Women-led businesses have the opportunity to receive up to $5,000 in funding to support business growth through training, essential equipment, and professional services.

Grant Applications Dates

Apply now from 1st September 2025 and closing at 4:00pm AEST on Tuesday, 7 October 2025. A total fund of $250,000 is available for this Lord Mayor Grant, with up to $5,000 (exclusive of GST) available per successful application. A limit of one application per business will be accepted.

Entry Guidelines

The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant 2026 will provide funding to support women owned businesses to grow and develop their business.
The grant will provide an opportunity for eligible organisations to apply for funding of up to $5,000 (exclusive of GST) to build their business capability or gain professional services that will boost local economic impact.

To be eligible for this grant, you/your business must:

  • Have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) and be registered in Queensland
  • Be Headquartered/have business outlets based in the Brisbane Local Government Area (LGA) and be able to provide rates notice/utility bill/proof of location)
  • Be an Australian Resident/Citizen
  • Be a woman in business with a minimum of 50% ownership of the business.
  • Be 18 years of age (proof of ID) at time of application
  • 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.
  • Provide one application per business for up to $5000 (exclusive of GST and delivery fees). This is non-matched funding.
  • Provide original quotes from local Brisbane/QLD businesses where quotes proposed as part of the Grant. Supplier invoices can include GST
  • Have the Approved Use commencing after the grant is received
  • Expend the funding and have an outcome delivered for acquittal by 30 June 2026.
  • Not be a previous recipient of the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant.
  • Complete grant related surveys provided periodically by BEDA, which may extend beyond the term of the Grant.
  • Participate in the 12-month business support program developed for Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant recipients.

What Can Be Funded?

The grant will support women to build their personal capability as a business owner, enabling their business to grow and build a sustainable, strong, local small business economy. Grants will support 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.

All applicants will be automatically signed up to the Brisbane Business Hub community and provided with networking, education and training upskill opportunities.

For more information on the assessment criteria and application process visit the Brisbane Business Hub for further details.

Please contact the team at MGI if you have any questions or need assistance in your application.