Being a woman in business just got a little bit easier, thanks to a number of grants offered in Australia. Whether you’re building your own startup, have an idea for a charity that can help others, or have a fully fledged and profitable business model, there are grants available that can give you even more of a boost.
Check out these incentives for Australian women in business and not-for-profit organisations, and see how you could earn yourself some extra funding or support.
Queensland Women’s Week Grant
In an effort to expand on International Women’s Day celebrations, the Queensland Government has introduced their Women’s Week program. This week-long event includes the gifting of a $3,000 Queensland Women’s Week Grant to not-for-profit organisations that inspire the public to respect and celebrate women. Only in its second year in 2018, the grant is available for events, projects, and activities that focus on empowering women.
Victorian Women’s Trust
The 2018 Small Grants Program is focused on strengthening the economic security of women and girls from Victoria. Run by the Victorian Women’s Benevolent Society, this grant is given each year to a specific subgroup of businesses who help women. This year their focus is on bridging the pay gap between men and women, and they want to help any organisation or business which has a plan to assist.
Women of the Future
Women’s Weekly and Qantas sponsored the Women of the Future grant in 2017, with registrations opening soon for the 2018 awards. These awards recognised women aged between 18 and 34 who have a solid business idea or charity, and the winners received a grant of up to $25,000, plus a $25,000 Qantas travel bursary. Women of the Future is perfect for those with creative concepts or solid business plans and who need some money to get their ideas off the ground. This award is open to all Australian women.
Beyond Bank Entrepreneur Program
Although not specifically targeted to women, this grant is a great opportunity for females to get some funding for their business. Beyond Bank has run the program for the last few years and rewards businesses which encourage economic growth in areas including Perth and Adelaide. Previous winners have received up to $50,000 per grant awarded, and the registrations for 2018 will open shortly.
Investing in Women Funding Program
The NSW Government runs the Investing in Women Funding Program which helps to develop and support projects that support women. The program is open to businesses which assist with women’s economic development, and in 2017 they delivered funding to ten winners. The 2018 round of funding has up to $400,000 to give to worthy recipients, with the most funding going to those programs that offer economic sustainability for Australian women.
Young Change Agents
This entrepreneurial program focuses on kids aged 10 – 18 and offers a range of programs that provide funding and assistance. One of their upcoming programs for 2018 is the WISE Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Entrepreneurship which will roll out in QLD schools, empowering young women to become involved in these practices. The program previously ran in NSW with great results, and they continue to offer a range of courses and education that empower young women.
The W Project
Inverell Shire Council has developed a program that empowers rural and regional women to develop small business ideas and pursue leadership roles. With over $20,000 of funding per year, the council has developed a range of workshops and education programs that teach everything women need to know to build their own business and get ahead in the workplace. Although no monetary grant is offered to individuals, the courses are designed to promote social and economic growth for women in rural areas.
NSW Small Business Grant
This grant is open to both men and women and offers a chance for small businesses located in NSW to expand their business and grow with more staff. The grant is aimed at organisations which currently don’t employ staff, to entice them to hire a full-time employee. Each full-time equivalent employee hired will earn a $2,000 bonus from the government, so it’s a great incentive for the woman looking to expand her own business and begin to hire staff. The grant is payable each quarter which means a business can earn up to $8,000 per year with this award.
We love to see Australian businesses and governments supporting women and helping them get ahead, and it can be especially helpful for those women trying to juggle a career and parenting. Here at Peachymama, we’re always looking for ways to support women at work and in motherhood, and we like to keep you in the loop about it.
For more information on the various ways to get ahead in business, we’re continually adding tips here on the Peachymama blog, and invite you to return often, and share on your preferred social media platforms.
Photo by Rawpixel.com on Unsplash
Further Reading:
https://businessfinancingaustralia.com.au/women_business_grants/