$2M Support For Queensland’s Female Entrepreneurs
In a substantial initiative aimed towards nurturing innovation-driven businesses led by women, the Queensland Government has earmarked an impressive sum of over $2 million. This financial backing is part of the conscientious efforts under the Advance Queensland Accelerating Female Founders Program, aimed at empowering female entrepreneurs across the region.
With this funding, 11 premier education and industry organizations have been selected to disseminate crucial business development support to over 530 female founders. The programs devised by these organizations will encompass mentoring, advocacy support, and bespoke activities designed to address the unique challenges faced by women in business.
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Noteworthy initiatives benefiting from this funding include the TEKWOMEN QLD by Farmers2Founders Pty Ltd, a significant move to elevate female-led agtech ventures, and the Ampli-FI initiative by Indigenous Innovation Ventures. The latter, in collaboration with Bond University, is tailored for First Nations female founders aiming to upscale their innovative business ventures.
The commitment to nurturing female entrepreneurship extends with the Female Founders Co-Investment Fund. Through this fund, two promising female-founded businesses are ready to make fresh inroads into the investor landscape during their early-stage capital-raising efforts. Ochre Sun, under the leadership of First Nations founder Alana Kennedy, is poised to secure over $150,000 in support for its innovative skincare line embracing ethically sourced native ingredients. Meanwhile, Luxe.It.Fwd will benefit from $200,000 aimed at propelling its sustainable fashion re-commerce platform forward, emphasizing affordability and reduced waste.
Both the Accelerating Female Founders Program and the Female Founders Co-Investment Fund are integral components of the Backing Female Founders Program by Advance Queensland. Since its inception in 2017, this initiative has positively impacted over 2000 participants, showcasing the pivotal role of female entrepreneurs in the innovation ecosystem.
“The Miles Government is committed to fostering an inclusive and thriving innovation ecosystem where women play a central role,” expressed Minister for Science and Innovation, Leanne Linard. She highlighted the underrepresentation of women in the startup arena and the untapped potential this presents for economic growth. Linard emphasized the significance of supporting female entrepreneurs as they leverage emerging technologies to disrupt traditional industry landscapes.
Yohann Azlee, Chief Operating Officer of Indigenous Innovation Ventures, outlined the specific challenges Indigenous female entrepreneurs face during business scaling. The program designed by his organization aims to blend Indigenous knowledge and business skills, providing a nurturing environment for these entrepreneurs to thrive. “It’s challenging for women entrepreneurs, even more so for First Nation’s women entrepreneurs,” Azlee explained, underscoring the importance of tailored support for this demographic.
Through these concerted efforts and financial support, the Queensland Government illustrates a dedicated commitment to not only recognizing the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs but also actively contributing to their success and growth in the innovative business landscape.
