Brisbane’s female entrepreneurs are being invited to take their businesses to the next level, with applications now open for the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grants.
With $250,000 in funding available, women-led businesses across our suburbs can apply for individual grants of up to $5,000.
The grants can be used to invest in essential equipment, training, education, or professional services that help businesses grow.
Now in its fifth year, the program continues to empower enterprises across a diverse range of industries, including health, education, creative industries and hospitality.
Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has provided more than $1 million in funding to 211 local businesses, creating 446 new jobs and fuelling Brisbane’s booming economy.
The impact of the grant is already being felt by past recipients.
- Ashley Ng, CEO of the Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology (ACTIT) and 2024 grant recipient used the funding to create a space for culinary students to gain real-world experience
- Angela Tallon, co-founder of New Day Skin, a mineral-based SPF range designed for teens and tweens put her 2022 grant towards growing the business from her kitchen table to a fully-fledged operation.
Applications for the 2026 Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant are open now and will close at 4pm AEST, Tuesday 7 October 2025.
Successful recipients will be announced in February 2026.
In addition to funding, recipients will participate in a 12-month development program delivered by the Brisbane Business Hub, with the support of presenting partner Commonwealth Bank of Australia, to strengthen leadership skills and expand professional networks.
For more information and to apply, visit: businesshub.brisbane.qld.au/grants-and-initiatives/women-in-business-grant
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner:
“More than a third of all Brisbane businesses are led by women and we’re determined to see that share grow even further
“Brisbane is full of talented, ambitious women building businesses that strengthen our economy and enrich our community.
“This grant gives female founders the practical support they need to build confidence, grow capability and gain serious momentum
“Brisbane is Australia’s most small-business friendly city and we’re proud to back local entrepreneurs in making their dreams a reality.”
Quotes attributable to Co-Founder of New Day Sking Angela Tallon:
“As mums with young kids ourselves, sun safety is personal – especially knowing that every six minutes, someone dies from melanoma in Australia.
“The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant gave us the confidence and practical support to invest in marketing, helping us share our message with more families and grow from an idea around the kitchen table to a brand now stocked in pharmacies across Australia.
“It wasn’t just about funding; it was about knowing Brisbane backs women like us to turn passion into impact.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of Australian College of Tourism and Information Technology (ACTIT):
“With the grant, I upgraded ACTIT’s website, boosting student engagement and industry partnerships.
“That was the extra boost needed to launch Hats on Queen – a fully functioning training restaurant in Brisbane’s CBD, open to the public, where students gain real-world experience, and the community can come together over good food.
“The grant helped turn a simple idea into a space where learning, opportunity and community come together every day.”
