Queensland government backs 11 programs supporting women founders with $1 million fund

Eleven Queensland organisations will share in almost $1 million through round one of the state’s Accelerating Female Founders (AFF) Program, which will see the recipients provide a host of practical business development and technical skills programs to almost 500 female founders and leaders of innovation-driven enterprises.

The pilot initiative is focused on supporting Queensland women founders with innovative businesses, providing opportunities for women entrepreneurs to take their innovative businesses to the next level.

In order to help female innovators to nurture, develop, grow and expand their businesses, the program aims to support female founders at every stage of their business and innovation journey, as well as encourage participation in key industries and technologies.

Among the recipients is the Advance Robotics for Manufacturing Hub (ARM Hub), led by founder and CEO Dr Cori Stewart, who has built an Australian-first not-for-profit technology commercialisation company.

Stewart told SmartCompany that her team is thrilled to be named among the first recipients of the program. 

“As a female founder myself, I am very happy that I can help other women in business,” she said. 

“These programs are important for the Australian economy.