How much is the Grant amount?

Up to $5,000 (exclusive of GST). Applications Open: 9:00am AEST Tuesday, 1 September 2026 – 4:00pm AEST Tuesday, 6 October 2026. 

Who can apply?

Women business owners at least 18 years of age with a minimum of 50% business ownership.

Must have an active ABN, be registered in Queensland, and have headquarters in Brisbane LGA.

Must not be a previous recipient of the Grant and be able to demonstrate capacity to manage the Grant Amount effectively.

Must not be an employee of Council, BEDA or another subsidiary of Council or be submitting an application for a business that is a department, statutory body, agency or instrumentality of government, including a Government Owned Corporation pursuant to the Government Owned Corporations Act 1993 (Qld), or a company wholly owned by the State of Queensland under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). 

Business should have been operating for at least the full financial year of 2025/26 prior to the grant opening and have an annual turnover between $75,000 and $500,000.

The Business must not be insolvent or have owners, directors, or members that are subject to a current bankruptcy order and must be compliant with all laws.

Where the Business is a not-for-profit organisation, the business must be registered as a company, incorporated association or trust endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office as a charity and be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

View The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant Entry Guidelines.

What can I request funding for?

• Professional services (e.g., business strategy, marketing, financial services)
• Training and education (e.g., certification, leadership development)
• Business equipment essential for growth (e.g., machinery, tools)

Applicants are required to provide quotes for the purchase/supply/engagement of proposed Use of Funds.

In some instances, successful applicants may not receive the full amount of the funding requested. If the proposal cannot proceed without the full amount of funding requested, this should be indicated in the application.

View Terms and Conditions for more detailed information on what can and cannot be funded.

How do I apply?

Create a profile and complete the application form via the Grant Platform.

Eligible applications will be assessed by an expert judging panel appointed by Brisbane Economic Development Agency. The judging panel may request further information from the Applicant at any time as part of the assessment process. The judging panel’s decision is final, and no further correspondence is provided to the Applicant beyond the outcome of their decision.

When will I know the outcome? 

Each Applicant will receive an email advising the outcome of their application in February 2027. A formal announcement of the Grant Recipients will be made publicly by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane. 

What is required after receiving the grant?

• Before receiving the physical grant moneys, all Grant Recipients will be required to enter into a funding agreement that contains the specific terms and conditions of the grant.
• This funding agreement will contain obligations including that:
  • Funded projects must only commence after receiving the grant,
  • Due date for expending the funding by 30 June 2027.
  • Recipients must submit an acquittal report detailing the use of funds and project outcomes.
  • Grant recipients must actively participate in the business support program and related surveys which may exceed the due day of grant spending. 

For more detailed guidelines, please visit our Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant Entry Guidelines.

What other benefits come with receiving the Grant?

Recipients gain access to a 12-month Women in Business program and Women in Business network. The program includes business capability building, city connections and collaboration opportunities with experts, thought leaders, mentors and like-minded women business owners. This program is delivered by BEDA and proudly presented by Commonwealth Bank of Australia.