Applications are open for the TiE Women Global Pitch Competition 2026, offering women-led startups a massive launchpad to scale globally.

Managed nationally by the TiE Melbourne chapter, this program gives female entrepreneurs across all Australian states access to world-class mentoring, exclusive investor networks, and global media exposure. Finalists will compete for local investment opportunities before heading overseas to vie for more than US$100,000 in equity-free global prizes, including a US$50,000 equity-free grand prize for the overall winner.

TiE Women 2026: Key Benefits for Australian Startups

What do successful applicants get?  The value of the TiE ecosystem stretches far beyond the final prize money:

• Local Investment Potential: Standout Australian finalists pitch live to regional investors, with up to $50,000 AUD in TiE Angels investment available on the night.
• Exclusive Investor Masterclasses: All accepted Australian applicants gain direct access to three intensive online masterclasses covering Go-To-Market strategy, growth financials, and global storytelling.
• Global Equity-Free Funding: A US$50,000 cash prize for the global winner to inject directly into business growth, plus international flight support (up to $1,500 AUD) for the regional winner to compete overseas.
• Global Mentorship & Pitch Coaching: Direct 1:1 access to experienced entrepreneurs, industry titans, and dedicated business coaches to refine your pitch deck before hitting the global stage.
• Investor Matchmaking: High-visibility exposure to both local Australian networks and international venture capitalists (VCs) and angel networks.

Am I Eligible? TiE Women Competition Criteria

To apply for the 2026 cohort, your startup must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Female Leadership: Have at least one female founder or co-founder.
2. Equity Stake: Female founder(s) must collectively hold a minimum of 33% equity ownership in the company.
3. Company Age: The business must be less than seven (7) years old at the time of application.
4. Product Stage: The startup must be beyond the “idea stage” and possess a viable product, service, or business model (MVP) in active development or already in the market.
5. Scalability: The company must demonstrate clear ambitions to scale and expand internationally.

Note on Participation: Applying and participating in the initial masterclasses is free. Startups selected to advance to the video pitch screening phase will be required to hold or secure an Associate Membership with TiE Melbourne ($225 AUD/year).

Key Dates & How to Apply

Don’t miss out on funding your growth Apply now.  Application Deadline for Australian applicants: 15 June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions: TiE Women Global Pitch Competition 2026

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

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

The Westpac Female Founder Awards are now open for 2026.  (note applications close 30 June 2026)

Award Categories for 2026

The awards recognise women-led Australian businesses across three categories:

Trailblazer Award

For early-stage businesses (three years or less) that are:

• Disrupting an industry or market
• Introducing innovative products, services, or business models
• Demonstrating early traction and strong growth potential

Thrive Award

For established businesses (over three years) that have:

• Achieved sustained financial performance and growth
• Evolved over time to remain competitive
• Built a strong, enduring market position

Greater Good Award

For businesses and social enterprises whose products or services:

• Drive meaningful social or community impact
• Deliver commercial and measurable outcomes
• Embed impact as a core part of their business model
•  

There is also an overall Female Founder of the Year Award selected from the finalists.

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Founders

To be eligible, businesses must be:

• At least 50% women-owned and women-led
• Australian-based
• Operating with a valid ABN
• Majority or wholly Australian-owned

Prizes and Business Support

The awards include:

• Cash prizes ($10,000 to each category winner and $30,000 to the Founder of the Year)
• Mentoring and coaching
• Media training
• Advertising support (up to $120,000 in value for the Founder of the Year)

How to Apply and Key Dates

Apply for the 2026 Westpac Female Founder Awards

Note Applications close on 30 June 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions: Westpac Female Founder Awards 2026

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

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

Are you a woman with a brilliant business idea but lack the funds to prove it works? Global Sisters is launching 10 Big Idea Scholarships in 2026. From February through November, one entrepreneur each month will be awarded equity-free startup funding of $10,000 to move their concept toward reality.

This is validation funding, specifically designed for the “idea stage” rather than growth capital. Whether you are building a traditional startup or a social enterprise, this program provides the financial runway and professional support to test, validate, and build a sustainable business.

