Grants for Women-led & Women-owned Businesses

23 government programs · 13 currently open · Updated February 2026

Women entrepreneurs and women-led businesses can access dedicated programs for business growth, export, innovation and leadership. Programs are offered at both federal and state level, with a growing number of private-sector and industry body programs supplementing government funding.

What these grants can fund

  • Business development, growth capital and working capital
  • Export market entry and international trade
  • Leadership development and mentoring programs
  • Technology adoption and digital business
  • Startup funding, incubation and accelerator programs
  • Research, innovation and product development

Common eligibility requirements

  • Business majority-owned or led by women
  • Some programs require a minimum ownership threshold (e.g., 51% women-owned)
  • Active business operations and valid ABN required
  • Sector restrictions may apply for some programs
  • Personal income or business turnover caps may apply

Eligibility varies by program. Always check the official source before applying.

Open programs

Showing 12 of 23
Open·Commonwealth·$10,000,000 - $200,000,000
Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnerships

A program that provides capital for early-stage venture capital limited partnerships to invest in innovative Australian businesses. The program attracts venture capital investors to high-potential sectors including agricultural technology, enabling funding for companies like SwarmFarm Robotics to develop and scale cutting-edge solutions.

Open·Commonwealth·$50,000 - $200,000
Female Founders Co-Investment Fund QLD

This program provides funding to female-founded Queensland businesses to help them scale and build business capacity. It supports female founders to close early-stage investment rounds with government backing and grow innovative businesses across a wide range of industries.

Open·NSW·$20,000 - $3
MVP Ventures Program

A competitive grant that helps businesses bring innovative products to market by supporting pre-market development and commercialisation activities. The program aims to attract and retain commercialisation activities in NSW while increasing funding access for priority groups.

Open·Commonwealth
Launch into Work

The Launch into Work program supports businesses in delivering pre-employment projects that prepare eligible individuals for entry-level roles. Projects include training, practical workplace activities, and mentoring to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed for employment.

Open·Commonwealth
Women in Business NSW

A fully subsidised online business training program for women in New South Wales to help them establish a new small business or consolidate an existing one. The program provides 24/7 online access to business training topics, insights from leading female entrepreneurs, access to small business events, and other resources and services.

Open·SA
Growth Accelerator Program

Supports established South Australian small and medium businesses with high growth potential to scale, build resilience and expand into new markets. Participants complete a nine-month program including 6 workshops, 8 mentoring sessions, and a structured capacity assessment to identify growth readiness and opportunities.

Open·Commonwealth
SA Women in Business Advisory Program

This program provides 50% subsidised scholarships to South Australian female business owners to help them grow their business and improve their leadership skills. Participants join private support networks and can access peer coaching, mentoring, and business advisory sessions through one of five sub-program groups tailored to different needs.

Open·Commonwealth
Women in Business Foundations Program SA

This program provides up to 6 mentoring sessions to women-led small businesses in South Australia, including an initial session with an Adelaide Business Hub advisor to create an action plan and 5 additional hours of specialist mentoring. Topics covered include financial literacy, human resources, business planning, digital marketing, cyber security, and securing finance.

Open·Commonwealth
Women in Plumbing VIC

A 6-week fully funded training program for women in the plumbing industry in Victoria to enhance their understanding of energy efficiency and heat pump hot water systems. The program includes online and blended support, in-person masterclasses, and networking forums to equip participants with knowledge to guide customers on home electrification and energy-efficient upgrades.

Ongoing·Commonwealth·Up to $300,000
Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate Fellowship

A named Australian Laureate Fellowship available to highly ranked female candidates from the humanities, arts and social science disciplines. Recipients undertake an ambassadorial role to promote women in research and mentor early career researchers.

Ongoing·Commonwealth·Up to $300,000
Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship

A named Australian Laureate Fellowship available to highly ranked female candidates from the science and technology disciplines. Recipients undertake an ambassadorial role to promote women in research and mentor early career researchers.

Ongoing·VIC
Office Hours

Free consultation sessions with LaunchVic team members to explore the latest programs, funding and opportunities to launch, grow and scale your startup in Victoria. Sessions cover topics such as getting started with your idea and support for women founders.

Grant information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Program details, eligibility and closing dates change — always verify with the official source before applying. Last data update: February 2026.