Got an Idea or an Early-Stage Startup?
I'll Help You Launch It Fast and Access Government Funding.
Build Your MVP the Smart Way
Go from idea to prototype without wasting months.
Strategy For Government Funding
Secure non-dilutive funding to fuel your growth.
Why Should You Work With Me?
My Startup Story
Hi, I'm Jonathan Chak.
As a teenager, I started out as a graphic designer, but my real journey began in 2003 when I partnered with software engineers to help Australian SMEs get online during the early days of the internet boom. Back then, everyone had an idea. Whether it was a solo entrepreneur with a side hustle or a big brand like McDonald's or Fujitsu, they needed someone to help bring that idea to life online. That's what we did — and we've been doing it ever since.
Over the years, I've helped 200+ individuals and small businesses launch websites, apps, online marketing campaigns, and digital products. It wasn't just about the build — it was about translating vision into momentum, especially for those who were starting from scratch.
But like many in service-based businesses, I hit a wall. Trading hours for income limited my growth and creativity. That frustration pushed me to start launching my own ventures. I explored nearly 50 different startup ideas — most failed, a few made it further, and one eventually was sold. Some of those were bootstrapped, others were backed by private investors, and one got started with government grants. That mix gave me something rare: a 360-degree understanding of the entire startup journey, from dreaming up the idea to funding, building, growing, and exiting.
After that, I found my next calling — supporting other founders like yourself. I stepped into the emerging tech startup scene, not just as a mentor, but as someone who had truly walked the path. I began helping founders navigate real challenges: market validation, MVP development, customer traction, funding strategies. Over the course of the last 10 years, I have mentored over 1000 entrepreneurs.
In 2018, I joined Jobs for NSW as a Senior Advisor, where I assessed over 500 MVP Grant applications and worked hands-on with startups in the Sydney Startup Hub — mentoring teams on how to access government funding. After two years, I was appointed as a Commercialisation Advisor for the Federal Government's flagship program, Accelerating Commercialisation. Over the next few years, I supported over 190 high-potential startups on their commercialisation, go-to-market and capital strategies.
Out of those, I was fortunate enough to work very closely with eight selected standout companies. I worked closely with their teams on grant strategy, ran due diligence, prepare deal report, and presented their cases at committee. All eight were approved, receiving over $5 million in total grant funding, and collectively went on to raise more than $30 million in private capital.
Today, I work with selected companies that I believe in — helping them access the right government grants, build and launch MVPs rapidly, and digitise their business using lean methods and emerging tech. In the past 18 months alone, I've advised startups on government funding strategies and secure funding from programs like Boosting Female Founders, NSW MVP Ventures, Go-Green Co-Innovation, and the Industry Growth Program. I've also helped founders bring their MVP to life — fast — guiding them through iterative build cycles, market engagement, and real-time customer feedback.
I've been on both sides of the table — as a service provider, a founder, an advisor, a grant assessor, and a government insider. That full-circle experience is what I bring to every project.
If you've got an idea, I'm here to help you make it real — faster, smarter, and with the right support behind you.
Explore How You Can Leverage My Experiences
Hear What Others Say About Working With Me
Angelique Mentis
Founder & CEO, Parking Spotz
Jonathan has been an absolute pleasure and guiding light to work with in an incredibly detailed and diligent government process.
Jonathan's commitment and passion for entrepreneurship shines through and he always does it with a smile, kindness and brilliant insight.
Delighted to have been able to work so closely with Jonathan and highly recommend his skill sets in commercialisation and entrepreneurship.
Joshua Flannery
Founder & CEO, Innovation Dojo
It is very difficult to find someone that can operate effectively within a government organization but is also a legitimate entrepreneur with experience starting a tech startup and successfully raising Venture Capital etc.
Whilst we officially worked in different teams, Jonathan overdelivered in his main role which enabled him capacity to volunteer working alongside our Sydney Startup Hub team in the design and delivery of programs and platforms that bring benefits to the 480 startups within our hub and can also be accessed by startups beyond the hub and across the state of NSW.
Jonathan is well respected by the startup ecosystem community and seen as a go-to government employee who gets it from the startup perspective.
I do not hesitate to recommend him.