Scholarship Benefits: More Than Just a $10,000 Grant

If selected, you receive a comprehensive support package designed to make your business “funding-ready”:

• $10,000 Untied Grant: Capital you can use where your business needs it most—no strings attached.
• Financial Strategy Session: Expert guidance to map out your 13-week forecast and long-term viability.
• Hands-on Growth Support: Dedicated assistance to help you reach funding readiness.
• Access to Networks: Connections to Global Sisters’ ecosystem of partners and corporate mentors.
• End-of-Year Pitch: A high-profile opportunity to present your validated idea to potential funders and corporates.

Who is Eligible for These 2026 Social Enterprise Grants?

To ensure these business grants for women in Australia support those at the most critical early stage, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Early-Stage Idea: You have a concept but no real revenue yet.
• Purpose-Led: Your business must aim for a positive impact on people and/or the planet.
• Australian Based: You must be based in Australia (or a registered partner program).
• Global Sisters Member: You must be a member (membership is free) and have completed at least one of our business programs.
• Active Progress: You are actively building toward a specific business outcome.

What Global Sisters Provides (Always Free)

Even if you aren’t currently eligible for the scholarship, Global Sisters offers a roadmap of support for every female founder:

• Business Education: Comprehensive courses to build your foundations.
• Coaching: Access to both group and 1:1 coaching sessions.
• Workshops & Events: Ongoing skill-building and networking.
• Business Tools: Access to micro-finance, insurance, and e-commerce platforms.

FAQ: Early-Stage Business Scholarships

1. How is this different from other startup grants?

Most early-stage business scholarships require you to have proof of concept or revenue. This scholarship is unique because it is “validation funding”—it is specifically for the stage before you have proven the idea works.

2. Is the $10,000 an untied grant?

Yes. “Untied” means the funding is yours to use for the business as you see fit. It is not a loan, and Global Sisters does not take any equity in your company.

3. Can I apply if I’ve already started selling?

This scholarship is prioritized for those with “no real revenue.” If you have a fully functioning business with consistent sales, you may be better suited for our growth-focused programs rather than this validation grant.

4. What are the “social enterprise” requirements?

We look for purpose-led ideas. This means your business model should solve a problem or create a benefit for the community, society, or the environment.

5. How do I join Global Sisters to become eligible?

Membership is free and easy. You can sign up on our website and enroll in our foundational programs immediately to prepare for the 2026 monthly scholarship intakes.

Bottom Line

This is about validation, not just capital. If you have a vision but haven’t had the resources to prove it yet, the Global Sisters 2026 Big Idea Scholarship is built for you.

Apply Now

Click here to learn more and apply

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

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

Airwallex has officially launched Latitude 37, a program designed to champion the next generation of Australian tech talent. The program is specifically targeting 10+ early-stage AI companies led by founders aged 25 or under.

Program Benefits & Funding

Latitude 37 isn’t just about capital; it’s about global scaling. Successful applicants receive:

• $100,000 Equity-Free Grant: Non-dilutive funding to kickstart your AI venture.
• Strategic Mentorship: Direct access to Airwallex’s leadership and global customer network.
• Global Exposure: Sponsored business trips to tech hubs in San Francisco and Singapore.
• Founder Community: Connection to a cohort of high-performing young entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Latitude 37 program, founders must meet the following:

• AI is central to your product, service, or business model.
• You’re aged 25 or under at the application deadline.
• You’re an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have local roots
• You’re still early stage and haven’t raised more than AUD$1m in external funding before the deadline.

Learn More

Click here to learn more

Applications Close 28 June 2026

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

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

Yoga for Good Foundation Grants are available to inspire yoga teachers and organisations with worthy goals to do good in their community via yoga.

The average amount of funding that is applied for is up to $10,000, but can be as high as $20,000.

If you are awarded funding, that may involve you agreeing to be one of their brand ambassadors, and they will promote your work via their website, eNewsletters and Social media channels – helping you raise your profile and awareness for the project.

Click here to learn more and apply

Current round of applications close 31 May 2026

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

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

Tennis Australia in conjunction with the Australian Open runs the startup program AO Startups.  It is targeted to solving large problems in sport, health and entertainment to build, test or pilot on the world stage with Tennis Australia and the Australian Open.

