Women in business are being given the opportunity to take their company to the next level, with $250,000 available through the 2024 Lord Mayors Women in Business Grants program.
Now in its fourth year, the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant program offers businesswomen up to $5,000 to help fund training, equipment, and services to boost their business performance.
Since 2021, more than 150 women-owned businesses across health, education and arts industries, have shared a total of $750,000 in funding, resulting in new jobs, stronger networks, and more profitable businesses for Brisbane.
According to the Office of the Small Business Ombudsman, women-owned, women-led enterprises are increasing at a faster rate than male-owned businesses.
Research conducted in 2023 found the economic opportunity for Australia by boosting the number of female entrepreneurs to parity with men would be worth between $71 billion and $135 billion to the nation’s economy.*
2024 recipient Vas Hatzinik, founder of Frosted Indulgence used the grant funding to make improvements across her boutique cake making business including strategic marketing, website updates, streamlined payment processes and financial advice.
The business is now flourishing, with bookings into next year.
2021 recipient Barbara Spooner invested in new machinery to increase production capacity for her cycling apparel business Birds on Bikes.
This support has contributed to the opening of her first workshop in Brisbane in October, as well as securing a wholesale distribution deal across Australia and New Zealand.
The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant program is facilitated through Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) via the Brisbane Business Hub.
Beyond financial support, all recipients benefit from a 12-month development program, delivered by the Brisbane Business Hub and supported by Commonwealth Bank of Australia, to boost business connections and leadership skills.
Applications for the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant open from 9am Monday 16 September until 4pm Monday 14 October, 2024.
Recipients will be announced in early February 2025.
For more information or to apply, visit businessinbrisbane.com.au/women-in-business-grant/.
