About this programme
FoundHer is a grant program for South Australian women-led businesses, delivered by Women in Innovation in partnership with the South Australian Government's Office for Small and Family Business. It combines cash grants with founder support and access to strategic networks, and aligns with South Australia's Small Business Strategy 2023-2030.
For the 2026 round, FoundHer offers a total pool of $110,000 across two grant types: four Launch Grants of $20,000 each, aimed at women founders validating growth opportunities and strengthening market presence ahead of scaling, and one Elevate Grant of $30,000, aimed at a single high-growth, women-led business expanding into national or international markets. Recipients also gain access to expertise across finance/banking, legal and commercial advisory, intellectual property, business growth and strategy, and founder wellbeing, plus profile-building opportunities and the broader FoundHer community.
How it works
Two grant tiers run in the same round: FoundHer Launch Grants (4 x $20,000) for founders preparing to scale, and the FoundHer Elevate Grant (1 x $30,000) for an already high-growth business expanding into new markets.
Beyond the cash grant, recipients get strategic partner introductions, founder visibility opportunities (including profiling), and ongoing access to the FoundHer community and its advisory network.
Applications are submitted through a dedicated online grant platform, separate from the general business.sa.gov.au grants portal.
Who can apply
The program is open to women-led businesses based in South Australia.
All applicants must demonstrate a validated product or service, evidence of market traction, a clear growth strategy, and ambition to scale locally, nationally or globally.
FoundHer Elevate Grant applicants must additionally show existing product or service sales in at least one market, reflecting the higher growth-stage bar for that grant.
How to apply
- Applications for the 2026 round are submitted via the dedicated FoundHer application portal, linked from the official program page.
- Applications close 11:59pm ACST, Friday 14 August 2026.
- Grant recipients are announced at the Women in Innovation Awards on Friday 6 November 2026.
Frequently asked
What is the FoundHer Grant Program?
FoundHer is a South Australian Government-backed grant program for women-led businesses, delivered by Women in Innovation with the Office for Small and Family Business. It provides cash grants alongside founder support, strategic partner access and profile-building opportunities.
How much funding is available?
The 2026 round has a total pool of $110,000: four Launch Grants of $20,000 each, and one Elevate Grant of $30,000 for a single high-growth applicant.
What's the difference between a Launch Grant and the Elevate Grant?
Launch Grants ($20,000, four available) are for founders validating a growth opportunity and preparing to scale. The Elevate Grant ($30,000, one available) is for an already high-growth, women-led business expanding into national or international markets, and requires applicants to show existing product or service sales in at least one market.
Who is eligible to apply?
The program is open to women-led businesses based in South Australia that can show a validated product or service, evidence of market traction, and a clear growth strategy. Elevate Grant applicants must additionally demonstrate existing sales in at least one market.
Is the 2026 FoundHer round still open?
No. Applications for the 2026 round closed at 11:59pm ACST on Friday 14 August 2026. Grant recipients are due to be announced at the Women in Innovation Awards on Friday 6 November 2026.
Does FoundHer only provide cash, or is there other support?
Recipients get the grant funding plus non-cash support: introductions to strategic partners, founder visibility and profiling opportunities, and ongoing access to the FoundHer community and its advisory network across finance, legal, IP and business growth.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.