Queensland Empowers Female Founders with $1 Million Support for Innovation

In a significant boost for female entrepreneurship, 11 organizations in Queensland, including two universities, have been awarded nearly $1 million in support through the Accelerating Female Founders Program. This program, part of Advance Queensland's Backing Female Founders Program, aims to provide funding and assistance to innovative female founders in the state, fostering their businesses and encouraging their involvement in key industries and technologies.

The successful recipients of round one of the program will deliver a range of practical business development and technical skills programs to support nearly 500 female founders and leaders of innovation-driven enterprises. The initiatives offered by these organizations will help female founders at various stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, nurturing their growth, development, and expansion.

What makes this program particularly noteworthy is its focus on regional areas, with five of the 11 recipients based in regional locations such as Rockhampton, Cairns, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that female founders across Queensland, regardless of their geographical location, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

The Accelerating Female Founders Program is part of a larger effort by the Palaszczuk Government to increase the number of women participating in Queensland's innovation economy. For female entrepreneurs, $3 million was set aside last year over three years, and an extra $5 million is included in this year's budget. The government's acknowledgment of the important role that female entrepreneurs play in fostering economic success and job creation is reflected in these investments.

The program aligns with the global trend of female entrepreneurship being the fastest-growing category of entrepreneurship worldwide. By providing targeted support, such as mentoring, access to investors, and strategic guidance, female founders are empowered to overcome barriers and seize business opportunities.

Julia Spicer, Queensland's Chief Entrepreneur, emphasizes the importance of engaging with female founders and helping them develop the confidence and capacity to succeed. She recognizes that increasing the representation of female founders is crucial for ensuring economic wealth and opportunities are shared more equitably across the state.

Dr. Cori Stewart, founder and CEO of ARM Hub, one of the program's recipients, expresses enthusiasm for accelerating the success of women in business. ARM Hub will offer the Female Founder Business and Technology Roadmap Development Program, connecting female founders with world-class experts to address product and technology gaps and prepare them for investment.

This significant investment in female founders and innovation demonstrates Queensland's commitment to gender equality and the promotion of women's leadership in the business landscape. Through these initiatives, the aim is not only to support individual female founders but also to drive Queensland's innovation ecosystem forward and contribute to the state's overall economic growth.