Program applications open on Thursday, 20 June for 6-weeks until Thursday, 1 August. Shortlisted applicants will be announced in mid-October with grants to be awarded at the annual WINN Awards in November 2024 and 2025.

Applications will be sought from innovative women-led South Australian businesses, that have a high potential to scale into national and international markets with new products and services.

Eligibility is defined as:

The entity should be a registered organisation before 1st January 2024

Minimum 50% of the organisation’s founders identify as She or Her.

The MVP (minimum viable product)* must be tested and have evidence of market traction.

*For these purposes product includes both product and service.

Applicants should be positioned to scale growth either locally, nationally, globally.

Applicants must have a documented strategy for the growth and success of their business.

Uses for the grant funding can include, for example:

• Travel: trade missions, key stakeholder meetings, trade shows
• Building skills: learning and development opportunities to enable growth.
• Development: development of prototypes and technology, trademarking.
• Advisory: structural, efficiency, growth, mentorship and development.
• Growth: systems, resourcing, facilities.

Apply for the Grant Program Now

Become a Founding Fearless Innovator Donor.

100% of your donation goes towards boosting a female founder’s success journey AND the first 100 donor contributions will be matched dollar for dollar by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (ie your $500 donation becomes $1000 to support emerging Female Founders).

Donor exclusive benefits.

As a Donor you will receive VIP ticketing to all Fearless Female and WINN events, including discounted tickets to the coveted Women in Innovation Awards Annual event and an invitation to join WINN.

You will be recognised as a Donor on all prize certificates awarded to Female Innovator grant recipients as well as a special gift of thanks from Fearless Females and WINN.

Grants are distributed.

Up to four businesses will receive $10,000 through the Fearless Innovator – Accelerate Program, and the Fearless Innovator – Scale-up Program will award up to $30,000 to two businesses.

As a donor you can also choose to assist our successful winners with mentoring if you can assist them in their journey.