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
