The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is pleased to announce that registrations are now open for the 2026–2027 SACC Business Mentorship Program, a 12-month professional development initiative designed to support leadership development, career growth and meaningful connections across the Swedish-Australian business community.
Building on the success of previous years, the refreshed program offers a more structured and engaging experience, combining one-on-one mentoring with leadership development, networking and educational opportunities. Participants will gain practical business insights, expand their professional networks and develop valuable skills while connecting with experienced leaders from across the SACC community.
Throughout the 12-month program, mentors and mentees will participate in:
- A launch event to introduce mentor–mentee pairs and establish goals.
- Regular one-on-one mentoring sessions.
- Leadership and career development seminar.
- Networking and business events with the broader SACC business community.
- A closing event recognising participants’ achievements and welcoming them into the SACC Mentorship Alumni Network.
The program is open to young and mid-career professionals, future leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals looking to accelerate their careers, while mentors are drawn from senior executives, business leaders, entrepreneurs and experienced professionals from SACC member companies.
Whether you would like to share your experience as a mentor or grow your leadership skills as a mentee, we encourage you to take part in this rewarding program.
Registrations are now open. Interested mentors and mentees are invited to complete the relevant application form and submit it to SACC. Places are limited, and participants will be matched based on their experience, goals and areas of interest.
Register by 14 August
Mentee Registration Form
Mentor Registration Form
The 2026–2027 mentorship program will officially launch in September 2026.
We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of mentors and mentees and continuing to strengthen the Swedish-Australian business community through knowledge sharing, leadership development and meaningful professional connections.
Please contact us for more information: sacc@swedishchamber.com.au
FEEDBACK FROM MENTEES AND MENTORS FROM PREVIOUS PROGRAMS
Mentees:
“I had a very positive experience throughout the mentorship program. The structure worked really well, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to be part of it. I was especially fortunate to have a fantastic mentor, and our conversations gave me both valuable perspective and practical insights that I can apply in my professional development.
The program helped me develop a broader understanding of working in an international and Australian business environment, provided valuable career guidance and encouragement, and gave me a trusted sounding board for questions and important career decisions.
One idea for future programs would be to include a few larger networking sessions where mentors and mentees can come together to share experiences and learn from one another. Overall, I’m incredibly grateful for the initiative and the opportunity to participate—it has been a truly rewarding experience.”
—
“I gained a whole lot from the relationship with my mentor! Not only did my mentor help guiding me in my career path, but also acted as a coach and helped me grow on an individual level as well as on a professional. My mentor’s personality, extensive work experience and knowledge was exactly what I needed in a mentor at that point in time. It was a great match. My main goal with the mentorship program was to establish the next steps in my career path, which we did. Not only did I enjoy the progress we made from our monthly meetings which helped me in my career, but I also really enjoyed speaking with my mentor about his life journey. I would definitely recommend the program to others.”
Mentors:
“The mentorship program exceeded my expectations. It was a genuine two-way exchange, and I feel I learned just as much as my mentee. We’ve built a strong connection that I hope will continue well beyond the program, and I’d love to keep the journey going.”
—
”Being a Mentor gave me a great sense of “value”. I was able to share my business and life experience gained from various positions during a lifelong career and apply this to the challenges of the Mentee. I think we achieved a lot together by identifying the key areas and specific actions which would support my Mentee’s development. I would absolutely recommend this program and will be partaking in the upcoming program.”
NEW START UP MEMBER: Accelerate AI Partners
Meet the team
Every engagement is led by a partner — senior practitioners who do the work themselves. Here’s who you’ll be working with.
Andrew Gargiulo
Founder & Director
Andy brings 15 years of experience across engineering, top-tier strategy consulting and corporate transformation, spanning five continents. He founded Accelerate AI Partners to help mid-sized organisations turn AI from hype into faster delivery, better quality and real growth — through practical, hands-on training and straight-talking advisory.
