Accelerator for Enterprising Women Kickstarter Challenge 2025 ($60,000 AUD Cash Prize)

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About Accelerator for Enterprising Women Kickstarter Challenge

Are you the next aspiring female founder who will win? You are invited to submit your business idea across a range of categories. Their expert panel of judges will then review the submissions, selecting 5 finalists who will have the incredible opportunity to pitch their ventures and compete for a share of $60,000 in equity-free funding and a suite of invaluable business support resources. It’s more than a competition – it’s a launchpad for your entrepreneurial dreams.

There are five (5) business idea categories (Categories). Entrants must identify which of the Categories applies to their business idea. 

1. Health, Wellbeing and The Care Economy: What improvements can be made to address health and wellbeing challenges facing Australians?

2. Environment and Sustainability: What is a sustainable solution to help protect and safeguard the environment or climate?

3. Community Impact: What innovative idea helps to empower or provide value to the community as a whole or for a specific community?

4. Technology: What current and emerging technologies are being used to support Australia’s economic prosperity, national security and social cohesion?

5. Education: What solutions promote successful teaching or learning or improve educational outcomes for Australians, or specific communities in Australia?

One (1) Finalist will be chosen for each Category.

 

• Sponsor Organisation: Accelerator for Enterprising Women

Benefits of Accelerator for Enterprising Women Kickstarter Challenge

The total value of the equity-free cash prize money is $60,000 AUD which will be shared amongst the Competition Finalists as follows: 

• The Competition winner (Winner) will receive $30,000 AUD; 
• Each finalist (Finalist) will receive $7,500 AUD.

Recipients must attend the Kickstarter Challenge National Grand Final event held in Canberra (Grand Final).

Recipients will receive:

• One (1) return flight to the Grand Final in Canberra (if they reside outside the ACT);
• Accommodation for the duration of the Grand Final;
• Media and PR training and social media support in the lead-up to the Grand Final;
• Grand Final presentation support from professional graphic designers;
• Mentorship opportunities; and
• A chance to meet key decision-makers to help develop their business idea;

Accelerator for Enterprising Women Kickstarter Challenge Requirements

• provide correct and accurate contact details
• be at least 18 years of age;
• identify as female; 
• reside in Australia; 
• represent a female-founded startup, with majority ownership and leadership held by women;
• have a registered business and maintain their primary place of business within Australia;
• hold a current Australian Business Number (ABN), either as a sole trader or associated with the business idea/name entered;
• have commenced trading on or after 1 January 2023, if trading has begun;
• generate business revenue below $75,000 AUD in the last 12 months of trading from the date of application, inclusive of grants received; and 
• maintain a business banking account in the name of the business idea submitted, established prior to entering the Promotion, or be willing to establish one if selected as a Finalist.

Proof of trading, commencement date and revenue may be requested at any stage and may include, but is not limited to, tax statements, web domain registration certificates, and ASIC records. 

Business structure, ownership structure and investment structure may also be considered in determining eligibility as an early-stage start-up.

Entries will be evaluated against the following criteria: 

• How well you communicated your vision  
• The relevance of your idea to the category  
• How strong is your unique selling point is 
• The explanation and understanding of the target market 
• How financially viable your idea is
• How you have shown an understanding of your competitors
• Evidence of a thoughtful and strategic marketing approach
• Whether your concept shows potential for growth and scalability
• The clarity and strength of the overall submission (including presentation, branding and pitch video)

Application Date and Process

Apply Now

Application Deadline

01 October, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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