“Unlike traditional mentorship programs, we offer ongoing access to a vibrant network of like-minded entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts. With BOA, you’re not limited to one-on-one mentorship, you’re tapping into group interactions, exclusive events, and activations that connect you directly with Australia’s most iconic business minds.”
Kirsten Scott, General Manager of BOA
Australia’s business networking app, BOA (Business Owners App), launched an innovative in-person mentorship event called the BOA mentorship bus, bringing together emerging entrepreneurs and nine of Australia’s top business leaders.
As the bus toured Sydney, participants received personalized one-on-one mentorship, exchanging advice and building valuable connections. The event reflects BOA’s mission to make networking more dynamic, meaningful, and enjoyable, blending tech with high-energy, real-world experiences.
Founded by Daniel Hakim, BOA was created to empower business owners at all stages through community-driven events and a powerful digital platform. The mentorship bus was met with overwhelming praise from both mentees and mentors, including founders of brands like Finder, Swiish, TBH Skincare, and more.
We sat down with Kirsten Scott, General Manager of BOA, to understand how the app is reshaping business networking for SMEs in Australia.
What does BOA’s app offer SMEs today?
“The BOA app is built for those born of ambition,” says Kirsten Scott, General Manager of BOA. “It’s an innovative approach to business networking, designed to make community-driven business growth easier and more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises.” BOA helps SME owners connect, collaborate, and grow through curated events, exclusive networking opportunities, and shared knowledge within a trusted business community. Whether you’re joining founder supper clubs, industry-specific roundtables, or digital advisories with some of the country’s most influential entrepreneurs, BOA brings it all into one seamless platform. “This isn’t just about networking,” Scott explains, “it’s about building meaningful relationships that power your business growth.”
BOA Local Chapters
BOA also offers Local Chapters, bringing business owners together in their own communities. “It’s about making networking and collaboration more accessible than ever, so you can connect, share resources, and take your business to the next level, right where you are,” says Scott.
Innovative Activations
BOA is rolling out innovative activations that give users direct access to some of the most iconic business minds in Australia. Through exclusive events and bespoke content, users gain unparalleled opportunities to learn from the best and push their businesses to new heights.
Is it free, or what are the costs?
“BOA is currently free to join, giving SMEs instant access to the community and event opportunities,” Scott says. “Some events may carry a ticket cost depending on the venue, but starting June, we’re launching our founding Premium Membership — from just $45 a month. That’s $1.50 a day to connect with other business owners and grow your business. Cheaper than your morning coffee, and way more valuable.”
Comparing BOA’s resources to dedicated SME mentors
While free SME mentorship programs like SBMS or Business Connect offer great value, Scott believes BOA provides something different.
“BOA takes a more dynamic, community-driven approach to support,” she says. “Unlike traditional mentorship programs, we offer ongoing access to a vibrant network of like-minded entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and experts. With BOA, you’re not limited to one-on-one mentorship — you’re tapping into group interactions, exclusive events, and activations that connect you directly with Australia’s most iconic business minds.”
She adds that BOA integrates cutting-edge digital tools to help users find tailored opportunities for growth, whether through collaboration, partnerships, or exclusive business insights. “In essence,” Scott concludes, “while SBMS or Business Connect offer fantastic mentorship in their own right, BOA is about creating a thriving community where every interaction becomes an opportunity to elevate your business.”
A BOA success story: Bella Moro of My Cavoodle
For Bella Moro, founder of My Cavoodle, BOA wasn’t just a networking platform, it became the catalyst that reshaped her entrepreneurial journey. “Still pinching myself, honestly,” Bella says. “Because the BOA app experience, especially the BOA Bus, has had such a profound impact on both me and my business.” During the BOA mentorship bus tour, Bella was paired with Rachael from TBH Skincare — a connection that proved to be both timely and transformative. “Connecting with Rachael… was incredibly meaningful,” Bella explains. “As a fellow young female founder, and someone who’s scaled her business into the eight-figure mark, her insights were exactly what I needed.”
Bella had already grown mycavoodle.com.au into a seven-figure brand within 12 months, but she was hungry for the next stage — and Rachael’s guidance gave her exactly that. “She gave me such tangible, no-fluff advice — from how to lean into PR strategically, to how to protect the brand as I grow,” Bella shares. “But the biggest lightbulb moment came when she said, ‘Use the momentum. Wipe everything off your plate and focus on what’s hot.’ That one piece of advice? Game-changing!!!”
Bella did just that. Within days of the event, she acted on Rachael’s advice by sending her product to billionaire Adrian Portelli for his Cavoodle, Ruby. The payoff was immediate. “He unboxed our grooming range of shampoo, conditioner & cologne on a live stream to thousands of Australians,” she says. “He reposted our content across his channels — including to over 466k followers — and we saw a spike in sales, visibility, and new PR opportunities. That momentum Rach spoke about, it paid off.”
But her BOA journey didn’t end there. “Since joining the app (discovered at 2am during a newborn feed!), I’ve:
- Been invited to sit at The Founders Table with industry giants like Frank and Jacques Greeff who sold their biz for $180M,
- Landed two podcast features just by being in the right rooms and contributing to the right conversations,
- Been offered two app partnership opportunities thanks to my background in scaling MyCavoodle and previous corporate marketing experience,
- Connected with powerhouse entrepreneurs & eComm founders who I’d never usually cross paths with as a young mum working from home.”
But for Bella, perhaps the most powerful impact has been something deeper: “I’ve found a space that’s re-ignited my belief in community, connection and real opportunity something I never knew I needed until I had it,” she reflects.
“As a new mum navigating entrepreneurship with a baby on my hip, I didn’t realise how much I craved connection with like-minded people in business until I had it. The conversations, the energy, the access it’s all reminded me that I belong in these rooms. Thank you again for the opportunity to share this. I’m beyond grateful for BOA and everything it’s already made possible and this honestly feels like just the beginning for my Aussie brand that sells shampoo to Cavoodles!”
Upcoming events
- Digital Firesides with Mark Bouris, Lia Georgantis, Jaryd Terkelsen, Jeremy Cabral, Jack Hendersen and many others.
- Soon to be announced an activation event, taking networking to the sky.
- Each week, BOA Networking Chapters are hosting local events across Australia, with new locations launching regularly.
- Ladies Supper Club with SWIISH Founder, Sally Obermeder and Maha Corbett.
- Plus many more events being announced each week!
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