By Duyen Cao
As applications open for the 2025 Women in Business Grants, previous recipient Wendy Downes reflected on her fulfilling year.
Wendy, owner of The Cheeseboard in Albion, said that she used her grant money to buy expensive equipment for cheese production.
“The biggest benefit of the grant is the training given and being able to do it within a community of women owned small businesses,” she said.
“I recommended other women to be part of it and be a part of our community.”
The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grants program provides businesswomen with up to $5,000 to take their company to the next level by improving their equipment, skills and training.
Beyond financial support, the grants program aims to empower women entrepreneurs by expanding their business connections and leadership skills through a 12-month development program supported by Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that the council hopes to increase the number of women-led businesses, which are more than a third of all Brisbane businesses.
“Brisbane is Australia’s most small business friendly city, and we know this extra support can go a long way into turning a business dream into reality,” Mr Shrinner said.
Applications for the 2025 Women in Business Grants close 4pm, October 14.
Find out more at: businessinbrisbane.com.au/women-in-business-grant/
Photography: Leanne Stamatellos
