Supports women who have a BIG IDEA and need seed funding to develop, test, or validate it.

In 2026, as Global Sisters celebrates 10 years of backing women’s economic empowerment, we are launching 10 Big Idea Scholarships - one awarded each month from February to November.

We know how hard it is to get a new business or social enterprise off the ground. Often, what makes the difference is having the time, resources, and support to bring an idea to life. Global Sisters wants to back you at this pivotal moment - the moment that can make or break a brilliant idea.

Each Big Idea Scholarship includes:

• An untied $10,000 grant to use in any way that helps bring your idea to life
• A financial strategy session with our Financial Pathways team to help you make the most of your seed funding
• Tailored, hands‑on support to help you move toward growth, investment, or finance readiness
• Connections to partners, networks, and opportunities across the Global Sisters ecosystem
• At the end of 2026, all Scholars will have the opportunity to showcase their BIG IDEAS to our funders and corporate partners - opening doors to further support, investment, and visibility.

To be eligible, applicants must have:

• A well-developed idea for a new purpose-led business or social enterprise
• A GOOD BUSINESS concept - making a significant contribution to people and/or planet
• A new or very early‑stage idea (no regular sales, customers, or clients yet)
• A clear need for seed funding to test, validate, or develop the idea
• Strong potential for viability and long‑term success
• Willingness to join the Global Sisters community and participate fully in the Scholarship program
• Time and commitment to invest in developing the idea
• Willingness to give back through media, PR, storytelling, and sharing your journey with our community and funders.

To be eligible to enter, you must be a member of Global Sisters and have participated in one of their programs.

Membership for Global Sisters is free. To be eligible:

• You identify as a woman
• You’re living in Australia or part of an International partner program
• You’re experiencing challenges finding a job that meets your needs AND
• You are exploring business as an alternative to meet your needs, OR you need more support to help your early-stage business be financially viable.
• If you feel aligned with the Global Sisters’ Sister Code.

Global Sisters can support you with access to quality business education, group and individual coaching support, access to tailored micro-finance and insurance products, access to an online e-commerce platform and can connect you to a community of like-minded business women.

All Global Sisters business education and coaching programs are completely FREE of charge, subsidised by generous philanthropic, government, and corporate supporters. Programs include:

• Self-guided
• Live groups
• Workshops & events
• 1:1 Coaching.

Click here to view full funding guidelines on the provider's website.

Smith Thornton subscribes to a grant search provider and can help you prepare your grant application. If you have any questions, our Business Services Advisor Jenna van Nierop will be happy to assist. You can email her at jennav@smiththornton.com.au or call her on 9842 5155.