John Johansson
Partner
John is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of international experience across consulting, finance, compliance and operational leadership, including a decade at the ASX. He helps organisations simplify operations, strengthen governance and adopt AI with confidence — so their people spend less time on admin and more time creating value.
Contact
andy@accelerateaipartners.com.au
john@accelerateaipartners.com.au
www.accelerateaipartners.com.au
ENTER THE SWEDISH BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA AWARDS 2026
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 Swedish Business in Australia Awards.
These prestigious awards provide a unique platform for companies and individuals to showcase their achievements within the Swedish-Australian business community. Whether you’re a leader in innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, small business or professional excellence, the awards are a chance to gain state and national recognition and highlight your business impact and contribution in a specific area, project or field of expertise. The awards also provide outstanding promotional opportunities during the awards period and beyond.
The 2026 Award winners will be announced at the Swedish Business in Australia Awards & Christmas Dinner, co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden, on Thursday, 26 November 2026 at The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney.
BENEFITS OF ENTERING
Nominating your business for the Swedish Business Awards provides businesses/ professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to:
‣ Gain recognition at regional, state and national level
‣ Raise the profile and showcase businesses/professionals throughout the awards campaign
‣ Build a reputation for excellence within and outside of your industry
‣ Boost employer morale through the recounting of business success
‣ Marketing opportunities
‣ Credibility and endorsement as being a leading business/professional
The Awards are run on a non-profit basis and acknowledge Swedish business achievements in Australia. Award recipients are Swedish related businesses and professionals demonstrating the core values of business excellence and achievements that have helped develop a positive profile for Swedish business in Australia. The jury consists of selected independent industry experts and independent Directors of SACC. Finalists and award winners will be expected to be members of the SACC prior to the awards presentation. www.swedishchamber.com.au/membership/
Entries for the 2025 award categories are open and we welcome any company/enterprise/business executive/entrepreneur or young professional in Australia with a strong relationship with Sweden to nominate. We also encourage organisations and individuals to nominate for a specific project for example a sustainability focused product/service, an innovative campaign, or change.
SWEDISH BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA AWARD CATEGORIES:
Find out more about the specific awards here:
ENTRY DETAILS
Any organisation/professional/business executive in Australia with strong ties to Sweden can nominate. Nominations can be made by the organisation/individual (self-nomination) or another party, provided the nominated organisation/individual is informed and agrees to the nomination. All nominated organisations will be contacted for their agreement to be nominated and judged.Businesses/professionals may nominate for more than one award. However, separate nominations are required for each category. If you would like to include examples, data, ppt, video clips or photographs these can be included as file attachments at the end of the form.
Finalists and award winners will be expected to be members of the SACC prior to the awards presentation. www.swedishchamber.com.au/membership/
ENTRY FORMS
AWARD CATEGORY 1-5: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/business-awards-entry-form/
AWARD CATEGORY 6-7: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/business-professional-young-professional-of-the-year-award-entry-form/
ENTRY DEADLINE IS 1 NOVEMBER 2026.
If you have any questions or issues with registering please contact us at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au.
Find out more about the 2026 Business in Australia Awards here and view previous award winners and events.
Enter for the Swedish Business in Australia Awards 2026
SWEDISH BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA AWARDS 2026
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is pleased to invite nominations for the 2026 Swedish Business in Australia Awards.
These prestigious awards provide a unique platform for companies and individuals to showcase their achievements within the Swedish-Australian business community. Whether you’re a leader in innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, small business or professional excellence, the awards are a chance to gain state and national recognition and highlight your business impact and contribution in a specific area, project or field of expertise. The awards also provide outstanding promotional opportunities during the awards period and beyond.
The 2026 Award winners will be announced at the Swedish Business in Australia Awards & Christmas Dinner, co-hosted by the Embassy of Sweden, on Thursday, 26 November 2026 at The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney.
