From backyard sports inventions to cutting-edge lunch tech, 52 Brisbane female entrepreneurs are ready to take the next big step in their business journeys thanks to the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grants program.
Women are making a powerful contribution to Brisbane’s economy, with the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data showing that women account for 36% of people managing their own business in Brisbane, an increase of 8.9 per cent since 2014.
The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grants program was established in 2021, providing successful applicants up to $5000 to invest in training, equipment and professional services that help turn good ideas into growing businesses.
The 2026 cohort brings the total number of participants to 263, who together have shared in more than $1.25 million, supporting the Schrinner Council’s efforts to ensure Brisbane continues to be Australia’s most small business friendly city.
Each of the 52 recipients will receive a share of $250,000 to help bring their business ambitions to life, including:
- 22 businesses reshaping the professional service industry
- 10 businesses strengthening Brisbane’s growing healthcare sector
- 7 retail businesses driving innovation in consumer markets
- 13 businesses spanning other industries including IT, the arts, manufacturing, e-commerce and construction
One of this year’s grant recipients, Pitch It Up, started in founder Emma Thomson’s backyard to help her young son build his cricket skills.
The idea has since grown into a multi-purpose cricket training aid used for batting, catching and wicket-keeping, with the business now developing an industry-first audible cricket ball for blind and low-vision players using advanced 3D-printing technology.
Grant funding will allow Pitch It Up to purchase a 3D printer, speeding up development of the audible ball and helping transform a prototype into a commercial – and potentially patentable – product.
Beyond funding, all recipients will take part in a 12-month development program delivered by the Brisbane Business Hub, supported by presenting partner Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
The development program focuses on leadership skills, mentoring and building business connections.
The Women in Business Grants Program is one of many initiatives delivered by the Schrinner Council to support local businesses, including:
- 24/7 Business Hotline (133 BNE)
- More than 2000 grants through our Funding Finder tool
- Free events at Brisbane libraries to help businesses learn and develop their skills
- Access to the Brisbane Business Hub which regularly hosts free events and workshops run by industry professionals.
For more information on the Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant program, and a full list of this year’s recipients, visit businesshub.brisbane.qld.au.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“Brisbane’s small business community is full of smart ideas, big ambition and people who are prepared to have a go – and that’s exactly what this program supports.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to start, grow and succeed in Brisbane, because when our local businesses do well, our whole city benefits.
“Female-led businesses are one of the fastest-growing parts of our economy and these grants are about backing that momentum with practical support.”
“This program gives women the funding, skills and connections they need to take the next step – and it’s great to see so many Brisbane businesses turning passion projects into real success stories.”
Quotes attributable to Pitch It Up founder Emma Thomson:
“When my youngest son was developing his passion for cricket, we set out to find a bowling machine that was suitable for his level of play but could also be ‘dialled up’ as he advanced.
“We ended up purchasing a machine that proved to be inadequate and that’s when the idea of Pitch It Up Cricket was planted.
“While I can’t credit Pitch It Up for the work ethic of my son and his passion for cricket, he has gone on to play youth cricket in various teams and is still using his Pitch It Up regularly in the backyard or hallway to work on his game.
“We believe cricket has the power to connect communities, build confidence and create a sense of belonging for people of all ages and abilities.
“By simply changing to an audible ball, students with low vision and blindness will be able to participate and integrate with their peers in bat and ball PE lessons at school or at the cricket club, so no one is left on the sidelines.”
