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/.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“More than a third of all Brisbane businesses are led by women and we want to help that number grow.
“Our Women in Business Grant program is about giving businesses led by women the tools they need to start, run and grow.
“Brisbane is Australia’s most small business-friendly city and we know this extra support can go a long way into turning a business dream into reality.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor Krista Adams:
“Each year our recipients and grant alumni tell us that this program is making it easier to do business in Brisbane.
“We’re proud to support and empower Brisbane businesswomen who are driving the growth of Brisbane’s economy, creating jobs and making a big impact.
“We all experience the benefits when businesses succeed and that’s why the Schrinner Council continues to invest in Brisbane businesses and a better Brisbane.”
Quotes attributable to Frosted Indulgence founder Vas Hatzinik:
“As a small business, the grant was a massive help.
”I am good at what I do, creating beautiful cakes and sweets for weddings and special occasions, but when it comes to running a business, this grant helped me develop those skills.
“I used the money to pay for some strategy advice and now that is in place I have better systems and so much more clarity and peace of mind about where I’m taking my business.
“To any other women thinking about applying, I say do it, 100 per cent. You might not think getting a grant is achievable but it is.”
Quotes attributable to Birds on Bikes founder Barbara Spooner:
“Loneliness is one of the big challenges for female founders.
“Being recognised with the grant three years ago gave me more confidence in my ability.
“At the time I was wavering but I thought ‘Okay, if other people believe in me, I’ll keep giving it my best’.
“The money is nice, but the community of other grant recipients I have met has helped me realise I’m not the only one coming up against challenges and issues.
“Business has ups and downs, and the support and affirmation of other women in business is just wonderful.”
