Women’s Career Grants

What funding is available?

Successful applicants will be able to receive up to $4,999

Future Women will process applications, and the Queensland Government will pay eligible applicants directly

$5 million in funding was available from 3 November 2025 until funds were awarded. A further $5 million will be available between 1 July 2026 and 30 June 2027.

Am I eligible to apply?

You can apply if you:

• Are you a woman aged 18 years or older
• Are a resident of Queensland
• Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or temporary resident with the necessary visa and work permits
• Are currently unemployed, have been unemployed for six months or more, and are ready to re-enter the workforce
• Provide all required evidence requirements
• Have not received funding from this grant previously.

You cannot apply if you:

• Are on parental leave and have a job to return to.
• Were unemployed but have recently entered employment.

When will I be notified?

I am unemployed but have worked a few hours. What is the definition of unemployed?

The objective of the Women’s Career Grants is to assist unemployed women who have been out of work for six months or more get back into the workforce. People who have been in casual or insecure work will not be eligible.

To be eligible for this grant, you must be unemployed for a period of six months or more, meaning you have:

• not undertaken any paid work during this period of time, or
• worked less than one hour each week during this period of time.

If you do not meet this definition of unemployed, you are not eligible to apply for this grant.

I am on maternity leave. Am I eligible?

To be eligible for the Women’s Career Grants, you must be currently unemployed and have been unemployed for six months or more.

If you are on maternity or parental leave and have a job to return to, you are considered employed and therefore not eligible for the grant.

If your employment ends and you remain out of the workforce for six months or longer, you may become eligible to apply in a future round.

What happens if I secure a job after I apply for funding?

If you receive advice that you are a successful grant recipient and obtain a job before the funds are paid, you can still use the funds on the approved purchases and/or services.

You will be required to keep invoices and/or receipts for the purchases made within the categories and associated spending limits.

Can I apply for funds to start, grow or restart my business?

The Women’s Career Grants are designed to support women who are currently unemployed and have been unemployed for six months or more, to help them re-enter paid employment.

The grant does not provide funding to start or restart a business. It’s specifically intended to assist women in preparing for or returning to employment with an employer.

Can I pay for ongoing expenses?

Funding must not be used for any other activity other than those listed.

Funding does not cover ongoing or recurring expenses such as utility bills, household expenses, or ongoing payment plans.

What documents do I need?

You will need to submit a completed ID verification form that is signed and witnessed by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations. The ID verification form will be made available when the grant opens.

You will need to provide photo identification to prove your identity. This could be:

• Current Driver’s Licence
• Australian or New Zealand Passport
• Certificate of Citizenship, or
• Proof of Age Card.

You will also need to provide proof that you live in Queensland. This could be:

• Utility bill
• Bank statements
• Council rates notice, or
• Lease agreement.

Where do I find a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Declarations?

What are the tax implications?

The taxation implications of this grant funding may differ depending on your personal circumstances. We are unable to provide taxation advice. We recommend seeking your own professional advice to determine any taxation implications that may apply.

The Australian Taxation Office has information that may also assist you at https://www.ato.gov.au/.

What is the best browser or device to complete my application?

We recommend using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari browsers to complete your application. These browsers will work on desktop computers, laptops and tablets, as well as on mobile devices.

You may experience issues on other browsers and devices. If you do, we recommend stopping your application and starting again on one of the approved browsers.

Why didn’t I receive an email?

If you’re expecting an email but it hasn’t arrived, check your spam or junk folder. This is because your email provider (like Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, etc.) uses filters to protect you from unwanted spam. Sometimes, these filters mistakenly flag legitimate emails as spam and automatically move them to your junk or spam folder.

If you don’t find the email in your junk or spam folder, email us for assistance at hello@womenscareergrants.com.au

What happens after I submit my application?

Future Women will assess your application against the eligibility criteria and eligible expenses outlined in the Queensland Government’s Guidelines for Funding.

If your application is not successful, Future Women will notify you by email.

If your application is assessed as eligible, Future Women will notify you that your application has progressed to the payment stage. You will then receive an email from the Queensland Department of Trade, Employment and Training to arrange the grant payment.

Do I need to prove how I spend the money?

Can I backdate expenses?

Can I become a preferred supplier?

What if my application is declined?

If your application is deemed ineligible, you can request a review of this decision.

Requests must be made within 21 business days of being notified that your application was deemed ineligible.

Review requests must be lodged via email at hello@womenscareergrants.com.au.

What is the role of the Queensland Government in this program?

The Women’s Career Grants program is a Queensland Government initiative that offers practical financial assistance to unemployed women seeking secure employment. This government program aims to ease financial barriers to employment and help women rejoin the workforce.

For more information about the Queensland Government’s role, visit their information page.

Where can I get more information?

Read the Queensland Government’s guidelines for the Women’s Career Grants. You can also refer to a complete list of FAQs from the Queensland Government.

For questions about your eligibility and other application enquiries, email hello@womenscareergrants.com.au or call Women’s Infolink on 1800 177 577.

For information about grant payments and grant acquittals, email womenscareergrants@dtet.qld.gov.au.

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