BENEFITS OF ENTERING
Nominating your business for the Swedish Business Awards provides businesses/ professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to:
‣ Gain recognition at regional, state and national level
‣ Raise the profile and showcase businesses/professionals throughout the awards campaign
‣ Build a reputation for excellence within and outside of your industry
‣ Boost employer morale through the recounting of business success
‣ Marketing opportunities
‣ Credibility and endorsement as being a leading business/professional
The Awards are run on a non-profit basis and acknowledge Swedish business achievements in Australia. Award recipients are Swedish related businesses and professionals demonstrating the core values of business excellence and achievements that have helped develop a positive profile for Swedish business in Australia. The jury consists of selected independent industry experts and independent Directors of SACC. Finalists and award winners will be expected to be members of the SACC prior to the awards presentation. www.swedishchamber.com.au/membership/
Entries for the 2025 award categories are open and we welcome any company/enterprise/business executive/entrepreneur or young professional in Australia with a strong relationship with Sweden to nominate. We also encourage organisations and individuals to nominate for a specific project for example a sustainability focused product/service, an innovative campaign, or change.
SWEDISH BUSINESS IN AUSTRALIA AWARD CATEGORIES:
Find out more about the specific awards here:
ENTRY DETAILS
Any organisation/professional/business executive in Australia with strong ties to Sweden can nominate. Nominations can be made by the organisation/individual (self-nomination) or another party, provided the nominated organisation/individual is informed and agrees to the nomination. All nominated organisations will be contacted for their agreement to be nominated and judged.Businesses/professionals may nominate for more than one award. However, separate nominations are required for each category. If you would like to include examples, data, ppt, video clips or photographs these can be included as file attachments at the end of the form.
Finalists and award winners will be expected to be members of the SACC prior to the awards presentation. www.swedishchamber.com.au/membership/
ENTRY FORMS
AWARD CATEGORY 1-5: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/business-awards-entry-form/
AWARD CATEGORY 6-7: https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/business-professional-young-professional-of-the-year-award-entry-form/
ENTRY DEADLINE IS 1 NOVEMBER 2026.
If you have any questions or issues with registering please contact us at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au.
🎬 Nordic Film Festival I SACC Perth Movie Night 11 August | The Battle of Oslo
🎬 Nordic Film Festival I SACC YP Sydney Movie Night 12 August | Doctor Glas
🎬 SACC Sydney Movie Night | Doctor Glas at the Nordic Film Festival
Wednesday 12 August 2026 | Sydney
Join the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce for an evening of Swedish cinema and networking as part of the Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast, interested in Swedish culture, or simply looking to connect with the Swedish-Australian business community, we’d love to see you there!
📅 Event Details
📅 Date: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
🍷 Pre-Movie Networking Drinks: From 6.30 pm (drinks and food at bar prices)
📍 Venue: Clare Bar, 20 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
After meeting at Clare Bar, we’ll walk together to Palace Central for the screening.
🕣 Movie Starts: 8.20 pm
📍 Cinema: Palace Central Cinema, Central Park, Broadway, Chippendale NSW
We look forward to an enjoyable evening of Swedish cinema, networking and great company!
See the full program for the festival here: https://nordicfilmfestival.com.au/
Cancelled event: SACC Melbourne Movie Night 27 July
This film event has been cancelled.
Please contact melbourne@swedishchamer.com.au for further information.
🎬 SACC Melbourne Movie Night | Doctor Glas at the Nordic Film Festival
Monday 27 July 2026 | Melbourne
Join the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce for an evening of Swedish cinema and networking as part of the Hurtigruten Nordic Film Festival.
Whether you’re a film enthusiast, interested in Swedish culture, or simply looking to connect with the Swedish-Australian business community, we’d love to see you there!
📅 Event Details
📅 Date: Monday, 27 July 2026
🎬 Film: Doctor Glas
🕡 Movie Starts: 6.30 pm
📍 Cinema: Palace Brighton Bay, 294 Bay Street, Brighton VIC
🍷 Post-Movie Networking: From 8.30 pm
📍 Venue: Hotel Brighton, 286 Bay Street, Brighton VIC (next door to the cinema, drinks and food at bar prices)
🎟️ Tickets Adult: $25 via the SACC website
After the film, join us for drinks at Hotel Brighton to connect with fellow members of the Swedish-Australian community.
