:
- Access decent work
- Care for the environment
- Contribute to society
- Explore Christian faith and values
Key Details:
- Value: Up to $50,000 per grant
- Timeline: The 2026 round closed March 9, 2026, but the program is annual—plan for 2027
- Unique Feature: Designed to reduce red tape, creating “space for individuals to explore new ideas and discover what they can achieve”
Past Projects have included hip-hop writing workshops for young people, an online platform promoting agricultural jobs, and a civil discourse program for schools .
Part 5: How to Choose the Right Program for Your Journey
With so many options available, here’s a framework for selecting the path that aligns with your calling and stage of business:
| If You Are… | Recommended Program | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Starting from scratch with a business idea | AC Diploma of Business & Entrepreneurship | Hands-on startup incubator, mentorship, potential venture capital |
| A church leader with a business vision | AC Diploma of Entrepreneurship & Ministry | Combines theological training with entrepreneurial skills; ordination pathway |
| A professional seeking quick skills | ACU Graduate Certificate in Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 6-month postgraduate qualification from a top-ranked university |
| An established entrepreneur needing community | Kingdom Business Global Summit | Connect with 1,300+ like-minded business owners; practical training |
| A young adult changemaker | Tearfund Just Leadership Cohort | 8-month program connecting faith, advocacy, and social impact |
| A young Catholic woman | Young Catholic Women’s Fellowship | 2-year formation with academic sponsorship and mentoring |
| A mentor at heart | City Link Mentor Program | Transform a young person’s life through guidance and connection |
| Seeking grant funding for a faith-based idea | Backing the Future Grants | Up to $50,000 for projects helping young people explore Christian faith |
Conclusion: Your Kingdom Business Awaits
In 2026, Australia offers an unprecedented array of pathways for Christians called to entrepreneurship. Whether you pursue formal qualifications at Alphacrucis or Australian Catholic University, join the community at Kingdom Business Global’s Summit, mentor a young person through City Link, or apply for funding through Backing the Future, there is a place for you in this growing movement.
As Kingdom Business Global declares: “We are not just building for the here and now; we are building for eternity. Every decision, every deal, every dollar carries eternal weight” .
The programs outlined here are more than courses or events—they are doorways into a community of believers who see the marketplace as a mission field, business as a form of worship, and entrepreneurship as a sacred calling.
Your Kingdom business awaits. Take the first step today.