Uber has relaunched and expanded its Business Booster program for 2025 to foster entrepreneurship among its community of driver partners and delivery people across Australia and New Zealand.
Developed in collaboration with Australian social enterprise Rare Birds, the initiative now offers free access to expert business education and grant funding opportunities to every individual who earns through the Uber and Uber Eats platforms in the region.
The Business Booster program first launched in 2023 and has already supported 200 earners in developing or launching their ventures. With the 2025 relaunch, the program becomes more inclusive and scalable, offering access to all Uber drivers and delivery people through November 30, 2025. Participants can engage in eight online masterclasses covering topics such as marketing, finance, strategic planning, and growth. The curriculum also includes interactive Ask the Expert sessions, quizzes, downloadable tools, and a community platform for peer learning. A certificate of completion is awarded at the end of the program.
The initiative also includes a pitch competition opening in November, where participants can submit a five-minute video for the chance to win a share of AUD $50,000 in business grant funding. Prizes include $25,000 for first place, $15,000 for second, and $10,000 for third. Entrants must complete at least two modules to qualify. Pitches will be judged on clarity, business potential, application of learnings, and passion.
Emma Foley, General Manager of Uber Australia and New Zealand, said the program reflects Uber’s broader commitment to the long-term success of its earners.
“This year, we’re bringing the program back in a more scalable format because we know many driver partners and delivery people have great business ideas, and we want to support them not just while they’re earning with Uber, but also in their broader ambitions,” she said. “By opening the program to everyone, they’ll have access to practical tools – from marketing and finance to building an action plan – to help bring their business ideas to life. Over the past two years, we’ve seen real-world ventures emerge and thrive, and we’re excited to help more driver partners and delivery people kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys this year.”
Success stories from previous cohorts highlight the impact of the program. Steve Blain, founder of DBO Golf, used the support from Business Booster to bring his product, T-Up Assist, a device that helps golfers tee up without bending to market.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Uber and Rare Birds Business Booster program for backing DBO Golf and my product, T-Up Assist – a tool that helps golfers tee up without bending over – when it was just an idea,” said Blain. “Being part of the very first program and pitching live was an unforgettable experience. Their support and funding came at a critical time, making it possible for us to begin manufacturing and move the product toward launch. Now that T-Up Assist is finally ready, it’s proof of what’s possible when someone believes in your vision. If you’ve got an idea, back yourself and apply – you never know where it might take you.”
Another participant, Suraya O’Brien, a New Zealand-based Uber Eats delivery person, launched Flow Riders after winning the program’s top grant in 2024 for her reimagined line of period underwear designed for active individuals.
“The education component felt like a mini MBA – exactly what I needed as someone with limited business experience. Within five months of winning the top prize, I had successfully launched Flow Riders, which was a huge milestone,” said O’Brien. “To anyone considering this opportunity: take the leap. Whether or not you have a business idea yet, this could be the sign you’ve been waiting for. Believe in the generosity of others, trust in your potential, and give yourself permission to dream big. This program is truly life-changing.”
How to participate
The Business Booster program is free to access and available until November 30, 2025. Eligible participants can register directly via the link in their email or in-app message, or through the Help section of the Uber Driver app. More information, including how to register, can be found on the Business Booster page.
The pitch competition will open on November 1, 2025, and close December 7. Judging will take place in December, with winners announced in late January 2026. Details on how to submit a pitch will be shared on the platform closer to launch.
Eligibility
Business Booster 2025 is open to all Uber driver partners and Uber Eats delivery people in Australia or New Zealand who have completed at least one trip or delivery since January 1, 2023. Participation is completely free, and entrants must complete at least two learning modules to qualify for the pitch competition.
Uber’s continued investment in programs like Business Booster highlights its commitment to empowering its earners beyond the app, creating pathways to financial independence, innovation, and long-term personal success.
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