We look forward to an evening of Swedish film, great company and networking in Melbourne!
See the full film festival program here: https://nordicfilmfestival.com.au/
Applications Now Open – SACC Business Mentorship Program 2026–2027
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is pleased to announce that registrations are now open for the 2026–2027 SACC Business Mentorship Program, a 12-month professional development initiative designed to support leadership development, career growth and meaningful connections across the Swedish-Australian business community.
Building on the success of previous years, the refreshed program offers a more structured and engaging experience, combining one-on-one mentoring with leadership development, networking and educational opportunities. Participants will gain practical business insights, expand their professional networks and develop valuable skills while connecting with experienced leaders from across the SACC community.
Throughout the 12-month program, mentors and mentees will participate in:
The program is open to young and mid-career professionals, future leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals looking to accelerate their careers, while mentors are drawn from senior executives, business leaders, entrepreneurs and experienced professionals from SACC member companies.
Whether you would like to share your experience as a mentor or grow your leadership skills as a mentee, we encourage you to take part in this rewarding program.
Registrations are now open. Interested mentors and mentees are invited to complete the relevant application form and submit it to SACC. Places are limited, and participants will be matched based on their experience, goals and areas of interest.
Register by 14 August
Mentee Registration Form
Mentor Registration Form
The 2026–2027 mentorship program will officially launch in September 2026.
We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of mentors and mentees and continuing to strengthen the Swedish-Australian business community through knowledge sharing, leadership development and meaningful professional connections.
Please contact us for more information: sacc@swedishchamber.com.au
FEEDBACK FROM MENTEES AND MENTORS FROM PREVIOUS PROGRAMS
Mentees:
“I had a very positive experience throughout the mentorship program. The structure worked really well, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to be part of it. I was especially fortunate to have a fantastic mentor, and our conversations gave me both valuable perspective and practical insights that I can apply in my professional development.
The program helped me develop a broader understanding of working in an international and Australian business environment, provided valuable career guidance and encouragement, and gave me a trusted sounding board for questions and important career decisions.
One idea for future programs would be to include a few larger networking sessions where mentors and mentees can come together to share experiences and learn from one another. Overall, I’m incredibly grateful for the initiative and the opportunity to participate—it has been a truly rewarding experience.”
—
“I gained a whole lot from the relationship with my mentor! Not only did my mentor help guiding me in my career path, but also acted as a coach and helped me grow on an individual level as well as on a professional. My mentor’s personality, extensive work experience and knowledge was exactly what I needed in a mentor at that point in time. It was a great match. My main goal with the mentorship program was to establish the next steps in my career path, which we did. Not only did I enjoy the progress we made from our monthly meetings which helped me in my career, but I also really enjoyed speaking with my mentor about his life journey. I would definitely recommend the program to others.”
Mentors:
“The mentorship program exceeded my expectations. It was a genuine two-way exchange, and I feel I learned just as much as my mentee. We’ve built a strong connection that I hope will continue well beyond the program, and I’d love to keep the journey going.”
—
”Being a Mentor gave me a great sense of “value”. I was able to share my business and life experience gained from various positions during a lifelong career and apply this to the challenges of the Mentee. I think we achieved a lot together by identifying the key areas and specific actions which would support my Mentee’s development. I would absolutely recommend this program and will be partaking in the upcoming program.”
Introducing New Country Manager, Business Sweden Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Tommie Åkesson as the new Country Manager for Business Sweden Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, based in Sydney.
Tommie brings nearly 20 years of experience in the Australian market, with extensive expertise in international business development, market expansion and strategic advisory. Throughout his career, he has worked across sectors including mining, energy, transport, infrastructure and industrial technology, supporting Swedish companies in Australia while fostering collaboration between Australian organisations and Swedish innovation.