And applications for this intake are now open.  Focus is on:

• Robotics in Sport – Technology leveraging robotics to enhance the experience within environments in which sport is played.
• Live Event Tech – Technology that challenges the status quo in stadia, media, fan engagement and event management
• All things Padel – Products, technologies and experiences supporting the growth and global expansion of padel
• Community Sport Tech -Technology designed to improve participation, accessibility and the day-to-day delivery of community sport.
• The Wildcard – If you are building product or experiences outside our core streams, yet will revolutionise sport, entertainment, health or sustainability, then apply as a Wildcard​

Benefits

The benefits of the AO Startups program include:

• Gain critical exposure and learning through piloting and proof of concept of your technology at the AO or other Tennis Australia channels
• Build brand credibility through official designation as an “AO Startup”
• Get access to specific Tennis Australia executives, VC’s and industry leaders to accelerate your journey to sustained success
• Achieve product-market fit through advice and testing across all areas of our sport and events
• Possible investment via WildCard Ventures.

Learn More

Click here to learn about AO Startups program

Note applications for intake 8 close 11 May 2026

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. Wayne may also be able to assist you in preparing any grant application. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

And Wayne is always posting about new grants, funding options and other resources on LinkedIn that can help your business scale and grow profitably.  Click on the below links and connect with Wayne or follow A Real CFO on LinkedIn.

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

If you run a small business, this is worth a quick look.

BizGiver April 2026

If you’re under $2m turnover and have fewer than 20 staff, you can enter.

What you get if you win:
• Up to $5,000 (inc GST) spent on something your business actually needs
• No cash, they’ll purchase the item or service for you
• Winner and  2 runners-up get a small discount ($250) on a policy

People have used it for things like equipment, tech, and production gear.

You need to submit a video under 60 seconds explaining what you’d get and why.  But you don’t need to be a BizCover customer.

If there’s something under $5k that would:
• make you more efficient
• help you generate revenue
• or just remove a pain point

…it’s probably worth throwing your hat in.

You can enter multiple times with different ideas.

Entries close 26 May 2026.

Click here to learn more

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access other free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

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

Most businesses approach grants the same way.
They look for programs they can apply for.

They search for:

• Grants they are eligible for
• Funding they can win

And when they don’t qualify, they stop.

That is where most opportunity gets missed.

The Better Way to Access Funding

Instead of asking:
What grants can I apply for?

Ask:
Who already receives funding that I can work with?

Because often it is your customers or potential customers, not you, who qualify.

This is the shift most businesses never make.

Where the Funding Actually Flows

There is significantly more funding flowing into the not for profit and community sector than directly into businesses.

Take two programs in NSW:

MVP Ventures Program:
• Around $3 million per year
• Centralised
• Competitive
• You apply and hope to win

ClubGRANTS program in NSW:
• Tens of millions distributed annually, often referenced around $100 million per year
• Spread across hundreds of clubs
• Funded to community organisations, not businesses

The Only Comparison That Matters

This is not about which grant is better.

It is about how you access it:

• MVP Ventures → you apply
  • ClubGRANTS → your customer or potential customer applies

That is the shift.

What Most Businesses Miss

When your customer or potential customer is the one eligible:

• You do not need to qualify
  • You do not need to compete directly
  • You do not need to rely on one application

You need to partner.

Where the Real Opportunity Sits

Not for profits and community organisations are very good at:

• Understanding community needs
• Meeting eligibility criteria

But many do not apply for funding at all.

Not because the opportunity is not there
but because they do not have confidence in delivery.

They ask themselves:

“If we get the funding, can we actually deliver what we promised?”

If the answer is unclear, they often do not proceed.

This Is Where the Strategy Changes

This is the better way to access grants.

Your role is not:

• Filling out applications

Your role is to:

• Shape the project
• Bring structure to the idea
• Define how it will be delivered
• Stand behind execution

You are not chasing funding.
You are enabling it.

Why This Approach Works

When you bring delivery capability:

• Applications become stronger
• Organisations become more confident
• Funding becomes more accessible

They are no longer applying with an idea.

They are applying with a deliverable outcome.

The Win for Everyone

When this is done properly, everyone benefits.

The community organisation wins
They secure funding they may not have pursued and deliver real impact.

