about
Fearless
Innovator
Grant
Program
The Program is a bold initiative to support South Australia’s female-founded startups through practical, financial, and strategic backing.
Thanks to the commitment of the South Australian Government, Women in Innovation (WINN) is delivering this two-year pilot program in partnership with the Fearless Females Network, with $100,000 provided through the Research and Innovation Fund.
Apply for the Grant Program Now
about
Funding to support innovative
businesses founded by women.
The Fearless Innovator Grant Program opens in May 2025, with successful grants awarded in September 2025, and is designed to continue supporting South Australia’s female-founded startups further along their journey — helping them reach even greater success.
If you’re a female founder seeking capital to grow or scale your business, the Fearless Innovator Grant Program could be just the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
The Fearless Innovator Grant Program helps innovative South Australian women access the capital they need to grow their business into national and global enterprises, leading to a more inclusive and diverse business community.
Recognising that women consistently report hardship in accessing the capital required to start and scale their business, this program gives women the opportunity to access capital to start or scale your innovative business idea.
how to apply
How does it work?
Program applications open in May 2025 with Grant Recipients to be announced at an exclusive Awards night in September 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.
In 2025, there will be 1 x $60,000 Scale-Up and 2 x $20,000 Accelerate Grants awarded. Additional Grants may be awarded in addition to our anticipated $100,000 grant funds.
Eligibility is defined as:
The entity should be a registered organisation before 1st January 2025
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.
Applicants for the Scale-Up grant must have existing product/service sales in at least one market.
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.
how to apply
How does it work?
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 donor
How to get involved.
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 State Development (ie your $500 donation becomes $1,000 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.
Yes! I will be a Foundation Fearless Innovator $500 Donor
Fearless Innovator Donor
One-time donation of $500 to the Fearless Innovator Grant Program.
Fearless Innovator Donor (2024 and 2025)
A donation of $500 to be made in 2024 and automatically again in 2025.
become a donor
How to get involved.
Grants are distributed.
2025 grants will include two $20,000 through the Fearless Innovator – Accelerate Program, and the Fearless Innovator – Scale-up Program will award a $60,000 amount to fast track a female founded business.
As a donor you can also choose to assist our successful winners with mentoring if you can assist them in their journey.
Yes! I will be a Foundation Fearless Innovator $500 Donor
Fearless Innovator Donor
One-time donation of $500 to the Fearless Innovator Grant Program.
Fearless Innovator Donor (2024 and 2025)
A donation of $500 to be made in 2024 and automatically again in 2025.
supporters
Fearless Innovator
Supporters
Fearless In-kind Supporters