Before taking on his current role, Tommie served as Country Manager in Australia for Swedish industrial AI company Predge and previously spent more than a decade with Business Sweden.
As Country Manager, Tommie will lead Business Sweden’s operations across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, with a focus on helping Swedish companies establish and grow their presence in the region, while strengthening Sweden’s position as a trusted partner for trade, innovation and investment.
About Business Sweden
Business Sweden, the Swedish Trade and Invest Council, is jointly owned by the Swedish Government and the Swedish business sector. Its mission is to help Swedish companies succeed in international markets while supporting international companies looking to invest and expand in Sweden.
In Australia, Business Sweden works closely with Team Sweden partners, Swedish businesses and local stakeholders to strengthen commercial ties in trade and investments between Sweden and the region.
The SACC looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with Tommie and the Business Sweden team in supporting Swedish-Australian business relations.
Contact details:
Tommie Åkesson
Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands
BUSINESS SWEDEN
22nd floor, 44 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
E tommie.akesson@business-sweden.se | www.business-sweden.com
Strengthening Swedish-Australian Business Connections in South Australia
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) has an established presence across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. As interest in Swedish-Australian business collaboration continues to grow, SACC sees an opportunity to expand its network in South Australia.
As a first step, SACC is pleased to join EuroMix South Australia for the first time on Thursday, 3 September 2026, at the Amora Hotel Adelaide. Organised in collaboration with the French Australian Chamber of Commerce and ten other European Chambers of Commerce, EuroMix is one of South Australia’s premier international networking events, bringing together business leaders, innovators, government representatives and professionals from across Europe and Australia.
The event is particularly significant this year following the signing of the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). EuroMix provides an excellent opportunity for SACC to introduce the Chamber to the South Australian business community, strengthen relationships with existing members and partners, and connect with organisations interested in Swedish-Australian business.
Find out more and register for the event here:
https://www.swedishchamber.com.au/event/euromix-2026-adelaide-south-australia-australia-3-september-2026/
Following EuroMix, the SACC will explore the level of interest in establishing a SACC South Australian Chapter by engaging with companies and organisations based in South Australia. The SACC invites companies, organisations and professionals with an interest in strengthening Swedish-Australian business relations in South Australia to become involved in this initiative.
Please contact Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce at sacc@swedishchamber.com.au for more information.
EuroMix 2026 | Adelaide South Australia Australia | 3 September 2026
🇸🇪🇪🇺 EuroMix 2026 SA
Connect. Celebrate. Create Opportunity!
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is pleased to join EuroMix South Australia for the first time, in collaboration with the French Australian Chamber of Commerce and ten other European Chambers of Commerce. Together, we are delighted to invite you to EuroMix 2026 SA an evening where Europe and Australia come together to connect, collaborate and celebrate.
Join us on Thursday, 3 September, from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm at the elegant Amora Hotel Adelaide, for one of South Australia’s premier international networking events. The evening will feature VIP keynote speakers and bring together business leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across Europe and Australia.
EuroMix 2026 provides a unique platform to build meaningful business connections, celebrate shared successes, and explore new opportunities for collaboration across industries and borders.
This year’s event is particularly timely following the signing of the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Agreement marks a significant milestone in Australia–Europe relations and is set to unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, innovation and business collaboration between European and Australian organisations.
Whether you’re looking to expand your network, strengthen existing partnerships or explore new business opportunities, EuroMix 2026 is an event not to be missed.
Event details:
📅 Date: Thursday, 3 September 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
📍 Venue: Amora Hotel Adelaide
Register here: https://facci.glueup.com/event/168411/register/
Secure your tickets today and join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the strength of the European–Australian business community.
Speakers:
With thanks to our Gold Sponsor Grant Thornton, our Silver Sponsors Bureau Veritas Australia, Petty Sampson Immigration Lawyers, Adelaide Relocation Services, Adelaide University, and our current sponsors: Pernod Ricard Australia and Sofitel Adelaide.
If you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please feel free to download our sponsorship kit or email: florence.masters@facci.com.au