The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant 2026 provides eligible women-owned businesses the opportunity to apply for up to $5,000 (exclusive of GST) in funding to support business growth through training, essential equipment, and professional services to boost local economic impact. A total funding pool of $250,000 is available. Applications are now open and close at 4:00pm AEST on Tuesday, 7 October 2025.
Grant Objective
Women in business are key to the success of the local economy, representing up to 35% of small business owners. This grant aims to support women in business to thrive and grow with confidence provide access to a business community of like-minded experts for networking and collaboration, and boost the local economy through skill development and local buy.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you/your business must:
- Be headquartered/have business outlets based in the Brisbane Local Government Area, have an active ABN and be registered in Queensland
- Be an Australian resident/citizen and 18 years of age at time of application
- Be a woman in business with a minimum of 50% ownership of the business
- Be operating/trading for the full financial year of 2024/25 and demonstrate more than one client
- Not be insolvent or have owners/directors that are bankrupt
- Have an annual turnover between $75,000 and $500,000
- Not be a previous recipient of the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant
- Participate in the 12-month business support program developed for Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant recipients
- Meet all other eligibility criteria outlined on the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant website.
What Can Be Funded?
The grant supports women to build their personal capability as business owners and grow sustainable, strong, local small business economy. Eligible activities include procurement of professional services, training and education and operationally critical business equipment.
Examples of what can be funded:
- Procurement of professional services for:
- Development of business strategy
- Marketing and brand services
- Ecommerce services
- Financial services
- Compliance and industry regulations relevant to business.
- Training and Education:
- Certification by an RTO/TAFE
- Professional development on leadership/business strategy
- Financial literacy
- Digital marketing
- Expert training relevant to your business
- Cost of running or attending a convention, expo or business learning event.
- Business equipment:
- Equipment that demonstrates tangible growth for your business, tool or product that is key in delivering your business outcomes. E.g. Sewing machine for a fashion business, labelling machine for packaging, camera for photographer, etc.
Please refer to the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant website for activities and equipment not eligible for funding.
Additional Benefits
All applicants will be automatically signed up to the Brisbane Business Hub community and provided with networking, education and training upskill opportunities. Successful recipients must also participate in the 12-month business support program developed for grant recipients.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the online portal at https://brisbane.grantplatform.com/. Applicants must create a profile complete the official application form and submit before the closing date.
Only one application per business will be accepted and will be assessed against demonstrated evidence of how your business will grow revenue, profit create jobs, and be sustainable because of the grant provided.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email in February 2026. Successful applicants will receive a letter of confirmation outlining the process to obtain funding.
Further Information
Ask us how we can help you! To find out more about the program, application and eligibility visit the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant website at businesshub.brisbane.qld.au.
