The Morrison Government is helping female business owners step-up to tackle global markets as part of the nation’s COVID-19 recovery.

Canvas Coworking Inc will receive $86,450 through the Incubator Support Initiative to establish the ‘Flair Incubator’ for female-led, regionally-based Queensland businesses that aspire to trade globally.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the Flair Incubator is more important than ever to ensure businesswomen have the skills and connections they need to grow their customer base, create jobs and compete internationally.

“Our regional communities have had to weather the storm of drought, fires and this pandemic, but we know it’s the small businesses in these regional areas that will drive Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19,” Minister Andrews said.

“By supporting innovative small businesses to grow internationally, Australia can seize the opportunities created by disruptions in global markets.

“COVID has made the whole world reassess how business is done. I want to give our entrepreneurs the tools they need to be bold, compete for global customers and create new jobs here at home.

“By boosting female entrepreneurs and business owners, we will make sure we unlock our maximum potential to jump-start the economy and drive economic growth.”

The latest Incubator Support Initiative grants will also assist:

• The Storyboxes Pty Ltd (QLD) with a grant of $241,624 to enable Poplabs to globally scale creative start-ups focussed on storytelling and social impact through films, documentaries, podcasts, virtual reality, augmented reality and apps.
• Health Management Pty Ltd (QLD) with a grant of $325,000 to enable YEP Cairns to develop and deliver the ‘Launch FNQ Startup’ incubator program for technology start-ups.
• Collective Campus Pty Ltd (VIC) with a grant of $310,000 to help start-ups partner with established large corporate organisations to develop and deliver solutions to challenges faced by big businesses.

Since 2016, over $24.5 million in funding has been awarded under the Incubator Support Initiative, which is an element of the Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme.

For more information on the Incubator Support grant recipients go to www.business.gov.au/incubator-recipients

For more information on how to apply for an Incubator Support grant, go to www.business.gov.au/assistance/incubator-support

Media contact: Minister Andrews' office 02 6277 7070