These grants provide funding to help connect women in small business with the right resources and support.
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: Up to $200,000
- Application opened: 21 March 2023
- Application closed: 21 April 2023, 12:00 pm
Program objective
The 2022-23 round of Women in Business Networks Grants (WIBN) provides capacity building to women in small business to successfully access, navigate, and leverage formal networks for purposes of business growth or access finance, leading to and/or enabling increased turnover, profit, or employment. Funding requests range from $150,000 - $200,000.
The NSW Budget 2022-23 Women’s Opportunity Statement outlines priority support to industry associations, peak bodies, and Chambers of Commerce to implement bespoke networking programs for women seeking to start and run a successful small business. Budget has been allocated to deliver the Women in Business Networks (WIBN) program, $2 million over four years, to meet this commitment.
Despite the prevalence of small businesses in New South Wales, only one-third of these businesses are owned by women. While there is evidence new small businesses in Australia are increasingly women-led, the number of women-led businesses remains significantly lower than male-led businesses.
The objective of the WIBN program is to help connect women in small business or looking to start a small business with the right resources and support, provide capacity building to successfully access, navigate, and leverage formal networks for purposes of business growth or access to finance leading to increased turnover, profit, or employment.
It is expected WIBN programs will achieve a range of outcomes tailored to the specific needs and goals of the business owner.
This program is administered by Premier's Department and Women NSW.
Eligibility
The 2022-23 WIBN Grants program was open to invited applicants only as a closed, non-competitive grants process as per the NSW Grants Administration Guide. It was open to NSW industry associations, peak bodies and Chambers of Commerce only.
Types of projects funded under this grant
The WIBN program funds industry associations, peak bodies and Chambers of Commerce to engage participants in bespoke industry-appropriate network development programs, with crucial links to business networks and networks of entrepreneurs with experience, expertise and resources that can help them on their business journey.
They will engage participants in bespoke industry-appropriate network development programs, with crucial links to business networks and networks of entrepreneurs with experience, expertise and resources that can help them on their business journey.
Proposals clearly set out the project model, including key service components and how the outcomes will be achieved. Programs include:
- networking skills development activities
- one-on-one access to network development mentors
- access and support to effectively participate in a range of business networking events
- exposure to business networks within or external to existing identified markets, industries, or locations
- access to experienced entrepreneurs to develop business skills and/or grow their business.
Most recent recipients
What your application needs to include
The 2022-23 WIBN was opened as a closed, non-competitive round by invitation only. It was open to select NSW industry associations, peak bodies and Chambers of Commerce.
Start the application
Applications for this grant are now closed and were by invitation only.
After the application is submitted
Successful applications will be decided by: the Minister for Women.
The 2022-23 WIBN Grants Round 1 was closed, non-competitive by invitation only to ensure priority cohorts will receive tailored support delivered through industry-appropriate mechanisms.
The application, eligibility, assessment, funding/letter of agreement, and acquittal for the grants is managed using the SmartyGrants management system.
Department of Premier and Cabinet (WNSW) established an assessment panel which will consisted of qualified and experienced representatives including WNSW staff and representatives from other Government agencies to oversee the assessment process.
The Minister for Women is the final decision maker on the approval of the WIBN Grants.
Successful and unsuccessful applicants were notified in writing of the outcome of the assessment process.
Support and contact
If you have any questions please contact Women NSW:
Email: WNSWGrants@premiersdepartment.nsw.gov.au