QLD Female Founders Co-Investment Fund Updated April 2026

The Queensland Female Founders Co-Investment Fund supports innovative, female-founded businesses to secure private investment and scale.

Delivered by Advance Queensland, the fund co-invests alongside eligible investors to accelerate early-stage capital raises for high-growth, innovation-driven enterprises.

💰 Funding

• Grants between $50,000 and $200,000 (ex GST)
• Matched at a 3:1 ratio
  (i.e. $1 grant for every $3 of new eligible investment secured)
• Funding supports a capital raise round led by an eligible investor
• Investment must come from new, independent investors (not existing shareholders)

✅ Eligibility

Queensland businesses must:

• Be female founded and led (minimum 51% female ownership and at least one woman in a key executive decision-making role)
• Have an ABN and GST registration
• Employ fewer than 50 FTE staff
• Be raising early-stage investment from eligible investors
• Meet program limits on previous funding received

At the time of application, the business must either:

• Be planning to secure investment within 6 months, or
• Have received an investment offer within the past 3 months, and be progressing toward closing the round

🚀 Business Requirements

Applicants should:

• Be an innovation-driven enterprise
• Have progressed beyond proof of concept
• Demonstrate:
  • a clear 12-month business plan
  • defined growth and scaling strategy
• Intend to use funding to accelerate growth

📊 Eligible Use of Funds

Funding must be used to scale and grow the business, with preference for expenditure in Queensland.

Not eligible:

• Regulatory approvals (e.g. FDA, TGA)
• Capital works or infrastructure
• General operating costs (rent, utilities, insurance, etc.)
• Professional services (legal, accounting, grant management)
• Staff bonuses or non-essential expenses

📅 Learn More and Apply

To learn more about the QLD Female Founders Co-Investment fund and apply click here

Currently applications may be submitted at anytime till all funds are expended (or 30 June 2027 at the latest).​

Contact Wayne on wayne@arealcfo.com.au or 0412 227 052.

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Want a confidential discussion on your business situation, help with your grant application or to learn more about my Outsourced CFO Services, simply email me at wayne@aRealCFO.com.au or call me on 0412 227 052