Sweet success for Brisbane entrepreneurs as Women in Business Grant returns
Brisbane businesswomen can apply for a share of up to $250,000, as part of a local grant program that is having a positive impact on the city’s economy. Now in its fourth year, the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant program offers grants up to $5,000 to help female founders buy training, equipment, and services to boost their business performance.
Since 2021, more than 150 women-owned businesses across industries including health, education, and the arts, have shared in a total of $750,000 in funding to date, resulting in new jobs, stronger networks, and more profitable businesses for Brisbane.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the program helped make it easier for women to start, run and grow businesses in Brisbane.
“More than a third of all Brisbane businesses are led by women but 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.”
Deputy Mayor Krista Adams said the popular grant program had helped create critical networks for women in business.
“Each year our recipients and grant alumni tell us that this program is making it easier to do business in Brisbane,” Cr Adams said.
“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.”
Frosted Indulgence founder Vas Hatzinik used the grant funding awarded to her this year to make improvements across her boutique cake making business including strategic marketing, website improvements, streamlined payment processes and financial advice. The business is flourishing, with bookings into next year.
“As a small business, the grant was a massive help,” Ms Hatzinik said.
”I’m 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.”
Birds on Bikes founder Barbara Spooner, who received a Women in Business Grant in 2021, invested in new machinery to increase her cycling apparel business’s production capacity. She will open her first workshop in Brisbane in October and has secured a wholesale distribution deal to sell her sustainable and locally made bikewear across Australia and New Zealand.
Barbara said the connections with other female business owners were just as valuable as the grant itself.
“Loneliness is one of the big challenges for female founders,” she said.
“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.”
The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant program is administered through Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) via the Brisbane Business Hub. 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 has 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.*
Applications for the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant will be open from 9am AEST Monday 16 September until 4pm AEST Monday 14 October, 2024. Recipients will be announced in early February 2025.
Beyond financial support, all recipients will benefit from a 12-month development program, delivered by the Brisbane Business Hub and supported by Commonwealth Bank of Australia, to help boost leadership skills and make vital connections.
