Submissions are now open for the third year of the successful program, which has supported 106 female business owners with up to $5,000 to invest in their future success.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the grants not only support women owners financially but work to strengthen networks in the business community.

“Brisbane is Australia’s most small business-friendly destination and we’re proud to help support and empower Brisbane’s bold, creative and innovative businesswomen who are driving economic growth for the city, creating jobs and making a big impact,” Cr Schrinner said.

“From education and health to construction and creative industries, these grants have supported women-led businesses across a diverse range of sectors that make Brisbane a great place to live, work and visit.

“Women spearhead 35 per cent of the city’s small businesses and in order to grow this figure it’s important we provide resources, connections, and financial backing to support their vision and ambitions.

“With a wave of momentum behind Brisbane thanks to strong population growth and major infrastructure investment, now is the time to be supporting emerging local business talent.”

The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant is delivered through the Brisbane Business Hub, a joint initiative of Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Economic Development Agency.

The grant can be used to purchase equipment, expand product and service offerings, implement new technology, invest in branding and marketing activity, and undertake research and training.

Brisbane business Kindred Music Therapy, a mobile private practice delivering music therapy to people with disabilities and mental health concerns, was awarded a Women in Business Grant in 2022.

Founder and Director Ash Rowbottom said the grant enabled the company to purchase new djembe drums with an aim to run tailored group music therapy sessions for children and adults.

“Music therapy is an immensely powerful tool for people living with a disability or mental health concerns, creating opportunities for connection, communication and empowerment,” Ash said.

“Since the pandemic mental health has become even more of a priority, and the new drums this grant has funded will help enhance our mobile practice, which delivers therapy services to more than 35 suburbs across Brisbane each week.

“I started this business because I saw a need in Brisbane to provide evidence-based trauma-informed creative arts therapy to the people who need it the most.”

Apply now for the 2023 Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant: www.womeninbusinessgrant.com.au

Applications close at 4pm AEST Monday, 6 November 2023.

Successful recipients will be announced in early 2024.