Maria Zoras-Christo
Ex-General Counsel, Daikin Australia
The most refreshing aspect of working with Jonathan and his team at S3 is the can do attitude. Despite the various challenges presented during our projects Jonathan always approached then with a positive attitude toward resolutions.
I would highly recommend Jonathan.
Matthew Aaron
UX Strategic Consultant, BEN Consulting
I have worked with Jonathan for many years, and he has always been the consummate professional. As a business contact, he is always available, and bends over backwards to satisfy the requirements on the job, being it cost, speed or technology.
Jonathan has always delivered for me, in a comfortable and efficient manner. Any difficulties we have come across have been reasonably worked out with little fuss. I continue to work with and develop my business with Jonathan and S3.
I recommend Jonathan without hesitation.
Paul Guevara
Ex-National eBusiness Manager, Fuji Xerox Australia
I remember first speaking to Jonathan's company when I was working at realestate.com.au. I didn't end up using his services at that time but because the conversation we had was very memorable, he and his company somehow stuck at the back of my mind.
Fast forward to my role at Fuji Xerox. I recalled that 5-minute episode of past encounter with him. I googled his company and decided to give him a call and request a quote for a web design project. What a quick turnaround time!
Without me explaining too much, he understood the brief and scope of our project. He's a true expert in design and web usability. He doesn't do design for it's own sake. But cleverly draws an awesome balance between form and function - an important principle in web interfaces for large commercial enterprises.
He is also very good at following through. He has the ability to anticipate future design and backend implementation constraints and is very generous in sharing his knowledge until the web design goes 'live' to ensure his clients achieve success. He gives so much more of his time and expertise.
I've come across design vendors who ripped off the companies I've worked for off and promised I wont go back to them. In my books, no one beats Jonathan in terms of price, speed and the overall value he brings to any company wanting to do business relationship with him. No one even comes close. His company (S3Group) is now top of mind for me when it comes to web design.
Matthew Proft
Director Precints, UTS, Former Director of Tech Central
As a experienced founder, (Jonathan) has brought a rich understanding of the challenges and opportunities that a Startup faces and a unique capability to translate those for a public sector organisation with little direct experience in the challenges of early stage businesses.
Jonathan is goal driven and was instrumental in our team receiving more than 500 detailed applications from startups, as well as the assessment and review process that lead to over 200 Startups receiving funding through Jobs for NSW.
Chintan Gatecha
Co-Founder & COO, Senstra
Jonathan's multifaceted expertise is rare and invaluable. He possesses a deep understanding of complex technical aspects, including software, data analytics, and AI, coupled with a profound grasp of the business landscape.
His ability to align stakeholder motivations and strategize accordingly sets him apart. Even in industries where he may not have had extensive prior involvement, Jonathan's ability to quickly comprehend and navigate complex industry dynamics is exceptional.
His adaptability and keen analytical skills enable him to make significant contributions in various sectors, reflecting his broad-ranging competence.
Arash Atashnama
Co-Founder & CEO, Deepmeds
What truly resonates with me about Jonathan is his ability to perceive. He understands the intricacies of technology, AI, data analytics, and more. But beyond that, he resonates with people, with cultures, with the heartbeat of an industry.
Despite no prior experience with MRI scans or radiology, he swiftly comprehended our world, providing insightful analyses and strategic guidance. Jonathan's generosity is boundless. He connected us with angel investors, invited us to industry gatherings, and enriched our journey with his vast network. He is not merely fulfilling a role; he is an ally, a partner in our quest for success.
Allow me to share a glimpse of Jonathan's multifaceted support. He has been an advisor, marketer, facilitator, counsellor, and a friend. His commitment transcends mere duty; he has shown a genuine empathy for the challenges of early-stage entrepreneurs like ourselves. His passion is not only about business; it's about nurturing people with dreams; entrepreneurs.
Vince Man
Business Advisor, 366 Advisory
Jonathan is one of the most passionate entrepreneur I have met. He is obsessed with helping first-time startup founders in getting their ideas off the ground, offering massive support and sharing his extensive startup experiences with his clients.
Whenever I recommend a client to him, he won't fail me and is able to deliver results every single time. If you have a startup idea, and you want accelerated growth and learn about funding know how, Jonathan is definitely the go-to-person.