The FoundHer Grant Program (FoundHer) is a platform designed to help women build and scale bold businesses through funding, strategic partnerships and founder support.
Created by Women in Innovation (WINN) in partnership with the South Australian Government through the Department of State Development, FoundHer exists to increase access to capital, visibility and opportunity for female founders shaping the next generation of business.
More than a grant program, FoundHer connects founders with the people, networks and expertise that help businesses grow.
Why FoundHer exists
Despite building high-potential businesses, female founders continue to receive a fraction of available investment capital, with all-female founding teams securing less than 0.5% of Australian venture capital funding in early 2025.
FoundHer was built to increase access to capital, visibility and opportunity for women defining the future of business and entrepreneurship.
Through funding, strategic partnerships and industry connections, FoundHer is helping build a stronger and more inclusive future for entrepreneurship and innovation in South Australia.
FoundHer is helping strengthen South Australia’s founder ecosystem and future economic growth.
The FoundHer Grants
FoundHer backs South Australian women-led businesses with the potential to grow, scale and expand into new markets.
FoundHer supports founders through multiple stages of growth — beyond a single funding opportunity.
In 2026, FoundHer will award:
FoundHer Launch Grants: 4 x $20K
Supporting founders building momentum, validating growth and preparing to scale.
FoundHer Elevate Grant: 1 x $30K
Backing high-growth businesses ready to expand into national and global markets.
Grant recipients also gain access to strategic partners, founder visibility opportunities and the broader FoundHer community.
Applications for the 2026 FoundHer Grant Program open on Friday 22 May 2026 and close at 11:59pm on Friday 31 July 2026 with recipients announced at the Women in Innovation Awards on 06 November 2026.
Additional grants and founder opportunities may be introduced through our growing partner network.
Who should apply
FoundHer is designed for founders ready to take their business to the next stage of growth.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- a validated product or service
- evidence of market traction
- a clear growth strategy
- ambition to scale locally, nationally or globally
Applicants for the FoundHer Elevate Grant must also demonstrate existing product or service sales in at least one market.
Beyond funding
FoundHer is built on the belief that founders need more than capital to succeed.
Through our growing network of strategic partners and community, founders gain access to expertise across:
- finance and banking
- legal and commercial advisory
- intellectual property
- business growth and strategy
- founder wellbeing and leadership
FoundHer supporters may also choose to contribute mentorship, strategic advice and industry expertise to help founders navigate growth and scale.
Together, we are creating a more connected ecosystem supporting women not only at the point of funding - but throughout their growth journey.
FoundHer at the Women in Innovation Awards
FoundHer recipients are recognised as part of the coveted Women in Innovation Awards - recognising the founders, leaders, innovators and businesses defining the future of South Australia.
Back a founder
FoundHer is powered by a growing network of partners, supporters and advocates committed to backing the next generation of female founders.
Supporter contributions help increase access to funding, visibility and growth opportunities for women building scalable businesses in South Australia.
100% of supporter contributions go directly towards backing female founders through the FoundHer Grant Program.
The first 100 supporter contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Department of State Development.
Become a FoundHer Supporter
Supporters contribute directly to the growth of the FoundHer founder community through:
- founder funding
- mentorship and strategic support
- founder visibility opportunities
- ecosystem and community building
Supporters contributing $500 or more will receive recognition as an official FoundHer Supporter, along with invitations to selected Women in Innovation events and founder community experiences.
Business contributions made through an ABN may be tax deductible.
Yes! I will support FoundHer with $500.
Our Partners
FoundHer is proudly supported by partners committed to backing the future of female entrepreneurship in South Australia.
contact us:
community@womenininnovation.com.au
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