The funder wins
They receive stronger applications and see better outcomes from the money distributed.

The community wins
Projects are delivered, not just approved.

Your business wins
You are not chasing grants.
You are getting paid to deliver funded outcomes.

Final Thought

The better way to access grants is not to apply for them.

It is to align yourself with organisations that already qualify and help them deliver.

Many organisations do not miss funding because they are ineligible.
They miss it because they cannot clearly show how it will get done.

If you can bring that:

You are not just supporting an application.
You are unlocking funding and positioning your business inside a system where everyone wins.

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access other free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

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

If your business has been investing in innovation, building new products, or solving technical challenges, this is your reminder.

The deadline to register for the Research and Development Tax Incentive (R&DTI) for the 2024–2025 financial year is fast approaching.

You must lodge your application with AusIndustry before 30 April 2026.

Miss that, and you miss access to one of the most valuable funding mechanisms available to Australian businesses.

What is the R&DTI?

The Research and Development Tax Incentive is a government program designed to encourage companies to invest in innovation.

It provides a tax offset for eligible R&D activities, helping to reduce the cost of experimentation, product development, and technical problem-solving.

For many businesses, it’s not just a rebate.  It’s a way to reinvest back into growth.

The Deadline That Catches People Out

Before you can claim for the R&DTI through your tax return, you must first register your R&D activities with AusIndustry.

And that registration must be completed within 10 months of the end of the financial year.

For the 2024–2025 year, that means:

👉 Final deadline: 30 April 2026

There are very limited circumstances where extensions are granted. Most businesses that miss the deadline simply miss out.

Are You Eligible?

You don’t need to be running a lab or wearing a white coat to qualify.

Many eligible activities look like:

• Developing new software or platforms
• Building or testing prototypes
• Experimenting to solve technical uncertainty
• Improving existing products in a non-obvious way

If your team is trying to answer questions where the outcome isn’t known in advance, you may be doing eligible R&D.

Why This Matters

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is assuming R&D is about what they built.

In reality, eligibility is about how decisions were made under uncertainty.

It’s not about perfection.
It’s about experimentation, iteration, and evidence.

And importantly, it’s not something you want to try and reconstruct months after the fact.

What You Should Do Now

If you think you may be eligible:

• Review what your team worked on during FY2025
• Identify where technical uncertainty existed
• Gather documentation while it’s still fresh
• Start the registration process with AusIndustry

Even if you’re unsure, it’s worth getting clarity now rather than leaving it too late.

Want to learn more about the R&DTI, click here.

Final Thought

Too many businesses don’t miss out on the R&DTI because they weren’t eligible.

They miss out because they didn’t act in time.

30 April 2026 is a hard deadline.

If R&D has been part of your business over the 2024-2025 year, now is the time to decide whether you’re going to capture the benefit, or leave it on the table.

Wayne Wanders is an experienced Business Advisor and Outsourced CFO who can help to scale and grow your business profitably. 

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

Click on the below buttons to access other free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

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

The Most Unstoppable Founder Competition is an opportunity for Australia-based women founders to get some cash ($5,000), some support and get in front of the eyes they need to scale.

Eligibility

The competition is looking for founders who are actively operating and ready to level up their pitching.

• Location: Business must be based and registered in Australia.
• Foundership: Must identify as a woman founder (or a co-founding team with a woman lead who will be pitching).
• Stage: Open to both early-stage startups and growth-stage SMEs.

Prizes

Winner gets $5,000 cash, pitch coaching, branding intensives, leadership plans, and a 12-month One Roof membership.

 All finalists receive Sunrise festival tickets, 2 months of Stone & Chalk desk space, and a 12-month One Roof membership.

What are you pitching

This is not the traditional pitch.  Instead, the competition is looking for founders to pitch their “Unstoppable Story.” It isn’t just about your financial projections; it’s about how you’ve turned challenges into a strategic advantage. You are pitching your business’s resilience, innovation, and commercial potential.

Learn More

Click here to learn more an apply for the Most Unstoppable Founder Competition

Note applications close 7 April 2026

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

Click on the below buttons to access free Resources developed by Wayne Wanders, A Real CFO to help your business scale and grow profitably

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